Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Barbara hummed a song out of relief. The Holy Lyre de Himmel that was once broken is now fixed. Not a day it went missing has she ever felt nonchalant. Thanks to that bard. She thought.

It has to be returned to the guarded basement where it was originally placed. Jean volunteered to return it instead of leaving the task on her younger sister. This makes sense since she held more authority anyway. It was one of the many things she was envious of about her sister however that feeling was nothing for now, the return of the lyre made her happy more than anything else at the moment.

A loud thump was heard from outside the cathedral. It interrupted the gleeful mood she was having.

"Venti!" Called by a muffled voice behind the closed entrance of the Cathedral. Whatever it is, she had a hunch something serious is going on. It sounded like the Honorary Knight she recently shared a word with. Her heart began to beat in a much faster pace from nervousness. Barbara looked to her side, Jean already left to the basement. Aware that her sister would scold her to stray far from any possible danger, she chose to see more of the situation. It was a mix of curiosity and fear at that point.

The random noises soon settled down. Her decision was late. She placed her hand on the knob, ready to open it anytime soon. Barbara let out a deep breath before opening the huge door. It was a surprising sight! The bard that fixed the lyre a while ago, unconscious on the cold foot of the stairs. Not far from the bard, was the traveler with the same condition as him. Though Barbara observed, Venti obtained worse injuries with scrapes on his skin. It seemed like he rolled on the ground by just simply looking the dirt on his fresh wounds and clothes.

Using her hydro vision, Barbara attempted to cleanse it. With a gentle sway on her hand, those dirt only disappeared however the scratches on his skin remained. It wasn't really deep for it to be not effective. Minutes later she tried once more. Again, Barbara closed her eyes this time and hummed the tune she uses often for deep healing. It was still no use.

"...How strange." Barbara whispered to herself. The bard started moving his eyelids, a sign he was gaining consciousness. By the looks of it, he awakened to the sound of her sweet voice not through her being able to recover his injuries.   

"....Huh? Where am I?" Venti fluttered his eyes open. Seeing the setting he was in, reminded him of last time; Signora stole his gnosis.

"Are you alright?" A soft voice asked. He looked to his side and saw the deaconess kneeling next to him. Without answering he stood as if nothing happened. Still regaining his strength, he nodded to let her know he's alright.

"It's completely normal." Venti walked away, limping. Barbara's healing had no effect on him. She frowned for being no help but still concerned he will leave with injuries on his body.

"W-Where are you going? Your condition might get worse.."

"I'll be heading to The Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero to rest."

The Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero? Was he referring to the big tree at Windrise? The distance from that tree and cathedral won't do good on his wounds.

"But that's-"

"Let him." Jean spoke from behind. More strangely, her sister didn't say anything about healing and insisted to even let him go. Venti already fled the scene before Barbara could turn her back. He left already, but something doesn't sit well. She only had one thing on mind.

𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩..

Chapter Text

A week has already gone by since the holy lyre had been "fixed". On her usual routine, Barbara went to the Cathedral. Unknowingly, today won't be anything like any other day. She walked in and saw the nuns gathering on the corner. Various comments were heard, coming from their circle. They were talking about the holy lyre. The idol listened as she did her best not to be noticed.

“I can’t believe the holy lyre is broken again..”

“How could such thing happen?”

“The last ones seen with the lyre is the acting grandmaster and Barbara but then i’m not sure.” The other nun commented. Barbara slowly stepped back and closed the door gently as she could.

"The Lyre De Himmel, broken?! Lord Barbatos how could this be!" Who knew her relief would be temporary? She thought the situation has been cleared but her inner peace only lasted for such a short time. Worse, she and her sister Jean was suspected to take the blame for something they did not do.

There's one person that came to her mind; The mysterious bard that fixed the lyre.

Barbara was determined to find him no matter what. This time, she won't depend the situation on the hands of her sister. She will figure everything out on her own. But the whereabouts of that bard is the real question. All Barbara knows is that he goes by the name Venti, from what she heard the traveler call him.

Near the archon statue? Can't go anywhere near the Cathedral too or the nuns will see her. The Knights of Favonius Headquarters is unlikely unless he wanted to address something about the situation. Still, trying won't hurt.

After a long time of searching, Venti is nowhere on headquarters, around windmills nor Good Hunter's. All the roaming around was draining even if it was just within the city walls. Barbara decided to sit on the fountain to rest when suddenly a green cape caught her attention. She followed the direction it went but alas, a dead end on Mondstadt's cold brick wall. The grass bushes on the corner behind her made a rustling sound. Despite a quick turn, only a gust of wind greeted but no bard on sight. Was it only her imagination or not?

The latter is the answer. Venti was hiding from Barbara. He knew this situation would come, though it was impressive how it took a week before the magic wears off. Facing her is something he's yet to be ready. The last time they met, Barbara went hysterics. It's only his reason why he repaired it. If she took it calmly, he would leave it on its broken state. The artifact had already drained out of its elemental power anyway.

Barbara disappointedly let out a sigh and returned to the fountain. The sound of water rushing down calmly was soothing. The sun felt warm on her skin; the breeze has the scent of flowers from Flora's small flower stall. The afternoon was already approaching. Strings of lyre were strummed that invited anyone's ear, including Barbara. A lot of people began to find her music style appealing which shows her hard work was worth it yet for the idol, the traditional ones will be a forever classic and has a special place in her heart. She noticed the notes were different and unique. Bards performing is common in Mondstadt but the tunes being played definitely was astounding. Curious enough, she followed the music to see who was performing the piece.

In her surprise, only few people are approaching to appreciate it. How can that be? It was so unique and beautiful. Barbara wanted to learn the chords so much, her eyes only focused on the lyre without realizing it was the bard she's been searching for.

"Hey its the idol!" One of the audience turned their backs to acknowledge her presence. This interrupted the bard's performance causing him to stop once he spotted Barbara among the listeners.

"Barbara when we'll get to see you perform again?" Albert asked, the fan that follows her most of the time. Barbara appreciates he was always supportive of her performances but its undeniable he makes her uncomfortable most of the time. It once reached to the point of following wherever the idol goes or leaving gifts on her door without her permission.

Barbara immediately felt apologetic and embarrassed.

"N-no I'm just here to appreciate the performance!" Her response was for Albert but her eyes was still on the bard. She felt bad for drawing his listeners' attention away. Venti looked away, breaking their eye contact. He took off his beret and made a bow to excuse himself from the small crowd he gathered.

"Hehe..I appreciate everyone who came to listen, until then!"

Their eyes was still on the idol, admiring despite the performer leaving. They did not even notice Venti left and carried to ask Barbara a lot of questions.

"I'm excited to see you perform next time!"

"Are you creating a new song?"

"Go Barbara, Go!" The other guy clapped. It was too much for Barbara. She has to leave now or else the bard won't be on her tracks again.

"I'm afraid I have to leave for a rehearsal.. Thank you so much!" Finally, a success escape from the crowd. Now where did the bard go? It was towards the tavern but why there? Barbara followed anyways. The fastest way to be out of sight is to get inside in one of the establishments. If Venti continued to run a straight path, he will still be seen from afar. To be sure, she asked Jose the six-fingered guy if he saw a bard running.

"Oh the bard that wears green clothing? He entered the tavern, he usually goes there."

Barbara couldn't believe it. They seem to be around the same age yet he drinks already. He kept doing bad things to his body and even not caring last time about the wounds he got.

"Does he have 9 lives of a cat?" She furrowed her brows in worry. In front of the tavern Barbara stood, hesitating to enter. It was the setting she was never seen in. She might as well receive looks from old men in the tavern for being in that area. Not wanting to risk anything, waiting outside may be the best option. All the chairs and tables outside was occupied by customers. The wooden barrel beside the door of the tavern acted as a bench to sit on. She leaned on the tavern's wall while singing some music she recently composed to avoid boredom.
Barbara fell asleep while waiting until night came. Stores, restaurants and every houses on Mondstadt lit up. Soon, the heavy wooden door was shut harshly by the now drunk bard who finally left the tavern which disturbed Barbara on her peaceful sleep.

Feeling woozy with all the drinks he had, the sight before him was looking double. He placed his elbow on the "barrel" as a support to keep his balance. Barbara woke up from the weight she felt on her lap and froze immediately on the sight.

"..So..soft better than the Tavern's loft.." Venti felt his eyelids being heavy and closed his eyes. The color of her dress' fabric didn't help him from imagining it was a soft pillow he once laid on at Dawn Winery once. The deaconess was already red, the tomatoes on near fruit stalls couldn't compare. Her blush intensifies more just as before Barbara could move, Venti placed his face above his crossed arms on her lap.

No hesitation when Barbara slapped his face, no intentions to use her vision but it came uncontrollably. Venti jolted from his position and is now fully awake. Thank the archons for her splashing water across his face, his senses came back to Teyvat.

"Wh-WHAT? WHERE? WHO?-" He straightened up with a stance ready to fight, looking at every direction until his eyes met the culprit. Forget readying himself for a fight, he relaxes after realizing it was not a fatui of some sort.

It was a good thing nobody else saw it. Or else people will think differently.

"Oh its you deaconess...hello there!" Venti acted friendly and oblivious of the fact he was hiding from her.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Barbara hopped off the wooden barrel and distanced herself.

"What am I doing? As you see, I did not inten-" Another splash of water came from her palm before Venti could finish his sentence. Her cheeks were still red remembering his face was in such inappropriate distance for using her lap as a pillow.

"That’s it?..I've had harder from that fatui." The bard was reminded of the incident last week with Signora. Both blondes too.

"Apologize or else-"

"Else what? You'll kick me too?" Venti managed to tease even with his eyes half-close, doing his best to remain standing still. Barbara noticed he took her lightly and the worst part is not even an apology came from the now drunk bard.

"I don't know how heavy the slap you received from that fatui but all I know is you deserved it!"
Barbara widened her eyes after realizing that she might have been too harsh than she intended to be. Well she just woke up and it was the first thing that happened. Admittingly her action would've been different if she was awake the whole time. No, actually it won't happen in the first place knowing herself she would have went home and not wait any longer before the moon appears. She may be determined but not desperate.

"I'm sorry- It's just..nevermind." Barbara felt apologetic but she remembers he didn't even say sorry so why the guilt?

"The thing is I was looking for you because I need to ask you something..." She pause before continuing.

"The Holy Lyre is back to its bad state! I don't know what happened but can you please fix it again? I'll take it as an apology.."

"I don't know how you managed to fix it, but you'll never touch the lyre again!" Venti imitated her voice in a mocking tone from the last time they saw each other. He remembered her magic words, clear as day. The deaconess receiving all the attention away from his performance was something he wouldn't mind but now even the opportunity to have a peaceful night is slipping away too. After such treatment now she asks for his favor? How audacious.

Venti's lips curved. He thought of a way to make it all fair.

Chapter Text

      Venti crossed his arms in front of the pleading Deaconess whose currently in deep regret. She's willing to do whatever it takes to see the lyre on its best state again even if it costs half of her lifetime. That's how devoted she is for the archon that granted freedom for Mondstadt. Were her previous actions the reason why he refuses to accept the favor?
False. It was simply because fixing the holy lyre permanently is almost far from possible for Venti. Unless it's the era of Archon war from thousands ago, it would be an easy fix as the god he once became with strength greater among other gods. He already thought of telling Barbara but where's the fun in that? The archon may come off as wise and talented with music, though his playful side gets out of control sometimes.

"How thrilling it would be for Mondstadt's darling deaconess to face her greatest weakness.."

"... condemned by denizens for not properly handling the archon's beloved artifact. It's not as bad to be the least crowd's favorite for once you know?" Venti smirked, drowsiness still visible on his eyes. He's aware of how people loves Barbara as an idol, assuming the opposite will feel like a punishment for her. The bard also noticed waited outside instead of entering the tavern for obvious reasons.

To be least favorable? Once? It made Barbara frown.

She always compare herself to Jean; from grades to skills and in almost everything. It may be true not being on the center stage is far from what she wanted, but it is where she learned to appreciate her own traits. Barbara worked hard to acquire the reputation of being an idol in Mondstadt which served as a distraction from feeling as if she's never enough. Knowing she was capable of making people smile and heal with music is enough for her own contentment. Even so, the bard clearly missed her point why she wanted the lyre fixed. How absurd.

"My? Are you implying I only cared what people may say about me and not on the lyre?"

"I mean...why else would you care so much for a thousands-of-old artifact?"

"I truly care for the Holy lyre! It is a precious item Lord Barbatos himself held dearly!"

"In simple words? A lyre with strings." Barbara could not believe what she heard from Venti. She noticed the vision on his waist. It's an anemo vision.

"How dare you disregard the Anemo Archon! He blessed you and even with a vision, he has done a lot for Mondstadt. You should repent!"

"Uh-humm.." Not a word Barbara said was apprehended by the drunk bard. His eyelids are closing at this point. The time spent for waiting outside the tavern until night was in vain. The bard acted so insolent. Was he always like this? Both of his words and actions appealed as rather displeasing.

"If you don't want to fix the lyre, then fine! I can't let someone like you be near the holy lyre anyway! Hmph." Barbara left the scene with both of her hands formed into a fist. She walked past the drunk bard, her shoulder bumped to his. Venti did not care enough to listen nor look back. He leaned against the cold wall on the tavern, still not able to walk properly.

"As if that matter's my concern..." He murmured under his breath. Slowly falling into a sleep, his back slid down the wall until reaching the floor. Venti usually sleeps under his favorite tree at Windrise however the alcohol got the best of him.

It was another sunny day for the city of freedom. Venti woke up to a lined up of knights surrounding him. Diluc was just about to enter the tavern he owns for opening when he stopped to observe, having no plans to interrupt.

"Master Jean has requested your presence at the Favonius Headquarters." Commanded by one of the knights.
"Tsk tsk. What have you done this time?" The red-haired winery owner whispered to himself silently wondering as he shook his head before entering the establishment. Venti looked clueless.

"Huh may I ask why?" He stood while rubbing his eyes. The knights did not answer and insisted the bard to follow without any further questions. Footsteps echoed on the headquarters as Venti arrived accompanied by knights. Jean clears her throat once the door was closes, leaving only the bard alone. No one should hear about their conversation.

"I suppose you're already aware of the lyre incident. I waited for the magic to wear off but it took enough time to have myself prepared for the situation. Anyway, is fixing it permanently impossible?" Jean asked hoping for a positive response. She knew the denizens will be at ease if he did. The question was too familiar.

"You're starting to remind me of that Deaconess." Venti chuckled from the question.

"Barbara approached you about it already?" Jean was impressed that her younger sister attempted to do something at least. The bard gave a slight nod.

"..I think I may even be the first person she looked for yesterday and- Oh wait..is she here?" Venti almost slipped to tell Jean what happened in detail last night. The bard remembered how outrageous the deaconess was the last time he saw her. Well its her fault for talking to him not sober anyway.

"No, she's back at the Cathedral. I already sorted it out with the nuns and tried talking to them. It was not an easy explanation but I still managed." The dandelion knight placed a hand on her chin. She told Venti that the situation is nothing to worry about anymore though it would still be better if it actually got fixed forever.

"That's all. You're now free to leave." Jean told Venti, who was delighted at the signal. Free from the situation, the Dvalin incident resolved, the boy felt light as the wind. Freedom. The word that best describes it. His mood arises with each step he made outside the headquarters. This unspeakable joy, Venti thought this calls for a performance.

He took out the lyre he always brings and started strumming for a song. Some passerby stopped in their tracks to listen. Satisfied with enough crowd he gathered, his eyes closed as he became one with the music. His tunes have always told the deepest stories. Only ones with keen enough observation will be able to fathom its purpose and meaning. He won't be considered Mondstadt's three-time winner of the most popular bard for nothing. This day was too good until..

"Is that Barbara singing?" A denizen cheered.

Said the words way too early. Venti heard someone mention the Deaconess' name. He won't let her presence alone interrupt the performance this time. Even if no one's watching, he will continue performing. Having a listener may be a part of music but it does not mean someone has to watch in order for it to be created. Let unsung songs be heard.

The bard admits how awkward to perform for a fewer audience. He's always used to crowds yet lately, less people came to listen. It's bothersome that they always entertain Barbara whenever she's around. Do they not see her around often? It's a small city after all. Since she's a fellow lover of music as well, Venti couldn't see her as his rival. A part of him tells otherwise which he denies. It was a little humiliating for the bard but apparently, he was lying to himself. Venti witnessed the denizens' loyalty to the city tradition over the years and still has the same view to them until now. That's what he continues to believe in.

A round of applause were given to Barbara, in contrast to his number of audience. With every praise he hears for the deaconess, the more out of tune his performance get due to the inner conflict he's having with himself about his opinion on Barbara.

"Her voice makes me happy!"

Should've stayed in the Cathedral..

..So she could heal and help other people instead of wasting time outside, right?

     Even if no one else can hear the voice in his head, Venti refuses to surrender to these detestable thoughts about the deaconess.

"Not only her performance is beautiful, the performer herself too!"

The praises tells a lot about her good traits!

Pretty face but would her music still be admirable if not?

"She's got the voice of an angel!"

Sweet voice, be that as it may but way too high pitched.

      Venti's mind is in complete chaos, losing focus from strumming the lyre with rhythm. The only few audience he gathered soon left. Worse statements about Barbara keep surfacing on his mind that he never thought before no matter how he tries to oppress it. Another round of applause was heard but the source did not come from Barbara's listeners. The bard suddenly stopped strumming and opened his eyes to see who it was First that came to his mind was the Traveler. Who else would be willing to clap for an awful performance?

"Continue performing! I really liked it!" Before the bard, there stood a girl holding a lyre just like he does.

"Apologies but I won't be able to continue for now.." Venti looked down on his fingers that hurt from holding the lyre harder than he was supposed to. It left marks.

"Oh is that so? I really liked the way you play..it was captivating!"

"Really? Hehe thanks!" Venti scratched the back of his head, unsure of accepting the compliment. The girl went closer and stood beside him.

"..Too bad, only a few appreciates us bards these days." She sighed and looked at the crowd not far from where they stood. Venti followed the direction where her eyes leads to. The girl was looking at Barbara.

"May I know why?" Venti faced the fellow bard after taking a peek behind them. Is there something he's yet to know?

"Haven't you noticed? Bards like us struggle to form an audience lately. It's because of that Barbara and her catchy tunes." Venti observed the deaconess idol from afar as the girl continued talking.

"Wherever she goes, she gets all the attention. Her music is different by means of style. It's like she created a new age for music in the city, far distance from the traditional ones we play."

"She smiles too much, it irks me.." She said in annoyance with a low voice. Venti still managed to pick up which made him look at the lady. He was suspicious but who is he to judge after the inner conflict he had with himself recently.

"Oh sincere apologies, did I blabber too much? Haha my name is Helen in case you're wondering." Venti wanted to know what else she possibly knows. It explains the drastic change from the spectators from before.

"I mean I can't blame the denizens for wanting something new to the ears. But then our existence will cease if this goes on." Said Helen with a little worry on her tone before leaving. Everything started making sense to Venti. He sees the possibility on how bards might have to face difficulty to strive in the near future.

Could it be the city he played for years stopped being true to its reputation as the City of Freedom and eventually the love for the old has come to an end? Accepting a new era is nothing dreadful to the archon. It actually shows progress for his people. However as a bard, it does no good if the traditional music begin to fade its appeal.

Traditional ballads will remain well-loved in Mondstadt as long as I live. Venti assured

Chapter Text

On her way to the Cathedral, Barbara observed Jean head to the Knight's Headquarters looking fatigued by stressful duties. It was worrisome how her sister almost never left that place even if daylight or nighttime comes.

I wonder how Jean is doing? She looks tired. Barbara started wondering if she could help lessen her burdens at least. Grace, one of the nuns in the cathedral approached the idol.

"Barbara, you have a patient. He's badly injured." Sister Grace lead the deaconess to the pew somewhere in the middle where the said patient is. The sight was nothing new. Barbara's biggest fan, Albert showing discomfort, squeezing his arm in pain. Aside from Bennett, he was second for having the most injuries.

"Oh thanks Barbatos..Barbara you're here finally! I'm in pain ever since!" Albert placed his palm together in praying position and raised it in his face.

"Be calm okay? It will be gone soon once I heal you." She sat beside the fan who was containing his excitement to finally be near the idol again. It's quite understandable that her close friend Bennett gets a lot of scratches or bruises since he goes on adventures meanwhile Barbara thought how Albert keep gaining his was a little odd.

"Let me see." Albert rolled up his sleeve and the deaconess was surprised to see deep cuts. Faded scars from his past injuries that were once healed before, overlapping with the new. They were on the same arm while his left one is clear from any scarring. A strange pattern is visible on his wounds. It can't be. There's no way he would hurt himself on purpose right? Barbara thought she may be overthinking it. The idea someone harming themselves would be awful.

"Oh my! What happened?"

"I was climbing a tall tree and when I fell, its branches..just ow." He shrieked, being 'reminded' the cause of the said wound.

"I'll heal it quick as possible." Barbara reassured to calm him down. The deaconess had begun to sing and the wounds soon healed in a blink of an eye. Albert was listening with his eyes closed, smiling. She managed to return the smile while singing. You could say, she's doing two things that she loves most; Singing and making people happy.

"It's healed Albert. Once you step outside the cathedral, be more careful now." Barbara told him in a form of advice. Albert was still closing his eyes and smiling. How deafening the silence was when her singing ended.

"Whaa your voice is really angelic! It made injuries not as bad whenever you're around. I am more than grateful Barbara!"

"Thanks Albert! I'm only doing my responsibility as a healer so no need to thank me, but again please be careful from now on okay?" The idol stood after carefully placing down his arm.

"I will! But wait.." Albert tugged her wrist to have Barbara sit beside him again. It was too sudden, her back hit the wood against the pew. She put up an awkward smile to hide the twinge of pain she felt on the area.

"You need something else?.."

"Nothing more, just you. Will you be free today?" Albert placed an arm behind the deaconess. Lord Barbatos help her.

"Oh that I'm sorry...I have a busy schedule. It's urgent that needs my focus." Hopefully the excuse will make him leave the cathedral this time.

"Let's talk again next time once I had the chance." Barbara moved an inch away. He was making her uncomfortable. The fan sulked to show how disappointment he was, expecting it might change the deaconess' mind. Not getting any protest from leaving, Albert soon bid goodbye.

"Well then, see you next time soon."

"May the Anemo Archon protect you, Albert." Barbara placed a hand on her chest. She stood from the bench and caressed the same wrist he gripped. Though he may made her uncomfortable sometimes the idol appreciates his supportiveness. He was one of the people that inspired her to keep doing best. Albert gives her random gifts or flowers especially after a performance.

The thought of Jean appeared on her mind again. Her sister deserves a rest.

"Oh Master Diluc can help!" Barbara's face lit up with hope. She first asked for the nuns' permission to leave. Once granted by the fellow sisters, the deaconess went to the tavern. The setting did not matter anymore, her priority is to see Master Diluc.

Meanwhile on the tavern, the bard was having his third glass for today. Venti shared his assumptions to Diluc about Mondstadt and its' reputation regarding music. He thought of the possibility that it was some kind of misapprehension on the denizens.

"Have Mondstadt..strayed a little far from traditional music while I was gone?"

"Wrong person to ask. I don't listen to music." Diluc replied with a stern expression like the usual. He received a sideway glance from Venti. The bard expected a splendid response only to receive the contrary.

"How could one reside in Mondstadt and not listen to the tunes of the bards in their city?"

"It's called preference."

Preference. Oh that makes sense.

Venti narrows his eyes.

A tradition should not depend on preference, it is something they grew up with. Ironically as the god of freedom, Venti does not forbid the denizens from listening and liking other kinds of music of course. The old can still be cherished even with the new. Abandoning a huge part of the tradition is what's unbecoming. See it not as a demand to stick to the tradition from the archon, rather a way to keep honor for his nameless bard friend and the freedom they fought for in the past, creating Mondstadt that it is in the present.

"May I ask what made you think of such matters?"

"When it comes to performance, I have observed that idol from the church reaps every denizens' attention. Her melodies are different from what is usually heard from bards."

"Barbara? I see. Well if it makes you feel any better, the denizens still likes the traditional style in my opinion."

"You think so?"

Diluc crossed his arms. He usually does not involve himself with conversation like this but Venti also pays by performing.

"The tune is not exactly the difference you should be focusing on bard. It's likely only because-"

The door slammed as heavy panting sounds were heard. His trail of thoughts disappeared once the deaconess from the Favonius cathedral entered the tavern. Speaking of the problem Venti has in mind, it appeared before his sight. In the deaconess' perspective, it was all mutual. Their eyes gazed with each other's intensely as if they're the only ones in the tavern. Venti broke the contact first to face the counter again.

"I sense tension going on in here..." Diluc observed for a split second. Venti left his drink unfinished which was more surprising than the intense atmosphere they have created.

"This dandelion wine deserves its own shrine! Oh what a dismay, though I must say I'd rather have an apple instead at the moment. " Venti walked out, ignoring Barbara.

Diluc never thought he would live long enough to witness the day that Venti leaves the tavern without even reaching half of the amount he usually drinks. For the record, two glasses and a half? Unbelievable. Aware of the fact that the bard is the Anemo archon , he lets him have wine in his tavern though limits are given or else the entire wine collection would be empty by now. Either way, the bard finds ways to drink more than the limit through performing. The outcome is always the same.

"That bard acts so strange, did something happen between you two?"

"Nothing much..I only asked him once if he could fix the lyre but refused...that's all." Barbara looked away. Her memory from that night tinted her cheeks into a bright shade of pink out of annoyance and embarrassment.

"Oh is that so?" It's now all clear to him why Jean asked to see him the other day.

"Forget it Master Diluc! I came here to talk about Jean." Barbara leaned close to the counter. She intended the idea to only reach the ears of certain people on her list who to invite. Specifically those who were close and important to her sister Jean.

Chapter Text

Back in the library, planning for Jean's secret party with the help of knights; Kaeya, Amber, and librarian Lisa made it easy for Barbara. Kaeya handed her a list for the preparation, while they take care of other matters for Jean. After all, the knights were just as worried and wanted to show an act of appreciation towards the Acting Grandmaster. Including Master Diluc for allowing the celebration in his tavern. All thanks to him, it saved them from having an alarming bill to look at.

Find a perfect venue.

"Consider done." Barbara drew a line across the words before tapping the quill against the side of her head.

Jean's surprise party has to be perfect.

The nuns also calls for a meeting at the cathedral; the reason is yet known. Barbara slid the preparation list in the book hanging around her waist. She hoped to get there on time but unfortunately the nuns already dismissed.

"Barbara..a little too late aren't we?" Sister Gotelinde was the first to greet her.

"Oh I see.." The deaconess gave a slight nod before looking down.

"Don't worry I'll tell you everything you need to know."

Sister Gotelinde explained it briefly. In Springvale, the hilichurls sabotaged some carts and destroyed most crops. The villagers depended heavily on hunting as a source of food aside from harvests but the same creatures shooed nearby boars. The nuns thought of helping the area to recover any loss and come to aid before they run out of food supplies.

"Another problem, us nuns already thought of receiving donations but I'm afraid it might not gain enough attention and it's really urgent."

"So please Barbara if you have an idea, tell me as soon as possible, okay?"

"I will."

Organize a party and help in the cathedral. Barbara ensures she fulfills both duties well. Afternoon came, it was a relief there were no new patients to heal. Her friend Noelle invited her for a tea break. Perfect. She needed some time to think.

"Is there something wrong? The tea might get cold." Noelle noticed the worried look on her friend. The knight observed how she never drank from her teacup ever since they have sat. Barbara told her about the donations the nuns needed for Springvale.

"Noelle, do you know a way to have mora? I'm willing to do anything!"

"Oh, that I am not sure of. Maybe you can work for Master Diluc?" Noelle suggested. Barbara didn't want to work for Master Diluc, knowing he just offered the tavern as the party venue. It's already enough help from him.

"Or be Timaeus helper? But I see you're better at cooking."

Timaeus does crafting well on his own. Mixing potions isn't her forte unlike her close friend named Sucrose. The two went silent again, thinking of more ways.

"You've had concerts before, how about you sell tickets for a performance? Denizens would love to see it." Noelle suggested. How could the idol herself not think of it?

"You're sent by the archons Noelle!" Barbara was glad she reminded her. A simple concert will make enough donations in a day as she brings joy through music. The idol couldn't think of a better option.

"No worries. I think of giving the event a name; "'The Shining Starlet Concert!'"

"I'll start working on it!" The deaconess started snapping her fingers with rhythm, humming a tune as inspiration hit her. As a reward to her friend, Barbara wanted to invite Noelle to the secret party.

"I'm glad to! But I have a training with other Knights." Noelle never misses a day of training. She didn't want to force it on her anyway. A hardworking knight with great strength, she had shown admiration to her friend a lot.

Later that night, Barbara composed new songs to perform on her concert. She wrote continuously for the rest of the day. At night, Barbara wrote and practiced the songs to make it perfect. Details posters about the concert were attached everywhere on the city walls with Noelle and Bennett's help. The announcement captivated most denizens' attention.

Venti walked back to Mondtadt from the tree on Windrise, chomping a fresh red apple when he saw Barbara, Noelle and Bennett carrying rolled up papers. Not giving it much of a thought, the bard went to his favorite place in teyvat which is none other than the tavern. Next to its' doorway, was a huge colorful banner of the 'The Shining Starlet' concert attached on the announcement board. The details, time, and date were fancily written.

"𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝒽𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒞𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓇𝓉"
𝒟𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 ♪

𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓳𝓸𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓽 | 𝟙𝟜:𝟘𝟘

"A concert?.." Venti's eyes narrowed, quite impressed and intrigued. The decorations itself was astonishing enough. A denizen stood next to him and looked up to it.Venti observed the man with lilac eyes and how he had a slight childish demeanor.

"Yay another Barbara concert! I don't care how much the ticket will be, I want to see her on stage!"

He knew it. Similar to wines in the city, her concert ticket comes with a price. The man soon finally left. Meanwhile, Barbara entertained every person she came across by singing a short part of her song with a dance, hoping to please and persuade every denizen as she can.

"La da di ra da! Kira~ Thanks for your support! Hope to see you in my upcoming concert! Barbara Page, dedicating everything to you!" Venti quietly watched from afar as Barbara greeted some passerby.

"Sure! A ticket for two please." The lady told Barbara.

"Thank you so much! You won't regret attending! May the anemo archon protect you." She placed a hand on her chest. Barbara walked ahead some more to find more denizens to sing her tunes to. Outside the tavern, she saw the bard quickly turn his back. Venti pretended not to see the deaconess by reading the writings on the bulletin. As an archon himself it made him hope to other gods she would only walk past without saying anything.

Her presence grew closer behind him. Oh no.

"La da di ra da!~ Kira! I hope you-"

"Other than the fact that I can read...no need for such introduction, for I believe your concert will be a much perfection." Venti told the deaconess with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

"Thank you!" Barbara didn't like his teasing but she tried her best to be nice towards the bard this time.

"Well I could attend this concert of yours if only it was free of charge. Apologies hehe." Venti turned his back again, about to finally enter the tavern this time. The same voice prevented him.

"Here. I hope you take this as an apology last time." She extended her hand to the bard, holding a free ticket. Venti tried to hide how delighted he was by declining the offer, thinking she'll try to convince him more than once.

"Thanks although I might just drink-"

"If you say so.." Venti snatched the ticket away from Barbara's hand before she could keep it.

"Anyways, I'll give it a second thought. Besides, a bard like me likes listening to music and I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to do so." Venti winked at her as he waved the piece of paper to her face. She swore he could have smiled back as any normal person would do.

Moving on from that bard, Barbara continued to roam around the city. Hesitant at first, she approached the lady bard with an unfriendly look next to the fountain.

"..Um excuse me? I was about to begin my song, this had better be important." Helen crossed her arms, completely impatient.

"Apologies! I'll make it fast.." Barbara cleared her throat and began to hum. The lady didn't let her finish.

"You think I don't know about your concert? Your posters are cluttered all over Mondstadt. I hope you get the hint I'm not a bit interested." Helen walked away from the deaconess. She thought Venti was the only insolent bard she had to deal with today. Barbara did not let it bother her anyway. For the deaconess, it's unbelievable how other people can be mean towards others sometimes. How can one live without any conscience?

"Barbara we need you at the cathedral. Quick." Amber came rushing to her direction.

"It's about Acting Grandmaster Jean...she collapsed in the headquarter."

Chapter Text

Barbara looked after Jean as the honorary knight sought for her assistance. Her temperature is slightly different from normal. The deaconess gently closed the door not to disturb her from sleeping. In the cathedral, Paimon and the honorary knight asked how Jean was holding up.

"It's a burnout from work stress. She'll be fine soon after a good rest."

"Jean does have a lot to get through everyday." Paimon shrugged.

"Poor Jean. She has always been overlooking her own needs." She shook her head, agreeing to the flying creature. Worried Jean might push herself to finish the duties she had left while down, Barbara asked the honorary knight to do Jean a favor by heading to the knight's headquarters. Although how she acted was not far from truth, it was also part of the plan to have the traveler meet Kaeya at the mentioned place. She eventually convinced them and they soon left.

Regarding her sister's condition, Barbara hoped for Jean to regain her consciousness soon.

           Venti had searched anywhere and everywhere. A black feline stole his lyre's spare astral iron strings that he saved for today's performance. Someone has to fetch the strings for him. If it wasn't for his cat allergies, getting them back will be far from complicated. Good thing, the traveler and their pesky flying sidekick was able to help as always. Now onto the performance! Venti entered the establishment where he mostly spends his every bit mora and time. In his surprise, the tavern was less livelier than usual. No clinking of glasses nor laughter, but empty silence. The ambiance didn't sit well.

"No drinks for you today. The tavern is closed." Diluc turned him down. Venti raised a brow, unbothered and suspected it was some kind of excuse so he would leave.

"Worried I won't pay eh? I'll pay well, with a..uh..." He trailed off, realizing there was no audience to entertain in the first place. Diluc shook his head as the bard struggled to finish his sentence.

"We'll prepare a party for the Acting Grandmaster as a token of appreciation."

"Oh that explains...Am I invited?" Venti remained sitting on one of the stools aligned next to the counter with a palm under his chin. He glanced and saw wine bottles out of the shelves for the first time, ready to be indulged. The bard was devious. A party on the tavern? If he's not mistaken, drinks will be free of charge. He shares a close relationship with the Acting Grandmaster and was confident it will be reasonable enough to let himself be a part of the celebration. Venti couldn't help but observe the multiple wine bottles he will get to enjoy tonight. Even if he tried not to be obvious, Diluc could still see through his motives.

"Understandable. Acting Grandmaster Jean have done a lot for the city, therefore I would like to participate-" 

"I know you bard, but ONLY the knights get to drink free tonight."

        The wooden floors creaked along with the sound of heavy footsteps. Failed to carefully place the basket on the table, the fruits almost bounced off of its rim. Barbara narrowed her eyes. Why would he be in the party? Most of the times she saw Venti was whenever near or in the tavern. She couldn't comprehend how he never gets tired of it but unknowingly, for him, the place was a haven and a distraction. Barbara arranged the fruits disturbed on the basket not saying a word. Amber followed to help around and saw the bard fellow in fully verdant clothing. Barbara felt a light tap on her shoulder.

"..Is he joining us?" She whispered, curious why the bard was in the tavern. Barbara simply assumed Venti stayed for the wine. The deaconess chose not to say anything even if she didn't like the idea. After awhile of cleaning and organizing, Amber headed to Sara’s restaurant to take the Sticky Honey Roast and Sweet Madame the traveler cooked to add those dishes on the dinner table. Last to prepare was the extra plates for dining which lays atop of the shelves. Barbara pressed her lips. Master Diluc is tall enough to reach the plates yet she was shy to ask him a small favor. If Kaeya was already in the tavern, she would have ask him instead. The idol could make anyone easily smile except Master Diluc. 

Come on Barbara, you’ve performed on stage before. Why be nervous now?  She breathed in.

        Diluc noticed the young deaconess and stared back with arms crossed. Eek. It is when Barbara realized his cold glare alone was more intimidating than a sea of crowd with loving eyes as she sung. In response, she immediately looked away and scolded herself in mind for making it obvious. Out of desperation even if it felt audacious, Barbara approached him nervously.

"Uhm..Master Diluc?” Her voice was too quiet.

"Barbara, can you keep an eye on these wine bottles? I'll be back for a moment." His eyes narrowed on the bard. She nodded as Master Diluc left hurriedly, losing her only chance to ask for a small request.

I have to do it myself then. 

             Barbara pulled a stool towards the wooden shelves with the jars and other utensils. Tiny beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She grunted as her feet were on tippy toes until the tip of her fingers finally met the ceramics. The old stool wasn't steady and old, a sign she should have paid more attention to. 

     With the tavern owner gone and no one else to share a conversation with, Venti observed Barbara in front of him from the counter as she struggled to reach for the plates. The sight was quite the entertainment.

"Need my help?"

"No." Venti will be the last person in Teyvat she will ask for 'help'.

"If you say so.." The moment he turned his back, the frail wooden stool slanted sideways caused by the slight change with her position and weight from carrying the plates. Her hands were both occupied, not able to hold onto something to keep her balance.
Her arms flung in the air, accidentally letting go of the plates and knew once she lands on the floor, bits of shattered ceramic pieces awaits to prick her skin. Barbara shrieked and shut her eyes tightly closed. The unfortunate fate she expected to happen never came.

Instead, it smelled like cecilia flowers.

Barbara felt light as if she was a song carried by the wind. The scent of cecilia flower gave her a beautiful scenery. Her fear began to dissapear. She imagined herself lying on a field of cecilia flowers on Starsnatch Cliff, windy and serene. Barbara slowly opened her eyes, only to be met with familiar turquoise ones staring back. She looked around and saw the plates were floating supported by small wind currents. In usual moments like this, a blush usually appears across her cheeks but this time his features were too mesmerizing to look at.

"Your hair.." The deaconess witnessed the tip of his braids glow, matching his eyes that resembles his anemo vision. Venti was surprised and dropped Barbara from his carry. He thought she feared his appearance but it was the opposite.

"Ow!" This time her back finally met the floor with a less impact. Venti placed the plates gently landed on the counter without saying anything. Barbara was thankful but he could have at least put her down properly. Before she could complain to the bard, Amber rushed in after hearing a loud thud and asked what happened. The deaconess told her it was nothing serious.

      They waited until afternoon when Acting Grandmaster soon came to the tavern accompanied by traveler. The knights celebrated and ate dinner together. Venti on the other hand, savored every moment he could have his hands on dandelion wine more than what he can afford. Diluc did nothing but observe. Venti was often a loud one when drunk.

  "My word, the Dawn Winery's wine is every bit as delectable as they say!”

“Much like my ballads, it deserves to be enjoyed for generations to come." As Venti said the words, his eyes were intensely on his rival. A humble god, yet different when under the influence of alcohol. Barbara noticed his hint but confused with that it meant. Venti looked somewhere else and continued drinking.
She has nothing to do with his ballads. Or was it his way of telling how his ballads are worthy enough to last for generations compared to hers?
    "That's glass 37." He shook his head. Only the knights get to drink free yet the bard took advantage still. If Barbara heard it correctly, the bard drank thirty-seven glasses already? 
    It was one of the few things that makes her think Venti was far from ordinary. In fact she didn't like how he drowns himself with wine most of the time. That amount of alcohol will do no good to anyone especially with how young he started. Barbara caught herself sounding concerned. Well the bard did save her awhile ago from having any scratch but it still doesn’t change the way she sees him. A drunkard insolent bard.

 "I hereby declare that every son and daughter of the city of the wind must be compelled to taste this finest of wines. Here's to good wine!"  Venti slumped on the counter, completely drunk. Lisa continued talking to the deaconess but Barbara did not pay attention.

"Hey sweetie, I've been noticing how your eyes were on that fellow.."

   "Hmm..I'm starting to think he's your type?"

      Barbara delayed swallowing her non-alcoholic drink and almost spat it. The question was something she did not expect from her favorite librarian. It disappointed her how Lisa thought she would be interested on some lowly bard like him. The only good thing about him is his voice, nothing else left worth of mentioning.

Chapter Text

    ♪♪♪

         The bard sat beneath the tree on Windrise where he spends most of his time in leisure. He stretched his spare lyre strings from curling up in a ball, ready to replace the ones in current use. Venti had more fun at the party in the tavern than the rest of the knights did including the Acting Grandmaster herself. Dandelion wine may have been the sole reason of his pure bliss during the celebration, except it also had its consequence.

          Feeling light-headed as he stood, his stomach also ached. He decided not to drink for a long time after this. Venti wanted the soreness in his body to disappear soon. These discomforts rarely occur after a night of drinking session, his tolerance is nothing comparable to any normal being. Could there be another reason? His stomach made a grumbling noise. By the sound of it, an apple or two would not be enough.

           Venti found himself looking for a meal within the city walls in Mondstadt. Once the aroma of the Sweet Madame dish reached his nostrils, his appetite soared higher than the birds in the sky. He couldn't bear his hunger any longer. The bard bought a good Teyvat fried egg at Good Hunter's.

"Teyvat fried egg coming up! That will be 200 mora."

     Two hundred mora? Venti counted the currency he had on his hand. It was only five in total, nothing less and sadly nothing more. He remained calm to avoid any suspicions as he tried to think of ways to get past the situation.

"Hehe thank you for serving such an appetizing dish! This restaurant serves the most sumptuous meals in Teyvat, I believe. Every-" Sara cleared her throat before Venti could finish his sentence. Fried egg is the most common simple dish in Good Hunter's and she knew the bard was only flattering her.

"The mora please." The bard thought complimenting the restaurant would be a good strategy to get the meal for free.

"Oh apologies! I was simply amazed on how you cooked the egg into perfection." Venti refused to admit he could not afford the dish he ordered and fumbled around his pockets for mora to impede his time to pay. Sara would make him leave any time soon.

Is there not a way to eat on this restaurant without paying?

"I seem to have forgotten to bring mora..." Venti smiled sheepishly, sounding less confident than he usually was. If he makes himself seem helpless and desperate, Sara might express her sympathy by giving the meal without charging any. His brows knitted together, making sure the waitress noticed the concerned expression on his face. Sara frowned, noticing the hint he had no mora with him.

        Before the bard could open his mouth to speak, a feminine hand reached on the counter and placed the exact amount he needed to pay.

"I’ll pay for it."

       Venti's eyes trailed from her hand, up to her face. He recognized the generous lady from one of his performance before.

"Helen? Fancy meeting you here! Although you see, there's no nee-"

"Don't sweat it, helping a friend is just as important."

"Friend? Uhh..Me?" Venti looked sideways before pointing at himself, uncertained. They spoke to each other once before and today counts as their second, so it was nothing he expected from her. Helen covered her mouth with the back of her hand as a small chuckle had escaped her lips.

"Of course silly, who else am I talking to?" Venti giggled and went along with it despite finding it slightly unnatural.

"Hehe thanks!" He brought the cooked egg to the table and sat. Before shoving a piece of egg on his mouth, Venti pointed at the empty seat across the table. These days, such generous act towards the bard was rare. It's always in exchange of performance to get what he wanted. His statues receive more offering while he gets nothing as a bard of course.

"Want some?" Venti was willing to share his meal even if the fried egg was not enough to make him feel full.

"No, but I appreciate you asked. I'm on my way to play my tunes...although I'm afraid only a few will listen."

"Why do you think so?"

"When there's this idol encouraging everyone she sees to attend her concert, who would listen to the sound my old wooden lyre makes?" It was her subtle way to sneak the topic in about Barbara. Helen wanted to talk about her. Her intention was far from clean.

"Mind if I borrow a bit of your time?" Again, Venti pointed at the same seat in front of him. Helen understood his gesture and sat. He did like to keep her company at the moment. Recently, the bard spends most of his time alone which was repetitive and boring. He broke the silence shortly to give an advice.

"To simply put it, bards should not depend too much on their instruments. It's about how you carry the tunes to your listeners." His eyes had shone in pure determination. In Helen's disappointment, he did not say anything about the idol.

"Then how will I make them interested? I think Barbara is the problem." There. She said it. Helen was desperate to keep the idol relevant in their conversation. She was looking for someone to help with the plan to sabotage the idol's concert and Venti was her best option. She hoped what she said last time had changed his mind about Barbara.

           Venti lifted his head from the tone of her voice as his chewing stopped. He paused for a moment, leaving enough time for Helen to say these thoughts in her mind;

Please agree..

..her tunes are against Mondstadt's traditional ways.

My plan will work better with your help.

Please..

Venti shook his head and smiled.

"Well there are other ways. Don't trust me? I'll prove it."

"..I see." Helen gave a weak smile. They were not in the same page. She came into realization how Venti never saw the situation in the same perspective as she did. She thought he will understand her, knowing he's also one of those bards affected by the idol's sudden rose in popularity.

"Hm?" Venti heard her speak but it wasn't clear.

"Nothing. Anyways I really have to leave now. Will it be okay?" Helen stood, she saw no reason to keep talking to the bard.

"Uh sure, but you would miss the opportunity to learn. With the three-time most popular bard winner on your side, you have nothing to worry about! Besides I only charge apples except you already paid for my meal so it'll be free."

This bard...

There was a sudden change in Helen's expression. 

      Helen was already familiar with his title circling around the city before but have always thought it was nothing but an overstatement or similar to her being a self-proclaimed bard. It never piqued her interest nor has she ever come to see the face of this "Three-time Most Popular Winner" bard. The truth is, she never talked to any bard in the city nor become friends with anyone. Most perceived her as impatient and rude to others.

    Helen wanted to see how "great" of a bard Venti is. She finds him quite audacious for telling people he had a huge title as such. If Venti truly is the bard he claimed to be, why is he taking it so lightly? Or was he in denial? Or does he actually care but prefers to stay silent?

For some reason, Helen couldn’t read the bard as if
she was looking at a blank paper. But she did notice he was avoiding the topic.

"Well can you make a song for me?" The lady bard crossed her arms as she leaned on her seat comfortably.

"As you wish." Venti held his lyre that was dangling on his hips.

"You don't have to start this early. Plus, I'm not rushing you or anything...I can wait even if it takes days to finish."

"Days is a bit much I would say." Helen pressed her lips together as he began to sing.

          Her request interrupted the poor bard from finishing his meal but it was none of her concern. Helen was far more intrigued on how he will sing for her, without needing time to prepare. His voice felt serene to the ears. It is one thing Helen did not like to admit. His song reminded her of those well written poem she reads in a book. A story, taking the form of a short ballad. Impressive. These musicians were always in the way to get her blessing to be recognized. To be praised and loved by people, she wanted it. Helen has convinced herself that she's special. The problem with Stormterror disappeared at the same time once the sound of her lyre filled the air of the city. She is the most blessed by Barbatos; in her belief, at least. Without the denizen's recognition, she was a silent hero. And with that, Helen thinks the gods have yet to give her a vision because of the same reason. Her name needs to be recognized by the archons. Venti lifted his head from looking down on the plate once he finished eating. Helen forced a smile when their eyes met, erasing any trace of bitterness on her face. "Did you enjoy your meal?" "Yup. Up to the statue we go!" They both stood from their seats and left the restaurant. Apparently, she had a change in her plans. He also had the potential to become a problem soon once she gets rid of Barbara's popularity. But for now, she plans to use Venti against the idol. Helen made up her mind. There's no turning back now.

Venti was her newly found salvation upon knowing his potential to match the idol's, not knowing it was a mistake in disguise.

♪♪♪

Chapter Text

               At the foot of the huge statue that resembles the anemo archon, Barbara entertained a couple of denizens who crowded the area. Venti caught a glimpse of the shining idol between the gap of the audience's heads. She was waving, smiling while signing autographs for her fans. The sight itself made Helen feel small. One she won't admit to herself and never will. Anyway, she sees her fans as some witless stray dogs that follows those who feeds them anywhere and wag their tails wherever they went.

"I think we've seen enough to call it a day." Helen turned, ready to leave the vicinity soon as possible until...

"What's wrong? Afraid to steal the show?" Venti beamed in confidence. Afraid? She was rather aggravated by the idol's presence alone as if it was an unpleasant reminder that the opportunity to get her music more recognition was stolen by someone else's. Helen only performs on elevated places like her balcony. It is what distinguishes her from the rest of the bards seen inside the city. She had previously performed on the hands of Barbatos' statue, but the nuns had given the lady bard a fair warning if she was caught repeating the same act. The nuns were inside the cathedral, not a single one was roaming the area at the moment. The crowd in front of the statue will undoubtedly serve as a great distraction to keep them from getting caught. Despite remembering the nuns' warning, she was willing to take the risk once more.

          Helen leaned close to Venti and whispered in his ear. Everyone will hear them sing if they were on a higher perch. He agreed to her suggestion and led the way to the statue's foot. For Venti, climbing the statue is a usual routine but he was never scolded by the nuns since he does it mostly at night to appreciate the scenery. The idol abruptly stopped talking to one of her fans once she saw him passing by. Barbara wanted to express her gratitude to him for what happened at the party.

She was so flustered that time, her mouth couldn't even utter the words.

"Uhm Venti..." Her gaze was drawn to the lady next to him. Barbara recalled seeing the same bard next to the fountain that was rude towards her. Knowing Venti was close to someone like her, the deaconess just gave a faint smile.

"..I wanted to thank you." Barbara lowered her voice and glanced at the crowd, relieved that no one noticed their interaction, well except Albert trying to eavesdrop with his arms crossed which ruined it.

"I need clarity on what you meant to say deaconess." Barbara was at lost for words. She knew he was plainly teasing her. He heard her loud and clear but it was entertaining to see her struggle to speak properly. She's always concerned about what other people might think, doesn't she?

"Hmph!" She averted her gaze and so did Venti turned his back on her. Only a person who seeks recognition from others would wait to repeat her insincere way of expressing gratitude. Exactly the type of person Venti sees Barbara to be. A bird in a cage never free from being herself at all. Quite understandable, indeed. Even the bard himself who preaches freedom conceals his true identity from the denizens. 

Moving on, Venti hopped on the statue's carved edge next to its' foot and offered a hand to Helen while the other secured his lyre close to his chest.

"Ready for a serenade?"

  ♪♪♪

         The fans widened their eyes, agape in complete oblivion of the idol's existence in front. Barbara was curious of what grabbed their attention and followed their gaze. She looked up, the blinding sunlight hitting her eyes as she did. The idol placed a hand over her blonde side bangs to have her sight adjust to the brightness. It was Venti and the lady bard who were climbing the statue. What are they up to? Barbara knitted her brows. Such activity can be dangerous. Not only Venti have done it alone, he even brought that mean bard along with him. To think about it, their attitude compliment each other perfectly since they have a lot in common.

 Venti switched his lyre with Helen in which she questioned what he did.

"May you answer my question first. One must have trust before we proceed, shall we begin the lesson or we'll return at the base? " 

"Trust me. Please. Please. Please?" Helen narrowed her eyes, still hesitating to follow the bard with his pleading eyes.

"Okay, fine I trust you." Helen agreed because of her own reasons; to simply silence Venti while the second one is to measure how much potential the three-winner most popular bard possesses to act in her favor of reintroducing the appeal of the bard's signature tones. Venti gave a wink and sat on the edge of the Anemo Archon statue's hand. There were no enough space so Helen remained standing behind him. Her lyre was indeed old and as the strings were too thin but he managed to spread the tunes to the whole city with anemo. Helen thought it was a miracle of some kind until she saw his trick that he used his vision.

That damned vision she never got from the gods.

        The denizens held their heads high and kept their gaze on the bard. Venti inhaled deeply and began to strum the lyre belonging to the lady bard standing behind him. It was indeed unusual to the touch and quality, but such trivial problems are never beyond the bard's experience.

We thank the West Wind, whose enduring caress.

Brings the blossoms of Spring, by whose scent we are blessed.

Mondstadt's revival bid them thrive evermore.

                   His chants were melodious and purely traditional, of which the denizens were more acquainted and had grown accustomed to. It was beautifully played, however it was nothing new nor addictive as it had been before the idol's spread of unique catchy tunes. Nonetheless, his songs told the most tales, which piqued people's interest. The music held them in a light trance, a longing for its continuation. His serenades had a mystical touch to them. Other than Venti, no other bard could match this exceptional talent. Of course, they only existed in the present and have never lived long enough to tell such tales from millennia ago.

It's what makes it so impressive to the locals. The bard may seem young yet he knew a lot about Mondstadt. Most assumed he spent the majority of his time at the library, but only those who have read all the existing historical books relating to the city will be able to tell that some tales in his music weren't recorded anywhere. Venti looked down at the crowd several feet below them and noticed the deaconess was listening as well. The sight of the denizens listening to his song with delight made him feel alive once more. Playing for his own people truly makes him feel as light as the breeze brushing against his skin noticed the deaconess was listening as well. Barbara caught his gaze and immediately spun to face her admirers.

"I appreciate everyone took their time and effort to show support for my upcoming concert. Feel free to approach me if you have any questions about the donation!" She pressed her palms together and smiled. Barbara cleared her throat, still not a single head turned to her. Their eyes were fixed on the bards playing at the hand of the statue. Consider her fan Albert to be an exemption. His attention never left the deaconess from the beginning of the small event no matter what.

"Hey! Don't disrespect Barbara-sama! Listen when she speaks." Albert raised his voice at the fan next to him.

"What's your problem? There's no need to yell in my face!" The denizen pushed the blonde to keep his distance.

"My problem? Don't waste Barbara's time and effort if none of you will pay attention!" Albert pushed him back to put him in his place. Barbara worriedly watched as they continued, thinking of an idea to stop the two. Venti continued to play, unaware of the forming ruckus at the foot of the statue. Now it was Helen's turn to sing. Before their fight turns worse, Barbara tapped Albert on his shoulder. She was not impressed at all considering his approach was scandalous. The idol apologized to her fans and persuaded Albert to have a word with him somewhere away from the crowd. At the corner of the plaza, Barbara breathed in to make herself calm.

"I understand your concern Albert but next time you have to be more polite."

"B-but Barbara-"

"No no don't feel bad! It's okay I'm not asking for anything really just to bring smiles on their faces." Selfless. His idol is way too selfless. It drove Albert the urge to do more for Barbara. He saw it as a competition of who give and take. The fan always wanted to be the giver. He will do whatever it takes to make her smile.

"Ah-ha! I have an idea! Once I return, this time they will look at you, ONLY at you." Albert ignored Barbara's protest. He was sure she would like what he's about to do. She pleaded her fan to leave the situation as it is but it was useless. Her words fell on deaf ears.

  ♪♪♪

As the moon shines vividly and stars align

"Helen!" A voice called from below. Helen continued to sing, she was yet to hear someone calling her name.

Her rhyming was poor but Venti believes she has more room for improvement.

I seek to reach the forlorn dreams of those unworthy

Venti nodded, he closed his eyes waiting for her next line but it never came.

"Helen and you bard wearing every green fabric!"

"Wait did you hear that?" Helen was confused. Venti slowly opened his eyes from enjoying the tune. Looking down for the second time, he saw one of the nuns from the cathedral.

"Get off of the statue this instant!" Sister Victoria cupped her hands to amplify the volume her voice.

"And? what if we don't want to?" Venti giggled to his learner. Unlike him, Helen had a more solemn expression on her face. She felt quite guilty for risking both of them of getting caught despite remembering the nun's warning about climbing the statue. She mistook the busyness of the church and the idol being the center of attention as a chance to be away from the nun's sight. But it's no surprise, they were loudly playing the lyre.

"Venti...I think we should listen to Sister Victoria.." Her tone has a hint of concern. Soon, they landed on the ground with thankfully no any scratch or slips. Helen's hands were cold and quite shaky, all tensed from climbing down the statue. Admittedly, the statue was high even for her. Sister Victoria raised a brow.

"Care to explain what you bards were doing at the head of the statue?"

"We were just performing. If I'm not mistaken, we're preaching freedom?" Venti protested at the surprised nun. It is disrespectful to talk back especially she is a nun of the church. Behind Sister Victoria, was a blonde man with his lilac eyes glaring at him. He recognized his face. It wasn't the first time he saw him around. He was the same person that admired Barbara's concert poster who sounded a bit out of their mind. Sister Victoria sighed as she began to explain.

"Well I heard this...denizen complain that your singing were causing some disturbance, especially to Barbara as she signs autographs and how your singing have caused ruckus?" She side glanced at Albert once the 'certain denizen' was mentioned. Even the nun grew hostile towards the fan who strangely stood near the cathedral every single day.

"What?" Venti slightly flinched. As far as he remembers, the denizens he watched below them simply enjoyed their singing serenely.

"Am I right Sister Barbara?" She asked for her testimony to see if Albert was telling the truth.

"Uh.." Barbara trailed off before answering. She found herself caught in a confusing dilemma. Albert only wanted to keep her fans attention to her and did his best effort to provide her support. As for Venti and Helen, she knows they have done nothing wrong. Although she finds it quite impolite to play the lyre somewhere too near her small signing event. She didn't want Albert to feel that his effort had been in vain, knowing how supportive he was. Barbara always feel that she owes him a lot and is obligated to return the favor. 

Eventually, she has to decide whose side to choose.

"Yes..." Venti widened his eyes in disbelief in which the idol failed to witness as she looked down, slightly nodding. Helen couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Thanks for telling Sister Barbara. I believe you have to face the consequence this time and call the Knight of Favonius on you. Didn't we talk about this before already? It seems you didn't put my warning into consideration." Sister Victoria placed a hand on her hips.

"Sister Victoria, apologies. I take full responsibility and expect us not to repeat it again." Helen pleaded. She hoped Sister Victoria will let it slip again.

"I see. Climbing the statue is nothing new but then again we're trying to limit any accidents from happening."

Knight of Favonius? Was it that bad? Barbara pressed her lips together before speaking.

"Sister Victoria, I believe it's only a minor offense we don't have to involve the knights." 

 "Hmm. Next time, I won't take the matter lightly and will take on full measures. For the time being, a simple apology to Sister Barbara and a minor penalty would suffice. " 

        Helen walked towards the deaconess in a slow pace. Her steps were small, with the hesitation to move from her spot at first.

"I sincerely apologize for interrupting Barbara."

"It's okay, I understand! No need to feel bad about it or anything." Barbara waved her hands shyly.

       The nun gestured Venti to say his apologies next. He stubbornly did not move a single muscle. Barbara understands Venti was upset knowing what she did was wrong but then she was left with no choice. Sister Victoria shook her head. She won't let them leave the vicinity unless both of them apologizes to the deaconess.

"Sorry." Venti said inaudibly as he only apologized for a show. Truth to be told, he did not want her to hear him. It is Barbara who owes him an apology.

"For the consequence, I'll pass it to Sister Barbara to decide on."

"Oh." Barbara remained silent and gulped.

What luck. Helen did her best to keep a fake smile on her face. She gave the poor deaconess a sarcastic grin. Venti crossed his arms with eyes ready to throw wind blades any time second. Well at least, on how Barbara sees it. She was still silent, not meeting anyone's gaze. They were all waiting for her answer but her mind was clouded with nervousness. She opened her mouth to speak but Albert barged in.

"Anyone who dares to bother Barbara-sama should do some sweep around the cathedral or something!" Albert spoke for her.

Sweep? Sister Victoria thought it was a plausible idea since it's Barbara's duty to make sure the cathedral was clean at all times. Not only they were given a punishment, this will also help Barbara have less work for the rest of the day.

"Stay put, I'll get the cleaning materials." Once the nun was nowhere their sight, the bard broke the thinning silence between them. 

For only a short period of time Sister Victoria left, another ruckus started forming.

 "What a way to ruin else's...fun." Venti crossed his arms in disbelief. She tolerated lies Albert have told Sister Victoria. 

"I expected more from an idol AND a deaconess. Least to say I'm beyond disappointed." Albert observed Venti's eyes glaring at Barbara in pure disdain.

"How dare you speak to Barbara-sama like that!" The blonde male stood before Barbara to cover her from his insulting stare. Barbara kept herself calm as possible. If not only for her fans behind them, she won't hesitate to make them both silent. The donation was important which she heavily shoulders on her own. Venti was not helping the situation at all. If their argument continues on, she couldn't tell if she can handle the stress.

"I see. Why is that those who knew the least have the most to say?" That his idol is flawed and not as perfect as he thinks. It's what Venti was trying to say but held himself back. He's not given up on the idea of saying it yet.

"What do you mean little bard?" The blonde crossed his arms.

"Why not ask your 'Barbara-sama why she kept being silent? Perhaps she's afraid of something? Afraid to display an emotion far from idol-like?" He scoffed.

Barbara couldn't bear it anymore.

"Venti...enough!" 

"Hmm. Seeing that vision of yours, the hydro archon heavily relies on the virtue of justice, no? She would truly be disappointed to know it was bestowed upon someone who would defend a liar." Despite being drunk that night, Venti clearly remembers when Barbara told him to repent for "disregarding" the Anemo Archon and how it was a shame for someone who wields an anemo "vision". He may be acting like he was speaking for the hydro archon but it roots more deeply to him.

       Helen looked down as she bit her lower lip to keep herself from laughing but failed to compress small noises. Barbara glared at her with a disdainful expression. It started to feel like they were mocking her and she won't let herself get disrespected. 

Oh the anemo archon may forgive Venti, Barbara knows well she won't.

"You two." Sister Victoria decided that Venti will go with Helen to sweep the floors around the vicinity. The two bards were handed each one of their broomsticks. The mood around them turned sour. Soon the sky has turned into a deeper shade of tangerine and Victoria lead the way. She pointed the areas that needed to be cleaned. Dried leaves scattered everywhere, moving out of their way with each steps they took. Venti blew a strip of his hair as they walked, not listening to the talking nun guiding them ahead. Helen remained calm throughout and held a fake smile each time Sister Victoria turns around. Shortly, the nun returned to the sacred establishment. Helen observed their interaction a while ago. The archon is a humble one yet easily provoked. If the bard thinks differently from the way she sees her problem, she was sure to persuade him this time while Venti was currently under the state of exasperation. Quite excited and nervous to how the bard will react. When emotions come to play, it acts as a slight opening, so vulnerable. So easy to persuade towards impulsive decisions. He's on the edge, just a little more push. She lazily swayed the broomstick against the cement which only swooped the leaves in different directions.

"Hey won't you help me clean?" She grunted. Venti was sitting at the bench nearby. Only his one foot was relaxed while the other was on the seat, placing an elbow on the knee pressed close to his chest as he glared at the broomstick beside him. His mind was too occupied to say or hear anything.

"Okay, fine it's my fault we're in this situation! I'm sorry but can you blame me? I just couldn't let Barbara interrupt us everywhere we go." Her yelling snapped him back into reality.

"Idols like her makes us bards...sound less special." Venti paused for a moment to give her statement some thought. He's aware of how Barbara's music has been well received by the denizens. One thing that cannot be denied is the truth.

It made sense. Helen did have a point.

"You're right." He conceded with eyes gazing at a void. Helen widened her eyes. Her own ears don't deceive, do they? The response from the bard was a new form of encouragement to tell her plans to him. If he won't agree, then she will convince him.

"Oh I have an idea! What do you say for a revenge?" The enthusiasm from her voice caught his attention. Revenge. Venti tapped his shoe against the concrete floor. It's not a bad idea in the least. After what Barbara have done earlier Venti lifted his beret from his head and drew the concert ticket from underneath. Helen awaits his response, knuckles turning white from gripping the broomstick. He showed it to the lady bard as the corner of his lips bent upwards.

A little mischievous act of won't hurt, right?

Chapter Text

                The day went by in a blink of an eye and so does the time remaining to prepare for the concert has come to an end. Barbara rehearsed the songs every night while in the daytime she spread the word regarding her concert. Barbara never missed any church duties despite having a busy tight schedule that impressed the nuns, but the idol had recently been lacking in both rest and sleep.

Sparkly dress? Check. Decorations? Ready. Songs?  The idol has already memorized each song from intro to chorus until outro. Everything is finally in place.

         Barbara laid out the sunflower-style dress on her bed. The dress had been kept hidden in her closet ever since it was sent by her mother, preserving its' pristine condition, completely untouched as she waited for a suitable occasion to wear it. She may have other fancy clothes in her closet, including the ones she received as a present from her fans but the sunflower dress was her most adored possession. It has a small card attached to the sleeve, with gold embellished words her mother wrote;

To my daughter that shines the brightest.

           Barbara hugged the dress, reminiscing the last time they have talked. Oh, how she deeply misses her a lot. Today will be the day she decided to finally wear it on stage. The style of the dress gives her courage and confidence. Sunflowers are known to always face the sun. Bright and sunny, always looking up to the sun. Barbara believes everyone has their own 'sun'. Most would expect an answer; a friend or a significant other. Regarding her growing popularity, the idol believes she owes it all to the anemo archon. She has faith in the divine no matter what situation she was in. If it weren't for her god-gifted talent, she won't be facing the mirror to prepare for a concert ahead. However, an unexplainable feeling grew in her stomach. Barbara felt more anxious compared to her past performances. She tends to feel nervous in the slightest before any event but she couldn't tell what exactly was bothering her. The idol

     The day went by in a blink of an eye and so does the time remaining to prepare for the concert has come to an end. Barbara rehearsed the songs every night while in the daytime she spread the word about the donation. Barbara never missed any church duties despite having a busy tight schedule that impressed the nuns, but the idol had recently been lacking in both rest and sleep.

 Sparkly dress? Check. Decorations? Ready. Songs? The idol has already memorized each song from intro to chorus until outro. Everything is finally in place.

     Barbara laid out the sunflower-style dress on her bed. The dress had been kept hidden in her closet ever since it was sent by her mother, preserving its' pristine condition, completely untouched as she waited for a suitable occasion to wear it. She may have other fancy clothes in her closet, including the ones she received as a present from her fans but the sunflower dress was her most adored possession. It has a small card attached to the sleeve, with gold embellished words her mother wrote.

To my daughter that shines the brightest.

    Barbara hugged the dress, reminiscing the last time they have talked. Oh, how she deeply misses her a lot.  

    Today will be the day she decided to finally wear it on stage. The style of the dress gives her courage and confidence. Sunflowers are known to always face the sun. Bright and sunny, always looking up to the sun. Barbara believes everyone has their own 'sun'. Most would expect an answer; a friend or a significant other. Regarding her growing popularity, the idol believes she owes it all to the anemo archon. She has faith in the divine no matter what situation she was in.

If it weren't for her god-gifted talent, she won't be facing the mirror to prepare for a concert ahead. However, an unexplainable feeling grew in her stomach. Barbara felt more anxious compared to her past performances. She tends to feel nervous in the slightest before any event but she couldn't tell what exactly was bothering her.  

The idol kept her hands altogether and whispered her heart's contents to the wind; 

To the anemo archon; When I feel exhausted, bless me with the strength to keep going forward. May you guide me in the act of spreading joy through my music. When my worries grip me tight, please grant me peace of mind and free my troubled heart to carry on every song in my performance. 

      Barbara ended her prayer with a sigh. She shook her head to keep herself back to her senses before fitting the dress. The deaconess flinched upon hearing a knock from her door.

"May I come in?" Asked by a familiar voice she immediately recognized.

"Of course Noelle!" The maid knight slowly made her way in and saw Barbara in her sunflower dress. 

"Oh my. Is that what you'll wear for the concert? It's beautiful!"

"One of the two to be precise." Barbara nodded.

"May I see the other one?"

      Gladly. Barbara asked Noelle to wait a while as she changed to a different wardrobe. Her dress for the final song is a puffy ruffled white dress. It has the same color palette as her church attire except it radiates a more feminine vibe. She also removed her cap and tied blue velvet ribbons on her both side ponytails which complimented her ash blonde hair.

"You look perfect Barbara!" Noelle's eyes sparkled as she twirled around. The dress was indeed a gorgeous one.

"Aw thank you! But isn't the style quite too much?" Noelle shook her head as a response.

"It looks like it's made just for you!" Barbara was happy hearing her compliment but she looked at the mirror once more, her frown did not match the attire. Noelle sensed uneasiness from the idol.

"You can do it! I believe you can Barbara." She forced a chuckle to let her friend know she was alright.  Was it too obvious?   Barbara thought. 

Aside from the anemo archon that guides her, the idol was also grateful to have her friends' assistance. 

    Bennett is in charge of organizing the stage, placing props and decorations to make the stage have a livelier presentation. Meanwhile, Noelle eventually accepted her friends' request to be the host of the concert after several rejections on the offer. Her knight friend can be shy sometimes. 

Once everything is done, all that is there to wait is for noon to come.

                                                                                                         ♪♪♪                                                                                                

"Uh-huh."

"Hmm."

"I see." Venti hummed under his breath as he skimmed through the paper where Helen wrote the plan to sabotage the event. The lady bard stood still, stiffening at his reactions. Once Venti finished reading, he lowered the paper to fully show his face. 

"As much as I find the plan interesting, may I simply remind you that the real purpose of pranks is to have fun."

     Starting a fire at the end of the concert would only bring chaos and nothing close to the word "fun". Venti narrowed his eyes at the paper, thinking of a possible fix.

"Would you mind some changes?"

    After spending a long time creating the idea, Helen placed a palm on her forehead. But eventually, she couldn't bring herself to differ, or else she would lose a helper which is a worse situation she would rather avoid. Venti giggled as he awaits her response. He understood how bad it must be to put so much effort into what you do only for it to end up in vain. Indeed, the bard was sorry for asking such.

 "Let me share a few tricks that I know and shall I have your approval." He said, fingers crossed. The bard was taking the lead once more. Despite many attempts to outwit the bard, Venti was still in control of the situation. He was still far from being her puppet.  

It made Helen wonder how Venti became wise and skillful at such a young age. 

     Venti headed to the crafting table near the fountain where the alchemy scholar is always present. Instead of the alchemy scholar, before them there stood a female alchemist with green hair. She has cat-like ears sticking out on both sides of her hair.

"Hey, Timaeus-" 

"Oh I-I'm Sucrose, I work with Timaeus but he isn't here today but you still can craft." Sucrose scolded herself for stuttering and unnecessary specific introduction of her name and occupation. The alchemist simply wanted to seem approachable to anyone who would craft but it came out unnaturally.

"Sure! Will you hand us a whopperflower nectar and a few drops of slime condensates? My friend here and I are looking for a slippery substance."

"Duly noted." Sucrose went through some jars and bottles to look for the materials they asked for. Both substances cost fifty mora. 

"Well, Helen...I'll leave the crafting to you." Venti stepped aside to allow Helen to take the bottles; it was just his sly way of letting her pay for it instead. Helen is aware that he did it on purpose anyway. Pathetic bard, even he could not pay for his meal.

 "What should I do now then?"

"As possible, you should mix them in half equal parts. Too much of the nectar will make it a less transparent mixture, giving it a honey-like color while too much of the slime condensate would make the mixture too thick, even Barb-... I mean anyone would not dare to walk over a slimy surface once the texture is too obvious in one look right?" Venti lowered his voice by the end of his sentence. Sucrose's ears twitched as she listened to his instructions. She made sure anyone who would craft would not cause any unwanted explosions just like what Timaeus insisted.

"I get it. Watch this." Helen poured a half cup of the nectar into the small pot and used a spatula to mix it. Using a different beaker, she put the slime condensate in as she gradually mixed it with her other hand.

     The thickness of the slime slowly melted away with the heat, while the nectar diluted. Soon the color faded as well. Helen carefully transferred the transparent liquid to the potion bottle Sucrose gave to her once she finished mixing. The small shimmery particles danced as she shook the bottle. 

"What is this for?" The slippery texture itself gave her an idea regarding its' purpose but the quantity was too small to cover enough space on the stage.

 "Perfectly done. You'll know it later. Ehem~ now, now for the next part while we still have time..." Venti grabbed her wrist and ran somewhere beyond but not far from the walls of Mondstadt. Whispering Woods. The creature they'll need to collect plenty strives strictly on moist environments like lakes or ponds.

Broad trees stood providing shade everywhere. 

"See that water over there? That will do. Let's collect as many frogs as we can." He shoved a bucket to her hand. Venti sprinted towards the small pond and did his best not to get his clothes wet. The bard doesn't like getting his hands dirty but what else could he be doing aside from drinking at the tavern or sit somewhere comfortable and watch the sun sink only to float again.

    Two frogs in. Three frogs then he added more. Helen looked down at the wooden bucket she was holding. The idea of releasing frogs on the stage dissatisfies her. It is rather disgusting than terrifying. Her eyes went in every direction from where she stood to look for a creature that fits her standard. Helen saw nothing but a bunch of leaves. She thought she needed a change of scenery.

    While Venti was busy catching frogs, she slowly walked away to make her steps inaudible. She went deeper into the forest and was careful not to let her legs trip on any tree branches. Helen heard a rustling sound a few trees far across the one beside her. She flinched out of surprise. It could only be a squirrel or some kind of a wild animal. 

The lady bard continued to walk further.

Again, she heard similar rustling noises. Helen turned her head towards the direction where it was coming from. There was a slight glow emanating behind the bushes. Small lamp grasses only glow at night.

"Could it be a crystalfly?"

Each step took every ounce of her bravery. Her eyes lit up as she parted the bushes, revealing creatures nothing like the crystalflies that she had expected. 

Chapter Text

       Helen dashed through the woods in the deeper part of the forest. She must return before Venti becomes aware that her presence disappeared for a while. Meanwhile, the bard counted the number of frogs he had caught. Capturing those pesky creatures was tougher compared to how it looks. Venti began to doubt if it's possible to find enough in Whispering Woods when he couldn't even fill one pail, let alone two.

He rose to his feet from kneeling on the grass and raised his hands in the air for a stretch.

It is when he realized her absence.

"Helen?" The bard turned around and saw her figure approaching from a distance. Helen was relieved at the perfect timing and immediately shifted her pace; the sight of her sprinting dissolved into soft prance to make it appear she didn't run from somewhere far. Venti noticed a few of her hair strands stuck to her neck glistening with sweat.

"Ha-hah I'm done, I've gathered enough." Helen panted in between words as her hands both rested on her knees. It was simply impressive however quite questionable considering the short time given. Venti studied the pail but the contents were obscured by a piece of black fabric. Something pointy emerged in the center of the cover as it moved. 

"...May I see?" Helen moved Venti's hand away when he pinched the corner of the fabric to peer inside.

"Uh...d-don't open it yet! You know how frogs are...yes that's right...jumpy! They might escape right there and then if you open it so don't!" Helen fidgeted as she fumbled over words, her hand motions jittery. She regained her composure to avoid suspicions and asked about the number of frogs he captured.

"Me? Oh, I only gathered a few.." 

Helen grabbed the almost empty pail from his grip and handed hers in exchange.

"Return to Mondstadt with these and I'll handle the rest but before you leave, don't open it. Wait for me by the docks." Nice, less work for the bard then. Venti was elated at her 'helpful' suggestion, more so noticeably hinting towards a threatening demand. A bard wise with words, her intonation accentuated the latter far from his liking.

          His gleeful facade soon was gone once his foot left the forest. Venti sensed how she acted so strangely but decided not to speak of it. Helen, he reasoned, might have become comfortable enough with their 'friendship' to begin asking for favors and misheard her use such tone. He gave her the benefit of the doubt and complied with her request in his own will and carefully placed the 'frogs' beside the transport boxes as he waited for her return. If truly there was something wrong, he would definitely know it sooner or later as he assurance to himself.

         The lady bard showed up wearing a black robe over her usual maroon dress by the dock where they had agreed to meet. Extending a hand, she offered him a spare.

"Apologies for the long wait. Here, wear this. We must keep ourselves in the shadows." Venti wore the robe which extends right above his ankles. He moved around to see if it was easy to move in them. Aside from the robe, she also brought a basket that carried purple fruits.

"I also brought wolfhooks. Want some?"

"Thanks...but no thanks you didn't have to bring plenty to share."

"Well, I have another purpose for these. You can't be the only one with ideas right? We should get going or else we'll be late." Helen replied.

        The venue was decorated entrancingly. Windwheel asters that were freshly plucked continuously spun as the wind blew, in great resemblance to the windmills across the city of song and freedom. Dandelion seeds are prepared to be scattered for later performance. Not a single mora was spent to make the event look grand. Bennett wiped his damped forehead. He fell off from the wooden platform quite a few times by simply attaching the uprooted flowers above the stage.

"Finally.." He cried in frustration and took a few steps behind to see the whole arrangement as a whole. In his disappointment, the same flower causing him great distress for hours was still unaligned. The pair observed Bennett from a distance.

"How can we get to the stage if that moron has his eyes on the entire venue?" Helen pointed at the unlucky adventurer covered in bandages and bruises. Venti playfully poked his cheeks using his index finger. 

"Simple problems require not much of an effort in return." He grabbed the potion they crafted before he began to explain the trick and leaned close in her ear. All they needed was to disguise the potion and excellence when it comes to deceiving. 

"Leave it to me." Helen finds herself the perfect fit for the criteria, leaving Venti waiting once more near the venue. She was on her way to the cat tail's tavern to ask for an empty drinking cup when she came across a young girl. Never mind entering the establishment, the sight of the ticket between the child's fingers who was savoring a special grape juice from the tavern caught her attention.

       Nora stared at the concert ticket fondly as she remembered her last interaction with the idol she admires. The young girl had formed a habit of talking to herself at the most random times. She couldn't wait to tell Barbara about her newly found ambition.

"Miss Barbara, I dream of becoming an Idol someday just like you..."

"That dream you speak of is nothing but a nuisance. Perhaps you should consider changing it."

The lady bard grabbed the ticket from her grasp and tore it into pieces along with her hopes.

  ♪♪♪

          Helen went up to the stage to approach the busy adventurer organizing the ornaments, holding a drinking cup in her hand containing the potion. 

"My! My! Is the concert starting soon?" She mirrored the enthusiasm Venti portrayed from a calculated distance where he stood on a spot hidden from Bennett's gaze. The adventurer scratched his neck, overwhelmed at the invasion of his personal space. 

"Almost. The event starts exactly as the cathedral bells ring at noon." He did his best to 'calm' her down. Venti managed to prolong their conversation by gesturing Helen to give compliments in which she followed.

  "The decorations too, it's absolutely intricate."

  "You think so? I haven't finished decorating it yet but I'm glad it's worth of appreciation! But then I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit more."

"I see. Thanks for letting me know!" Helen walked away as she and Venti returned glances. The bard whispered 'now' once she reached the center of the stage.

Thud.

It all happened in a blink of an eye when she made herself trip on purpose.

"Ahh--!"  She squealed as her grip loosened at the drink in her hand. Bennett immediately ran to the lady bard and offered a hand. His eyes widened at the sight of the spilled translucent substance beneath Helen.

  "Oh no, Oh no!! The concert will begin in fifteen minutes! This is bad how unlucky of me..." Bennett lowered his head, as all the hope drains from him.

"I'm sorry, truly. It's my fault. Let me do the favor of cleaning it."

It was quite nauseating, it had a strong aroma and the liquid was all too gooey.

         "Give me a moment, this will be quick." Helen began to clean--rather coat the part of the platform with the slimy substance only in the same spot she spilled the drink. Bennett offered assistance to clean the spilled liquid which Helen refused or else, it won't be long until he notices it's nothing like any ordinary drink once he makes close contact however the unlucky adventurer was stubborn.

"No, it's my luck's fault let me help-" He insisted. Venti was quick to cause a distraction by blowing away a few of the ornaments.

"Behind you!" Helen pointed at the flying ornaments that tumbled towards the ground. 

       Bennett hopped off the stage as he ran to chase the decorations. Venti had plans to lead him into circles around the whole city--yes the entirety of Mondstadt to buy some time. Venti stepped out from his hiding spot once he was out of sight. Helen spread the potion on the areas the idol was expected to walk over. Later on, Barbara and Noelle arrived at the venue. Venti and Helen ran to hide from their sightings.

       Later on, Bennett could feel his legs about to collapse. He had been running to catch the ornaments for archon-knows how long. Another experience worthy to add to his growing list of unfortunate events. He paused from running for a moment to catch his breath. Once he rested from draining his stamina, he was able to pay more attention to his surroundings. There was some kind of strong energy invisibly tickling his senses and he used his elemental sight which revealed bright green strips of light ahead of him.

   "This element is...."

      Before Bennett could say the word out of his mind, the sounds of the church bell swayed back and forth, its' ringing filled the atmosphere which signified the peak of the sun for the day. 

  "Oh, it's noon already. Time really does go by quick." He shook his head with a weak laugh, forgetting the other signification of the cathedral bell ringing aside. Again, he used his elemental ability to follow the trail but there was only an open space and the elemental traces have already disappeared.

                Shortly, his eyes widened upon realization. Noon was the time set for the concert.  He was assigned to collect the tickets at the entrance. Bennett scolded himself for forgetting as he casually picked up the ornaments that ceased moving for the first time. He was already past Windrise.

          Noelle could feel her patience was running thin as she collected tickets from every concertgoer passing her by.

"Come on, where could Bennett be.." She muttered. If this continues she won't be able to host and Barbara would have to start the concert by herself. Another fan to another, a lady wearing a dark robe was next in line.

"Ticket, please."

"Also..those pails your holding, what are they?" Noelle's eyes trailed towards her hand.

"I was buying fruits at the market...I didn't want to wait in a long line so I rushed soon I heard the concert opened its' entrance." Helen faced Noelle, head lowered. The maid narrowed her eyes to see her features but her bangs were on the way. Her loathe towards Barbara was the sole petty reason she never thought of buying. But anyway it wasn't really a problem for her, she knew exactly what to do.

"Venti where's your ticket?"

A smirk crept on her lips, as she looked over her shoulder and nudged Venti. The ticket fell as Venti lifted his signature green beret and caught it mid-air. He had kept it with his utmost care, showing that the bard still took a sincere interest in attending. 

However only one would get to enter and it was unknowingly a one-sided problem to Venti.

"Thanks...Venti. I may not be a vision wielder, I would do anything to preserve Mondstadt I knew from birth." Helen held a sympathetic look on her face but she had no remorse at all. Again the narcissistic bard held such belief in herself soon she became a bard at a young age. Lord Barbatos has given her a blessing on purpose beyond doubt and she wouldn't waste the opportunity.

"What?" Venti was stunned as Helen seized it from his clutch and handed it to Noelle who gave her a warm greet. 

"You may now proceed. Hope you enjoy the show!"

Helen gave a slight proud nod as she walked past the maid knight.

"Wait...Helen, hey!" Venti extended his hand to reach for the lady bard but it was too late. He hopelessly watched Helen disappear among the crowd over the maid's shoulder. Noelle blocked his way from chasing Helen and asked to present his ticket.

            Venti left with a heavy feeling in his heart, deceived and it's one of the things he despises the most. Back in the day when they cleaned around the cathedral, Helen has been narrowing the details on how they will do at the duration of the idol's concert and the conclusion came to him as to why so. Helen intended not to bring him along in the first place and nothing was a coincidence. Thus that may be the case, one question remains to Venti.

Why would Helen hinder him from coming along and what she meant about 'preserving' Mondstadt? 

       Noelle was crossing her arms while tapping a foot against the ground as she watched Bennett ran in her direction.

"I was just chasing these ornaments, it flew around endlessly." His explanation of his whereabouts raised more questions than answers however Noelle already grew impatient to even consider querying him. All that matters now was that Bennett showed up to replace her.

    Barbara breathed in, her heart was beating rapidly. As she took her first step on the stage, there was little to no friction. The idol looked down on her shoes in worry, about to continue her next step carefully. Despite how slippery the stage is, she wouldn't want to delay the performance any longer especially that her fans showed up on time. The audience cheered once they got a glimpse of her dress at the corner behind the curtains.

        She had almost slipped quite a few times on her way to the center of the stage. Barbara was lucky to regain her balance each time her shoes slid smoothly. Her steps were slow and unsteady. Albert who stood in the first row positioned himself to catch her just in case. 

He was mad at whoever the organizer is for not prioritizing the idol's comfort.

"No need to worry! I'm fine!" Barbara smiled sheepishly but deep inside she felt bitter. She worked hard not only for the songs but also prepared dances to accompany the tunes. Because of the slippery wet stage, she had to restrict her movements and stay in place. It also meant not giving the best she had expected herself to give to her fans. The thought was followed by uneasiness, Barbara was more afraid of how her performance would turn out throughout the concert.

"This concert will be dedicated to my fans, including the denizens at Springvale who are in need! I'm grateful to have your overwhelming support especially to the anemo archon that granted us freedom." Barbara raised her hand, as she counted until three. The crowd went lively as they counted with her. All fingers down, everyone fell silent to listen to her song. Barbara kept her hands intertwined with one another and closed her eyes. The performer sang as bright as the day however she stayed almost stiff at the center. 

         Noelle tapped Bennett on his shoulder, busy admiring the pretty idol on the stage. A simple tap wouldn't work so the maid knight shook his arm instead. Noelle and Bennett observed from the bottom corner that she certainly lacked something. As the maid knight remembers, Barbara excitedly showed in one of her rehearsals a dance went with the song. Meanwhile, Bennett averted his gaze. He recalls the drink spilled by a 'fan' onstage and hoped to the archons it wasn't the reason why her performance was off. 

        Albert noticed the same detail as well, seeing what she does every day and he won't hesitate to get rid of what was causing her trouble. Once the song ends, he surely will see her backstage. It was a brilliant move from the deaconess but how long can she maintain her balance throughout the performance?

 Her feet weren't steady, the lady bard could read how she was rather focused on maintaining her balance. Helen enjoyed the sight as she watched her struggle. It was merely the beginning.

         Mixed emotions spiraled like tornadoes. Venti kicked every tiny rock he encountered while walking. He stopped in his tracks as he heard a faint singing voice from the venue but he dared not to look back, seeing there's no point in doing so. A soft sigh escaped him in defeat. 

'So this is how it would be huh?' He resumed his disrupted walk.

        Venti couldn't hint whether his resentment resonates more at the reason that he won't see the tricks in action anymore or was it for the fact she stole his only chance to listen to the fellow musician and catch a glimpse of her astounding performance. 

Either way, Venti did intend to play tricks on the deaconess but his love for music is what cannot be denied. 

  ♪♪♪

Chapter Text

                        Venti placed a hand under his chin as he pondered on a wooden bench beside a windmill.  He could see himself downing a decent bottle of dandelion wine to compensate for the ruined opportunity to have fun at the idol's event.

           The tavern's door was left open which was unusual for a setting that is intended to be private. For whoever left it, Venti shook his head for the lack of responsibility and closed the door behind him which was followed by deafening complaints. One of the customers opened the door the same as before, hissed at Venti before he could ask the reason why, and returned to his seat. His breath reeked of tobacco and made Venti almost cough. The drunkards linked their arms as they swayed their upper bodies. The bartender recognized his bewildered expression and voluntarily told Venti the clarification he needed.

"Ahh, sorry bard. Can't accept performance as payment today. Those drunkards kept the door open to hear the starlet sing as they drink." Charles pointed at the four random customers. 

But her voice was barely clear from where he stood, even the tune was quite vague.

       He was gone for a while and the lack of music must've bored their ears. Venti knew the perfect fix. Worry not, he would bring the spirit of music to the tavern.

Venti raised his lyre only to get yelled at by one of the drunkards. 

"Yeah no, no put that lyre aside... We're enjoying Barbara's music! Either you or Six-fingered José is who I hear all the time."

'Fine, I'll leave.' He muttered under his breath.

"If only I could invite that doll here and sing for me anytime I want, I will." The other drunkard raised his glass before he emptied it. 

"That would be possible if we save enough mora, we can at least invite her once."

"Yeah, imagine what more than enough can do...maybe we can request her to show up in cute dresses or...skimpy skirts!"

          On and on, their remarks grew filthy and vulgar as they blabbered about Barbara. No one deserves to have disparaging words made about them, especially anyone related to the Acting Grandmaster, belonging to the few people who were truly close to him and gained his trust enough to know his secrets.

 Venti slammed his hand against the wooden counter to interrupt.

"Heh...I wonder how would Acting Grandmaster Jean think when she hears such remarks about someone in her family. Oh, she isn't around but Master Diluc may come here anytime soon and has great connections to the knights. It would be a shame to be under the knights' surveillance for a week or two, wouldn't it?" 

"We were just--messing around, right? and-" They nodded at each other as if it made their excuses believable. The bard didn't let him finish.

"Save that explanation to Master Jean as for you owe me not one."  The decorations on the wall tilted as he shut the door close on purpose knowing they didn't pay to attend her concert therefore should they not listen to her music for free. 

If only something could make his day better. Maybe apples could ease his building vexation.

           Venti tossed the robe weighing him, allowing his green cape to flow freely as he ran to find another form of entertainment. The bard slowed as he sensed a glare from behind him, along with distinct sniffs and cries. When he turned around, he noticed a little girl crying helplessly beside the blacksmith under a tree.

"That lyre in your hand! T-tell me are you a bard?" Venti answered the little girl's question with a nod. He approached the young girl to provide comfort but her response pinched a part of his heart.

"From now on...I don't want to see any bards like you, I hate them! Stay away from me!" Nora pushed him, but in her dismay, her weak strength did nothing from moving him an inch and decided to run away crying instead. 

'The little girl hates bards?' 

"Hey wait..!" Venti chased the little girl after having his curiosity piqued, anticipating a decent answer.

"...I won't see Miss B-Barbara perform anymore...I l-lost the t-ticket she gave me because of a rude b-bard..." She stuttered in between sobs incomplete struggle. Venti glanced at his lyre, still eager to listen.

       The young kid spoke about this certain 'lady bard' who stole her drink and tore her concert ticket. He understood every word despite her small hiccups disrupting in between.

"Did she do something else?" Nora looked away from his gaze still hesitating to tell him everything. "Tell me. Please." Venti pleaded. His tone was considerably concerned and still calm.

       Eventually, Nora thought there would be no harm in telling. She continued and mentioned that the 'bard' told her how Barbara taints the reputation of Mondstadt, which is a city loyal to its' traditions but of course, none of the words the lady bard said was believed by the little girl.

Barbara had been close to her and knew she helped many people. If anything, she would support the idol with everything that she can.

 The little girl showed her palm to Venti. It was quite red as her skin almost burnt if she didn't draw her hand away quickly. She tried getting the juice back at least despite having the ticket torn into pieces.

Accidentally, her hand pulled the dark fabric over the bucket she was carrying which revealed electro slimes.

     No doubt, the lady she was referring to is Helen and it was a horrible fact that she willingly went to such extreme lengths of releasing those dangerous slimes. Venti was beyond furious at the atrocity of the perpetrator. He could easily break the lyre into two if only the little girl wasn't in front of him. Not only she made the little girl suffer and cry, but she also painted the bards in her own twisted perspective. Every bard would like the idol gone if only they were observant and aware enough of what was happening? What utter nonsense.

"If Miss Barbara wasn't an idol, would bards have the same recognition as before?"

Truth. It was true. Before Venti could give a response, Nora was able to read his expression.

"Then you want her gone too. How selfish! Miss Barbara will never be like that, she always helps others and giving to those in need!"

Selfish? Her words slapped some sense on him. 

As a bard himself, it does no good if the traditional music begins to fade its appeal. Changes were always certain to happen. For every archon, it was nothing new, but a part of him was perturbed that the songs would not be passed down to future generations. The bard slowly looked up in the clear sky and watched a few birds soar until they disappeared.

Despite being the god of freedom, he wasn't really free from the past at all. 

       Bards and their traditional songs relive the memories he had with his old friend and everything that has had happened in the past. It all felt like a comforting replay.

But then the act itself is selfish. To let denizens choose which genre they prefer to listen to is freedom. Freedom is what Mondstadt lives up to what makes, the city it is, and everything it stands for.

It has never been Barbara who had been against the city reputation as Helen claims to be, it was no other than himself for selfishly wanting to preserve those memories.

Perhaps it's time to let go of the memories he cherished with his old friend.

Even if denizens did look forward to what is new, he would let them have their freedom. After all, it would still be the city he looked upon, embodying having the freedom to choose the genre to listen to and dance to.

 The little girl's words gave him clarity on what he truly felt about the whole situation.

Venti differs from Helen.

He desired traditional songs to be cherished by more generations to come to remain alongside the new.

While Helen refuses to accept new genres of music to exist along with the traditional tunes.

"Miss Barbara had rehearsed countless times, and would prioritize everyone before herself, she's sweet, thoughtful and so caring. Sometimes she tells me about her troubles back then when she had to work hard to get herself on where she is today."

 Venti was able to conceal his emotions impressively beneath a friendly smile as he returned his gaze at the little girl. 

Looks like he wasn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past.

"Our city is known for freedom and music of any kind; traditional or not. Anyone who tells otherwise is mistaken. As it appeals to me, your idol is a wonderful person. Right? I would never wish such on someone with a pure heart. If anything, I wish to hear and watch the idol perform if I had the chance. " But his ticket was already stolen. Venti placed his hand above her head and gave a few gentle pats. Barbara may let them in if he talked to her.

"I'm certain Miss Barbara would not like to see one of her listeners frowning. Shall you take my hand and we'll head to where she is."

Nora widened her eyes in delight and hope. The little girl wrapped her small hands on his wrist. Her action surprised the bard a bit.

"Really? Thank you so much...bard! I h-hope you accompany me to the concert too. I'm Nora, I'm sure Miss Barbara would be happy to see more listeners too."

"Hehe, my name's Venti. Anyway, of course, we can't dally any longer or else..." The bard reassured the little girl. 

I'm sorry, Barbara. I won't let anything bad happen to you. He whispered to the wind as he clung to the slightest possibility that he wasn't too late. Was he?

        Expecting lively spectators, they arrived at their distinct murmurs and chattering. The horrible sight of all was the performer who remained still, unsure, and clueless about what to do. Helen clearly wanted the concert to be the idol's last that she will never forget.

         Another wolf hook was thrown towards her direction, which dulled the once bright aura Barbara radiated on the stage at the beginning. There were some misses too, splattered on the stage behind her. Her reflexes were shut as the murmurs started becoming louder.  Her voice was angelic. She's a shining star that you wished to reach at night on your childhood days. The melodies she created made anyone sing along in pure glee. 

"Hey, you two!" Albert yelled at Noelle and Bennett who stood frozen with their mouths agape.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch?! You have to escort out whoever in the Celestia was throwing those wolfhooks!"

    Undistinguished murmurs rose from the crowd out of pity and confusion as to who was throwing the fruits on the idol. Noelle squeezed herself in between the crowds to search for the culprit and so did Bennett. She wanted to be gentle, however, she was in a rush which she murmured 'sorry' to anyone she unintentionally pushed out of the way.

Barbara's mind went blank. Sapphire eyes lost in the sea of crowd. She looked down on and saw the dress she was wearing. Her sight became blurry from the forming tears on the corner of her eyes. A mess. Her sunflower dress that was once pristine now had its' patterns almost unrecognizable from all the stains. 

          It was in the past, where most denizens of Mondstadt refuse to listen to her tunes. To them, the folk songs of the bards in the city are the only genre that fits their liking. They preferred listening to songs that represent their tradition. As an outcome, the tunes she made were unappreciated. Barbara worked hard to gain their appeal and make them happy. There were days of doubts but feeling down is something she won't let herself feel for the longest time.

Barbara is on the verge of leaving the stage if staying means everyone will see her tears.

But if she discontinues, it meant she would let both of her fans and her fellow sisters down.

Her breathing went heavy along with eyes that were clueless where to look as panic rushed kept rushing in.

Neither was a good option. 

"Listen deaconess."

That familiar cheeky voice.

     She was snapped back into reality from the painful memories of her past self when magical strips of light that were turquoise in appearance flew across the stage. Each strip carries small musical notes. Barbara looked up with her mouth left open, fascinated. It caught the audience's attention acquiring a similar reaction as the idol. She searched where it was coming from. It was from the person she least expected to come from out of all those she has invited.

"Don't let the past decide on your present.."

The donation was needed.

She's greatly needed by the nuns and by people in need of aid.

        Behind the curtain on the stage, Venti strummed his lyre with the notes coming to life as small blue lights floating around. Serene melodies filled the air. Barbara gazed at the bard for a while. The tune he plays was truly beautiful. She caught his signal that he wanted her to continue with the song.

"Otherwise, all you've worked hard for would be in vain." Venti glanced at his side, which leads Barbara to see Nora beside him.

"You can do it, Miss Barbara! I believe you can." The little girl cheered. The idol nodded with determination.

The idol decided she needs to continue no matter what obstacles she stumble upon.

'I'll be strong for others, they need me.' 

        It got her spirits up, Barbara took his words to heart. The tune was different from what she practiced but being musically gifted made it easy to go with it. The idol started singing accompanied by small dance steps. Barbara refused to finish the whole song without giving the bard the recognition he deserves. 

         In the middle of the performance, Barbara pulled Venti's arm away behind the curtains. She brought the bard to the center of the stage. Gaining a nod from the deaconess, Venti figured. The bard finally sung, pop and folk music blended perfectly despite the contrast in both genres. The audience stood in awe seeing the idol and bard sing in harmony. The glowing notes that appeared around his lyre gave Barbara an idea. She wanted to use her vision as a final touch for the closing. While the bard was enjoying, the idol whispered in his ear. 

Nora proudly looked from the corner of the stage. 

Not all bards are bad after all. 

Helen gritted her teeth in refusal to surrender everything she planned. She knelt and removed the fabric cover to release the slimes. One tilt and it should be over.

"You there, lady!" The culprit emerged in Noelle's sight and took a hold of her wrist. She recalled seeing the lady at the entrance as she collected tickets. Helen resisted her hold and carelessly pushed the fans aside to make way for her escape. Noelle chased her among the crowd but her carefulness not to push anyone was the cause of her slower movements. Once the maid knight made her way out of the crowd, Helen already vanished. 

      The song was about to reach its end, Barbara created a rainbow with her hydro vision, notes formed along with Venti's blue ones with water bubbles. The water used as the deaconess' instrument to create rainbows and glowing notes, soon disappeared and spritzed down on the audience in a refreshing, calming way. 

The moment was divine. Barbara wishes it lasted longer.

Everyone cheered in amazement and threw flowers in their direction. Their claps were louder than before. Barbara and Venti were giggling while giving a bow.

     The concert ended wonderfully. Only funds were asked for the ticket but after the performance, some audience gave additional. In fact, she received more than the amount she needed. 

"Thanks again for your help! It would have been terrible if...I let them down by leaving the stage." Barbara's cheerful tone declined on her last sentence.
"Frown no more, your performance was far from being a bore. An idol like you should not confuse an opinion from truth."
"You think so?" Barbara asked the bard. She couldn't believe they were having a decent conversation for the first time.

"Yep! A frown doesn't suit you either deaconess. Not everyone can carry that enticing dress of yours." The bard's compliment earns a blush from the idol. Barbara couldn't find the right words to say. 

Nora ran up to them once all the audience left the venue.

"Miss Barbara you did amazing!" She clapped in delight. The idol agreed in her mind, it surpassed her expectation. Barbara knelt to her level. Venti helped greatly to make her performance go well.
"Thanks, Nora! It's all thanks to Venti too." Barbara pointed to the bard standing beside her.

"Ah hehe.. don't look at me, it's nothing really." Venti shrugged, his face quite flushed. He attempted to conceal it by looking elsewhere.
"I hope you perform together again! Until then Miss Barbara and Venti!"  Nora left the two after bidding goodbye. The idol waved back with her lips curved. She felt more than contented. With nothing now but silence, it was a chance to speak where they could hear each other clearly.
The change in her mood definitely was because of Helen. In all honesty, how dare one call themselves a bard such as herself? Venti despises considering her one at this point.

Speaking of Helen...

"You useless, stupid bard!" Behind him, were electro slimes charging towards Venti. Barbara instantly moved behind in defense. Helen made a desperate move, not caring whether she took a risky, direct approach anymore.

 Barbara blocked Venti from her view with a stern look on her face.

Seeing the slimes no longer served its' purpose, Helen threw the bucket onto the ground. 

"You're so...! You're so-" Helen was at a loss of words to express how much she despises the idol. At this point, there was not a single word that suits that degree.

"Noelle." Barbara called to her maid friend, followed by two Favonius knights.

"Lady, your presence is highly requested at the Knights of Favonious' Headquarters and I believe it is for obvious reasons that you are surely aware of."  Helen glared at Noelle until the knights eventually moved from their spot. She had surrendered herself, both hands into a fist as she tried to resist the urge to throw a tantrum.

Barbara and Venti watched as she gets taken away by the knights--the mischievous bard did a small wave and a giggle which Helen rolled her eyes at before turning her back, losing the last bit of her temper. Once their giggles soon toned down, there was a comforting silence between them, instead of the tensed atmosphere they were used to. 

"I'm glad it's over now." Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. It was truly an exhausting day for both of them.

"So am I." Venti gave her a warm sincere smile.

Maybe they weren't so different after all.

Chapter Text

         Barbara began sweeping outside Cathedral as part of her regular chores, wielding a broomstick. Sister Victoria placed a gentle tap on the busy deaconess' shoulder, who had patiently awaited her arrival. The concert was successful and became talked about across the city. Denizens have been requesting another event or announcements on when the next one will take place.

"Sister Barbara I am permitting you not to attend any church-related activities today. You may take a rest." The deaconess grew consistent on habits in which she could do something to be useful and serve others. Albeit tired during restless nights of rehearsing, she persisted in continuing. Sister Victoria knew it would be difficult to convince Barbara but eventually, another nun happen to eavesdrop and couldn't bear to hear how certain people are willing to overwork themselves for the sake of others.

Their heads turned as her heels clicked against the concrete.

"You setting up a whole concert is already more than enough. You don't have to feel bad about giving yourself a break, especially when you did the most for the donation. There's nothing to be guilty of a single day off Barbara." Sister Rosaria crossed her arms, a mannerism was easy to distinguish that matched less conservative attire and has ironically shown the least interest for the anemo archon that separates her from the other nuns in their local church. Barbara nibbled her lip. Sister Rosaria may always have been a serious person which was the reason why her insights always appealed truthfully. Although Barbara finds her scolding tone quite overwhelming yet at the same time, she appreciates her reminders to do what is just. She admits to being aware of her own naivety and Rosaria gives her another perspective to view situations differently.

"Well before you leave, here's the spare mora from the donation. Think of it as a reward."

"Sister Rosaria one day break is already more than enough for me. I can't possibly accept it." She waved her hands in refusal. Sister Victoria shook her head and told the deaconess an idea she would likely accept.

"Well if you feel guilty taking it all to yourself, you can share it with friends who helped perhaps?" Sister Rosaria kept her mouth sewed in a straight line. Such selflessness can be her weakness, mistaken as strength of hers. Barbara couldn't decide for her own simply due to such traits but the nun had a pinch of consideration to keep the mood from shifting if she told her otherwise and keep all the spare. She wouldn't want to waste time on a conversation that will only lead to an obvious refusal.

"You're right Sister Victoria. See you around or maybe tomorrow." Barbara bid them farewell, carrying the small string pouch. Her fellow sisters have repeated the same words and told her to rest however it would only be a waste if she truly stayed indoors for the whole day either. Her closest friend was the first person that came to mind. The maid knight was mostly seen at the knights' headquarters and was her best bet to find her.

        At the library inside the headquarters, a red rose stood in between the gap of the books on one of the bookshelves. Barbara soon recognized it was from Noelle's head accessory and slowly approached the table behind the said furniture. Noelle had half of her lower face buried onto the book she was reading, leaving her green eyes that flared with determination seen by anyone passing by. A pile of books laid on her side, waiting for its' turn to be read. Barbara thought the maid was caged in her own world which made her hesitate. It won't hurt to give it a try and free her from it. She thought they were in similar times and need of leisure. Noelle flinched as she straightened her back from the seat.

"Oh! Barbara, it's you do you need something?"

"Not exactly but I'm asking if you could lend some time..maybe we could hang out?"

"I'm sorry Barb. As much as I want to, I really need to prepare for my knights' training exam and I forgot to study yesterday night because of that bard! Do you get what I'm saying, Barbara? I already caught her with my own two eyes but she kept on...blabbering blah blah justifying her actions to avoid consequences! I ended up wasting the whole evening just thinking about itmakesmyblood-" Noelle unconsciously marked the side of the pages with her nails digging on the paper. Barbara was amused to see her friend act differently from her usual composed self. Stress was really getting to her nerves, huh?

"Shh. Observe silence, please." The librarian placed an index finger at the middle of her glossy lips.

"I'm sorry Miss Lisa! and oops...sorry for doing it again." Noelle softened her tone by the end of her sentence. She heaved a sigh to calm herself, eventually returning to a much formal and relaxed posture.

"Nevermind it's no use to think about it. But I still worry that If I don't prepare early, I might..." The maid felt she could break into pieces if she says what she fears the most out loud. She wasn't as brave as she thought she was. Barbara placed a hand on her shoulder, escorted with a comforting smile.

"It's okay no need to say sorry, it should be me apologizing you went through all of that because of me."

"No no, she was a threat to your safety so don't blame yourself, okay?" Noelle crossed her arms. Barbara nodded to let her know she's okay and teasingly pinched her cheek to lighten the mood.

"You really are cute Noelle! I believe you can do well on your exams so worry not! You already went this far, no giving up now~" The deaconess cheered ironically in need of the same advice. Her smile was always contagious indeed. Noelle finds herself doing the same but returned it weak and slight. It would be best to leave the maid knight concentrate as Barbara decided. Next, she went to the Adventurer's Guild only to get her hopes crushed for the second time.

"Hmm are you referring to that one unlucky adventurer? He already left to go on an adventure with a blonde lady. She's also quite the talker. But who am I lying to she's not-"

"A talker?" Barbara finished the sentence on what she assumed for Katheryne but apparently, she corrected the wrong word.

"By that, I mean far from 'quite' she really IS a talker." Her response earned a giggle from Barbara. Bennett may have already gotten far considering he gets up early which was yet another unsuccessful attempt to spend time with any of her friends. Tomorrow her free time will be nothing but a memory. Of course, Barbara still had hoped to make such a rare day special. Of course, how could Barbara forget the reason behind the spare mora she received?

"Miss Katheryne may I ask one last question? By any chance, have you seen a bard holding a lyre?"

"More specific details, please. All bards have a lyre."

"Uhh-oh okay. He has a green cape, braided hair with greenish-blue hues on the tips?" Before Barbara could give the rest of the details, Katheryne already knew who she was referring to and pointed at Mondstadt's gate both entrance and exit. She witnessed the bard walk by recently head the way outside. Unlike Bennett who left more than an hour ago already, she might still have the chance to catch up to Venti. There's no time to lose now. Barbara ran through the bridge and continued to walk on a straight path. She saw the survival expert of the Adventurers' Guild, Lynn who stayed outside the city beside her trusty small pot which was continuously heated by a small self-made bonfire.

She described the bard which Lynn was more than familiar to. "Always. Well, not every day but I commonly see him rest under the huge tree at Windrise."

...Windrise?

          Barbara could recall the time her healing did not take an effect on him, it's the place he told her where he would rest. She finally knew something new about him and a chance to see him in a different setting aside from the tavern. There she found the bard. However Venti seemed to be in 'slumber', his back hunched against the huge tree. The lyre he plays was caught in a loose embrace that almost slid off his arms weak due to no consciousness.

"Ehem...Venti?" Barbara scooted closer to see if he would respond in her presence alone.

"Sleeping like this...he looked rather peaceful." Barbara was glued to the ground as if his serene atmosphere tells her to indulge more in his features. She never had the chance to look at him this close. His face looks surreal. In a good way.

        Barbara knelt beside him and sat on the back of her heel. She drew closer, too close only the unseen is what divides their bodies. The calm wind came rushing between them and it was a refreshing sight for the deaconess who forethought she would never see Venti in his most peaceful state. The tips of his hair fading into a turquoise ombré, his fair skin as smooth as a porcelain doll, not masculine yet rather he looked beautiful. She breathed in so deeply. What a pretty boy. The blonde frowned upon realizing it's all put to waste. His looks don't match well with his attitude. Barbara knew she would already notice how good he looks if he acted more decent. Sadly such visuals were only astounding when he's at his most serene moment.

Just one touch...

          Barbara traced the bridge of his tiny nose nice and slow with her finger barely brushing against his skin. She could feel her heartbeat fast, thinking Venti might wake up anytime soon. She simply wanted to touch his face, if he really was real then she'll leave the bard sleeping in peace.

"Like what you see, huh?" Venti fluttered his one eye open. Her breath hitched from surprise and immediately put up a distance between them.

"Admiring and touching my face like that without my permission...feeling a little bit bold aren't we?" He cooed.

"I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to!" The deaconess jumped out of her kneeling position and accidentally threw the heavy pouch in the process towards him, and dusted her white dress from any dirt. Before it could land on his face, Venti caught the pouch fast.

"Ehe~ What's this?" He studied the mora pouch. Barbara wanted to leave as soon as possible and explained it briefly.

"Consider it as a thank you gift."

"Ahh, I see. No need to thank me, it's Nora who asked for my help." He denied but deep within relied the guilt he had for planning the prank on the deaconess with Helen. Venti kept silent for a while as certain words are better left unsaid.

"Giving a helping hand is natural to m-" Venti's fingers toyed with the small ropes as he spoke. It untangled, blinding gold reflected in his turquoise eyes. He never received that much in a single performance. It could serve him plenty; show Sara from Good Hunter that he could pay even the expensive meals to regain her trust, save it for an emergency, and surely alcohol will always be in line. It was an easy choice. Perhaps, he spoke too soon.

"Ehem...me but if you persist I might not be able to resist~" Classic bard. Today was meant to have such a nice blessing appear before him. It would be a great loss to miss seizing her gift. Excitement got the best of Venti, making the bard yell the following words out loud;

"Dandelion Wine, here I come!" Before Venti could get away, his steps came to halt soon realizing the mora pouch was gone. He looked down on his empty hand before turning his head. Barbara disappeared behind him, confusion was all over his face. If she wasn't behind, perhaps...

"Hey!" Venti saw the deaconess already walking a few steps ahead from where he stood, carrying her supposedly thank-you gift for him. He ran and tried catching up to Barbara. "What's wrong? Why did you take it all of a sudden?" Venti shrugged as he walked alongside her but Barbara refused to answer any of his questions. Since she won't talk, the bard doubled his walking speed and blocked her way in which she ignored as well by walking past him.

"Did I do something wrong?" Venti blocked her way once more except he walked backward without a care in Teyvat if he might bump into something. Barbara took her final step by stomping her feet still on the ground. A childish smile slowly crept on Venti's lips, eager to listen which she rolled her eyes at. When he will stop being so stubborn?

"Sorry, Mr. Bard but I don't allow you to spend these on such activities."

"Aren't presents given with pure sincerity? Once received by whom you dedicated it to, redeeming it would not only be mannerless it will also be meaningless which defeats its' purpose of making the other happy." Venti did a slight nod, proud of his chosen words. Surely she will give in once he counted until three.

Oh how he was wrong.

"And so? Call it what you want, I'll never encourage your own kind of 'fun'. Drinking does nothing good, especially how you started this young. I don't even know how someone as Master Diluc permits you."

"Ooh-hu-ooh, so you're concerned about me? Glad to hear more of such from you this day onwards but may I just repeat myself: there's no need. I can take care of myself." Barbara gave Venti a side glance. This bard had been so sure of himself. Without any pauses to breathe, she corrected him. If truly he was a concern for himself, he won't indulge on plenty of glasses of wine in the first place. To rest under a tree after hangovers never counts as an act of self-care. It will be unhealthy if he kept drinking excessively, especially from what she heard from Master Diluc; The bard drank thirty-seven glasses. As a healer of the church, his situation would be difficult to ignore. Venti needed a change.

"So I have decided we'll return to Windrise and I'll cook the healthiest dishes out there," Barbara stated and dragged the resisting bard by the back of his cape wrapped around his neck on their way back to the tree.

"Ah—I don't want to! Where's my mora? Leave me alonee." Venti wriggled to get away but her grip was too tight for him to get away.

They need cooking supplies. Barbara saw Lynn on their way back to the tree and approached the adventurer.

"Miss Lynn, may we borrow your cooking pot?" The deaconess finds it easy to maintain a straight look on her face despite struggling to keep Venti in place. He still hasn't given up and has been wriggling under her grasp.

"Sure, just return it before dinner then I suppose it will be fine. Also, take some of my spare ingredients too." Lynn glanced down on the squirming bard before her eyes returned to Barbara only to see her giving a bright fake smile that clicked in her mind that she did not want to be questioned. She could be scary sometimes.

"B-Barbara, please! I won't go anywhere just let me go." Venti said almost choking on every word as his collar was already hugging his neck securely. Alright, maybe she has gone too far. Barbara slowly let go to allow Venti to stand up properly. He coughed and inhaled deeply to regain all the air loss.

"Carry the rest." Barbara took some of the supplies while leaving Venti who shook his head. This idol. Not even the aristocrats that ruled Mondstadt centuries ago could make him obey orders. Unless he was enjoying having someone's company since the traveler was mostly busy. If anything, Venti quite felt alone lately. He complied unwillingly and carried the supplies left. Below the tree shade, the two dropped all the cooking materials including the ingredients.

"I'll start~" Barbara boiled some water and started putting vegetables in the pot as Venti watched silently. Next was some condiments. A few minutes later, she put them on a plate. The salad has a neat plating and the ingredients used were fresh.

"Tada! Now now don't think I'm forcing you, this Veggie Soup will be good for you." Venti raised an eyebrow while hesitating to have a taste. However, the aroma was too tempting and so he did.

Simply amazing.

      As if stars have appeared in broad daylight, the taste was a combination of everything good in Teyvat in his exaggeration. The vegetables were crisp and the soup wasn't too salty either yet it captured the right flavor. Venti stared at a blank space for a while. Barbara was a little nervous about his reaction.

"Heh- not bad..." He slurped and tilted the bowl in his mouth. The bard finished it in minutes.

"Really? Then I'm glad you liked it!" Her cooking was good. A little TOO good that Venti was afraid he won't get more. Maybe if he insulted her cooking she would try her 'best' to cook another. Barbara looked down, making Venti feel guilty however it was for the best.

"I finished it all since I didn't want any ingredients to be put to waste but it could be better...have you thought of cooking another dish?"

Barbara nodded liking his 'honesty'. None have yet to criticize her cooking. She thought maybe those who tasted her dishes were too afraid to make her feel bad and kept it to themselves. His feedback would truly make her a better cook. Another batch of ingredients, this time she thought of a salad which would definitely make him healthier. Venti observed once more and hid his excitement. "Here." She offered. Unlike the last dish, he did not hesitate and gobbled every leaf. Barbara smiled as he ate happily. He may seem to enjoy what she cooked this time but his comment was a huge contrast.

"This one is less good compared to last....another dish you have mastered perhaps? I still see you have the potential just lurking around~" Venti swallowed the last bit before having a smug look. The idol soon noticed his subtle way of requesting to have more dishes cooked for him. Talk about a dish she has already mastered, with a twist of revenge.

Spicy Stew. Her specialty that she has done many times. Barbara knew how to tone down its' spiciness depending on who'll she give it to except this time, she smuggled many slices of Jueyun chilis on the creamy stew while it boiled to make it three times spicier than what she regularly cooks.

"Close your eyes please~" Barbara played innocent as if her dish will be everything good and tolerable once more. Venti allowed himself to be surprised and concealed his eyes. "Ooh, this one definitely has a strong aroma." He scrunched his nose. From what Barbara had cooked for him, Venti has a lot of trust in whatever she makes that will follow. "Well, I made the flavor strong plus its' my specialty. So please try it." She places the plate accompanied with a dish that contains her lingering anger. Venti scooped the utensil into the stew before his mouth.

Three...

Two...

One...

Celestia and wars from the past flashed in his eyes within a split second. The red hue of the stew went to Venti's face. Barbara giggled at how his face was as red as the dish she cooked.

"W-water!" He bounced around to look for any while fanning his tongue using his hand as if it was any help. Good thing, a small lake was next to the tree. Venti rushed to cup some water in his hands to drink however it still didn't ease the burning sensation enough. He dipped his whole face into the water. Barbara held onto her stomach, still giggling. "That was your specialty?! I'd say...more it could be a new torture method." Venti put his wet bangs on the side of his face, water also dripped from his braids. He returned sitting beside Barbara and reached for the ingredients lying idly on her other side. This time he was sincere in insulting her dish which brings another giggle from Barbara. Doing so, Venti's face was too close to hers. Determination was evident in his narrowed eyes while his hands were fumbling over the right ingredients. Barbara slowly leaned back to allow more space between them.

"W-what are you doing?" Finally gathered all the needed ingredients in his grasp, Venti pulled away and sat closer to the cooking pot.

Is he...cooking?

'Now this is new.' Barbara thought. He began to slice onions, carrots, and potatoes into small pieces. Venti sprinkled the necessary condiments and began to sauté. Barbara watched such another rare sight and enjoyed it every bit. Never has she ever saw the bard could be that serious and how come he knew how to cook.

"Here I call it...Bar- Buoyant Breeze! Not only apples are gifts from the gods. So who's specialty is better now?" Venti hurriedly shoved the same wooden spoon he used. As much as Barbara wanted to taste what he cooked, the thought of sharing the same spoon made her feel quite disgusted. After looking at his pretty face now gleaming with water drops, her mind changed after looking at his pretty face while some dripped down to his neck. There the deaconess took a portion. Her right eye slightly twitched as she emptied what the spoon delivered. He never fails to surprise her every time. Who knew Venti could cook?

"Wow, the flavor...its' really good!"

"Hehe you flatter me...that's the only specialty of mine I rarely cook. Don't expect much from a bard like me, my real specialty is to sing and play~" He relaxed his body and leaned comfortably against the tree as he started strumming the lyre. The atmosphere was peaceful as birds chirped mellow together. Barbara placed the bowl on her knees. On top of eating the delectable dish he cooked, the beautiful tunes Venti played surrounded her ears. She forethought dining at Good Hunters and hear the water cascading from the fountain would be her best outdoor dining experience. Barbara was glad she would finally hear him play this close since she never had the chance to. The idol stands out in the crowd once she joins in to listen which always ends up in a disaster. Either they would ask for her autograph or questions relating to her songs. If only she could learn his songs to indulge more in his unique tunes. Despite being an idol whose been on stage numerous times, she wouldn't exactly call herself an expert in playing the lyre. She would ask him a favor which hopefully he'll accept.

"Venti?"

"Hm?" His playing stopped to hear her clearly. Barbara averted her gaze, quite embarrassed to tell her request. Nothing could go wrong if she did, right? She whispered and pointed at the bard's instrument. "It might sound quite embarrassing but...as an idol all I usually do is to sing and dance. Playing musical instruments like that of a lyre is something I am--no ah I'm really bad with it."

"I'll teach you."

That easy?

"Really?!" Barbara lifted her head from burying her face on her knees. Does he really want to know? Venti had a smug look on his face. Fine by, then. She once told a fan an alibi that she has to collect herbs for her patients then she realized they were standing next to a vendor selling the same herbs. "What I'll teach is beyond the expertise of an expert, a lesson must come with a price that cannot be found anywhere else in Teyvat." Venti became preoccupied with something else and eventually, the mora pouch was all now forgotten.

"Wha..p-price?! What price?" Venti adjusted himself and sat closer next to the deaconess who averted her gaze. She could feel his arm brushing against hers along with his warm breath which sent a tingling sensation on her neck.

He enjoyed her dishes the same way she admires how he plays the lyre;

therefore a deal between the idol and bard was made.

Chapter Text

It was the cost of their deal.

              Barbara cooked a variety in return for the bard's exceptional lyre lessons; mostly healthy salads and a few fruit desserts on the side. Venti unconsciously left his mouth slightly agape at the sight. In just one glance, it already fed him fully.

"Is that enough?" Barbara worriedly asked upon seeing him silent. He shook his head indicating disapproval. He couldn't ask for more. Venti eyed every dish back and forth still yet to decide which one he should try first. It all looked too wonderfully appealing.

"But before we proceed...let me taste this one first. You may play the lyre as I finish eating so I can see what needs to be fixed." Venti advised as he chomped a piece of the moon pie.

"Oh no!" Her bright mood drained quickly upon a smile-dropping realization.

"What's the problem, deaconess?" His chewing slowed before coming to halt. Barbara scratched the back of her non-itching head. She was too occupied to cook the dishes perfectly hence forgot to bring her rarely used lyre. The instrument doesn't support her style well but she was willing to expand it to improve. Once the idol learns it from the most popular and excellent bard in the city, she surely would use it more often than before. The idol considered it would make her performances more interesting if she played an instrument while singing and dancing on stage.

"You can borrow mine if you'd like." Venti let out a chuckle. Barbara perceived the instrument as his most valued possession and she couldn't bear to think of the possibility she might handle it improperly or worst case is to cause a dent in it. Although it was nothing but a mere imagination of what could go wrong and an exaggeration, the idol couldn't help herself but overthink. She's careful with anything in fact having the role of healing people made her overly protective. His lyre won't easily break with raw physical force. He infused every string with anemo which of course only responds to his touch however such detail, was alike to the archon the deaconess worshipped so dearly. He and the anemo archon Barbatos is the same figure and without a doubt should not be disclosed to anyone let alone one of his most dedicated devotees.

Venti shove the spoon and left it on the side of his mouth as he spoke, the side of his cheek bulged.

"If that's what you're worried about, there's only little to no chance you could cause a scratch on it. Why so, you ask? It's made of the sturdiest wood out there." The bard extended his hand and anticipated her response. Come to think of the situation, it would be more convenient to borrow from Venti since going back and forth from both places might take a while which steals plenty of time that belongs to their supposed lesson for today.

"Oh okay." Barbara slowly freed the instrument from his grip. She promised to herself that she would try her best to be extremely careful using it. A deep breath escaped her lips and began to strum the strings. Venti observed the deaconess all the while she played. Eyes pierced analyzing her every movement while hers was on the lyre to make sure she was on the right pace.

Don't be nervous...

        Barbara chanted the phrase over and over in her head once she caught a glimpse of the bard gazing at her steadily. The idol shut her eyes close to keep her sight from any distraction. Inharmonious tunes were evident in some parts while the rest of the notes blended perfectly well. Barbara lowered the lyre as she finished. Venti gave a quick nod, seemingly figured what hindered her from playing smoothly.

"How was..it?" Barbara wasn't oblivious of her mistakes yet still, she scrunched her nose from thinking she did badly. The only response she received was a serene smile from the bard that she could barely even read.

Was he amused? Or was he disappointed? Or was he disappointedly amused? The longer he remained silent, the more baffling thoughts piled up in her head regarding what his expectations might be. Venti finally gave his response that the idol awaited.

"Well I'll return the question, what do you think of your performance?"

Eh?!

Her own lecturer wasn't helpful to clear any confusion and he did quite the contrary. She glared at Venti. He must be kidding. Otherwise, he was only fooling her to receive snacks and teach useless lessons in return.

"Go on now hehe don't give me that look. One might not find a bard as reliable as myself." He teased but his words speak of the truth. Venti has played the lyre and various instruments beyond what can be performed in a lifetime, eventually becoming the skillful bard that he is in the present. Barbara isn't new to his performances and is one in the public eye with his dexterous lyre playing. Maybe he was serious; but still, she deemed his question irrelevant.

"Uh..well. I don't know it's just-"

"I'm yet to learn such complex melodies which aren't complicated like yours so I believe it wasn't really good." What she thought of her own performance wasn't similar to his after all. He would describe her performance as slightly above average at best. The way Barbara told him what she could do last time made him set the expectations lower and to his surprise, it didn't reach the lowest possible.

It wasn't about the songs she could only play nor how she performed. Their difference in music styles is far from being the problem.

Perhaps she talks so harshly about herself. 

           Venti knew exactly what has to be fixed. Being an idol takes character and belief in oneself and the deaconess lacked the latter which is to be earned by working hard on a certain skill. It may be a surprise for a bard like him who relies on words more than he does with actions however he believes in her case that comforting words enough won't be of help,

And Venti was more than willing to let her reach a potential that will resolve her doubts in using the instrument.

"One last question...which style would you prefer to learn first? Capriccio, Serenade, Sonata, Scherzo-"

"All of it!"

Venti blinked twice before letting out a forced weak laugh. 

"It's okay if it would take a long time, I want to learn as many styles as I can." Barbara held both of her fists up, declaring her great will and hope. Teaching many styles would take longer than choosing only one but the bard simply agreed. It was a commitment he was ready to fulfill that would fill his stomach well. Alright, he heard her. Venti was amused at her determination despite the idea sounding way too overwhelming. Only, for now, she could be adorable.

"For today, I decided we'll go with Capriccio first however there's a minor problem on the way you hold the lyre." Venti stood and walked behind her from sitting on the grass. He calmly asked Barbara to return positioning herself the way she played the lyre earlier. The bard noticed she rests the lyre above her hips which in his judgment should be lower. The deaconess followed however she rested it way below her hips. It would be difficult to play with such an angle. Venti shook his head and giggled.

"Here, let me guide you."

His presence intimidated her for the first time. Barbara began to feel how much of a beginner she was. She anticipated the bard's instruction yet it was delayed. Venti hovered his hand over her hips. The idol could feel how close his hand was. Under his breath, he muttered the words short, mellow and clear;

"May I?"  Barbara was taken aback by his question, followed by the same scent all over again. Cecilia flowers.

            As an idol, she usually has fans prying into her personal space to be close to her as much as they can. She appreciates the love she receives from her admirers but of course, too much of anything could make her uncomfortable. On a side note, Albert was the first to come to mind whenever she thought of such moments since she had the most ones with him.

Well to put all his teases and stubborn antics, Venti treated her differently and was mindful of her own comfort somehow. The bard then proceeded to adjust her hips to slant slightly on her right to secure the lyre in place as she strummed. As for the deaconess, how grateful she was to the anemo archon he was behind her and wouldn't be able to see the pink hue across her face. She had lost count on her fingers on how many times the bard flustered her. And she hated it. Truly.

"I'd like to remind you that you should put greater pressure on your grip on the lyre to maintain it still with just one hand." Her heart thumped louder than before as Venti placed his hand above her right one and firmly pressed. She went along his ways and clutched the instrument tightly than before. The deaconess was easily embarrassed by anyone from the slightest. Mostly she was clueless about how to act in such situations, moreover unsure of how others will react as well.

Meanwhile, Venti guided her free hand towards the strings.

"Place your hands here, as for your other hand let your fingers strum with motions as light as the calm breeze..." His words began to grow faint in her ears.

At this point, she could barely hear his instructions over the sounds of her own heartbeat. Barbara immediately freed herself from being almost caged in his arms.

"Oh okay, I get it now..!" She answered frantically and played the lyre the way he told her to.

"Excellent! Let's proceed with the Cappricio first, shall we?" Venti considered the difficulty that comes ahead. All it really takes is practice and commitment. To achieve proficiency is a long way.

♪♪♪

               Barbara was a fast learner. They rested their backs against the huge tree. The bard finished every dish she brought throughout their first-day session.

"Last time you told me how you wanted to learn for the sake of your fans to enjoy, you sure do care for them much, don't you? Ah~ They sure are more than fortunate." Venti stretched his arms forward only to return his hands on his lap. The idol has heard of many compliments before and words yet still refuse to accept any credit.

"Everyone has their own desires to fulfill. I want to heal those who are hurt and put a smile on those who hear my music. I truly believe this is the purpose my Archon has bestowed upon me." She held her head high up to gaze at the burning tangerine evening sky.

"What makes you think of such?"

          Barbara hugged her knees close to her chest before resting her chin.

"To be honest, I still feel like I lack something. Although I try my best every day... I hope my efforts earn the trust of the people of Mondstadt the same way my sist- Acting Grandmaster Jean does." She contemplated and Venti nodded in return. He gestured Barbara to follow him on a small body of water not far from the tree. The bard pointed at a bird that happens to drink from the same pool of water with fishes swimming around.

"See that bird and fish over there? A bird should not compare its' skill to swim to that of a fish and the same goes for a fish to compare its' ability to stay mid-air to that of birds."

"But what if the fish wanted to be like the bird it looks up to? To be able to fly free, provide food, and more easily seen as it does so must be amazing." Albeit the bird being set as an example, she thought of her sister Jean as she questioned Venti from the perspective of the fish.

"To simply put it, their differences aren't the problem itself.; moreover, it is how the fish overlooks its own great ability to swim underwater that is impossible for birds. But it meant not that the one is better than the other. Rather, it shows that each has its strengths on its own."

Oh.

    Similarly, how she should not compare her own lyre playing skill to his and also what she could do for the people of Mondstadt like Jean. For Barbara, as if most of the worries clouding her mind cleared up which made her feel better.

"Maybe I am that fish." Barbara pointed at herself as she giggled which Venti went along with. The sun was setting and just like most good things are, their session for today has come to an end but not the last.

It was only the beginning.

"Thanks a lot for teaching me. If it weren't for your help, it would have been difficult. Hope we can keep this up in the future~!"

"Likewise. I'm glad to be of help, idol deaconess." He bowed his head gracefully. Barbara giggled at his formal gesture. It fits him better despite the act only was a play pretend. The sun setting behind him reminded her she had to leave. She began to pick up and clean the small containers.

"May I accompany you back to the city? I'll hold this for you." Venti took the basket from her hand before he could even start his question. Barbara pressed her lips together. She swore he did it on purpose so that she couldn't refuse now that he was already holding it. She hesitated at his suggestion until she hinted his tone was genuine. The two walked side by side, it was quiet and quite awkward as if they never talked back under the tree at Windrise. Once they crossed the city bridge, Barbara saw a shadow figure from behind the bushes. She could feel someone's gaze from afar which was the reason she suddenly felt uneasy.

From that moment she knew they really had to part ways and call it a day.

Chapter Text

    The idol stood before the crowd ready than she'll ever be. Venti had taught her multiple techniques that some were uniquely his own. Despite being busy on other church matters, Barbara practiced every single day to improve and had also learned that the bard likes apples as he mentioned once. Therefore, she had prepared apples and apple-flavored desserts to show her gratitude. 

         Master Diluc went through the city gates to visit Angel's Share in the morning and ignored the crowd that piled around the shining idol, assuming it was simply another singing of the deaconess in their town until his ruby eyes landed on the particular bard in which reminds him; he hasn't seen him in a while. It was too unusual in which he found it difficult to ignore. The winery owner headed to the tavern to confirm it wasn't some kind of hallucination but a miracle.

"Charles, have you notice anything strange lately? The bard seemed to lay off drinking recently." The bartender placed the wine glass he polished on the shelves upside down and carefully aligned it along with the other ones that were already wiped dry. He faced the red-haired gentleman, all calm and satisfied. His master finally brought up a matter that no one else in the tavern would care most about aside from himself. Charles would mention the bard and was mostly ignored while certain drunkards gave uninterested responses in return. Ever since then, he remained silent. It made sense to the bartender that no one cared enough since the tavern owner was the only sober in their establishment while the rest were too drunk to even acknowledge Venti's presence nor absence. 

"I don't know the reason why either, perhaps it's best to ask him personally?" Charles suggested although he was a bit unsure. Diluc shortly pondered on his idea. Close, well almost. Instead, he thought of using bait to make the bard do the talking. He requested Charles to bring out the bottles of dandelion wine.

For Venti to abruptly stopped his habitual drinking in Angel's share may mean only one. 

Could there be a threat to Mondstadt and their archon decided to take such matters into his own hands?

       Surely, he was occupied with doing other things he doesn't know of. Absence for a long period signifies their anemo archon was up to something possibly huge and had been going on a different place. Diluc felt uneasy yet remained on his calm composure to avoid any question from Charles. Venti's performance as payment was little to no problem for the rich owner, at least he wasn't somewhere on the shadows unlike lately, he knew completely nothing about his whereabouts. Ignorance is what he feared most than his own enemies. He'd rather face a fatui that he knows like the back of his hand rather than combat a mitachurl blindfolded, not knowing what element it could attack him with and how to counter it.

Charles landed two bottles of dandelion wine on the counter. Perfect. With a stern voice, he commanded his bartender;

"Do whatever it takes to get the bard here. You can use these wines and offer them for free as bait, but try not to act anything suspicious. For the interrogation part and the rest, leave it to me. I'll wait here until evening and once you do so...I'll give extra credit and your schedule will be cut to half tomorrow."  His gloved finger tapped the wine cork. Eventually, Diluc replaced him behind the counter. Charles opened his mouth and was surprised enough to ask why it mattered a lot especially since the bard wouldn't be even considered as a loss of profit. He stopped mid-sentence. He realized not to dare question his order and kept in mind that such request benefits him instead. The bartender had no complaints and began to act on his agenda. Outside the tavern, his eyes landed on the announcement board and a strategy came up in mind. 

Picking up a piece of chalk, he erased the old announcement written on the board and replaced it with a captivating promo that features the words: 'Free wine for bards' He stared at it for a while and scrapped the idea. It might attract other bards as well and not only Venti. Perhaps he had to be more specific.

'Free dandelion wine in celebration of the city of music: Only bards wearing green attire are qualified!" However, the bartender was still far from satisfied. It was still suspicious to have a specific color of attire to have free wine. Charles erased it for the second time and rewrote: 

'FREE DANDELION WINE'

     Come on in, only bards wearing a specific attire are qualified! The color theme for today: Green. Please visit to claim if you're a bard wearing anything green.'

  He scratched his head as he criticized his own work. Charles considered how Venti might be too lazy not to read the entire announcement if it was lengthy. He crossed his arms and was soon lost in his own sea of thoughts to raise the chances of capturing the target's attention more likely.

       Shortly, a qualified bard finally approached and snapped Charles back into reality. 

  "Like what it says here...I'm qualified I believe?" His eyes trailed upwards from staring blank on the floor. It was Six-fingered Jose, one of the bards in the city who wore a similar color to Venti. Surely, he wouldn't earn Master Diluc's approval if he went along and let him in. 

Out of desperation, Charles was able to think fast.

"Sorry, I'm afraid you're more than a bit late. A bard already claimed the rest of our leftover stock of Dandelion Wine."

"Is that so? How quick."

"Yes but don't worry, it won't be last. I'll tell you when the next batch comes."

            Six-fingered Jose let out a groan and left awhile to have extra mora from denizens. Relief washed over Charles once he was gone. A couple more approached the bartender throughout the morning until noon and used the same alibi to anyone who tries to qualify for their 'promo'.

Nonetheless, the bard was yet to show up in his sight. 

♪♪♪

   The tunes ceased as she lowered the lyre with grace and so did the loud cheers from the crowd. Barbara glanced at Venti whose among the crowd and winked.

The fans that were standing near Venti were stunned.

"Barbara winked at me!" The denizen cheered and received an unfriendly look from the fan next to him.

"You guys are blind, it's obvious it was for me."  Albert stood behind the bard with a confident smug on his face. To make anyone happy through the melodies she created. Venti kept the purpose she told him in mind and returned the smile. His smile was meant to acknowledge and let Barbara know she had already fulfilled it. Soon the harmonious melodies ceased as she finished, applauds rose from the fans surrounding the shining idol.

Barbara enjoyed playing as much as Venti watched her performed so.

          They were strangers within the city walls. Beyond is where one would consider their bond as close friends, at best. Specifically, it was Barbara who distances herself from Venti whenever he was around on purpose. The idol did her best to keep any rumors from spreading especially if she was seen going out with someone especially a boy around her age. She didn't want any unwanted assumptions to rise that will taint her newly found friendship.

At the least visited part of the city, Barbara told Venti she would head to their common meeting place once she finishes her church duties. She was cautious, not wanting to put him in an unpleasant situation because of her in any way. Every time they met on Windrise for her lyre practice although with Albert nowhere near, somehow she could still feel as if she was being followed or someone's gaze was always on her. Sometimes even Barbara questions herself for being in the wrong. He may have overstepped some boundaries;  finishing a task given to her by the church or giving her unexpected and exaggerated gifts even if she requested none. However, those feelings were too much of a contrast, to his supportive and thoughtful gesture. The deaconess simply dealt with it by simply avoiding or hiding from him instead. Barbara couldn't justify her discomfort around Albert, who was considerate and supportive of her.

 The sun was soon on its' peak and the cathedral bell rang. She was just in time to finish all of her church duties so she could attend her arranged lyre lesson with Venti.  Once Sister Victoria grants her permission to leave early, Barbara redid her loosened pigtails arranged her head accessory. She carried a small basket with all kinds of apple-flavored desserts for Venti and opened the cathedral door on her way out.  

A certain fan greeted her with sweat dripping down their contorted face due to pain. 

"B-Barbara I really need your healing right now." 

"Albert, your wound!" Barbara covered her mouth, she gasped as she looked down in horror. A puddle of blood seeped through his shirt on Albert's stomach. Never in her whole experience of healing has she ever seen such amount of blood from a patient. Albert held her wrist using the same hand he gripped his aching body with, eventually leaving traces of his blood on her porcelain skin. 

"Yeah, it looks deep I know. It hurts so bad! So will you please help me?" He pleaded.

Venti wouldn't mind waiting for a bit, she hoped. Barbara pulled away leaving blood from his hand smear on the side of her white dress. The deaconess guided Albert to sit on one of the pews and immediately dropped her tiny basket on the floor to get some healing supplies. It wasn't the first time he saw her carrying the same basket. 

       Restricted from crouching down due to his aching injury, he lowered his body from the seat. He groaned in pain the more he moved yet he paid no heed. Albert held his foot up from the floor a bit, letting the tip of his boot lift the cover.  There were neatly packed foods and some apples.

 No way would Albert ever forgive himself for interrupting her lunch. He only wanted to keep her from leaving and he thought how bad it would be for her if she skipped a meal. The fan unlifted the cover of the basket by letting gravity do its' work as he shifted his position upon hearing steps.

"Phew. I'm back now. Please tell me where it hurts." Barbara sat next to him and prepared bandages. Before the actual treatment, she had to clean the wound first. Albert lifted his shirt revealing the deep wound he acquired. The deaconess tensed from how painful it must have been. 

"Calm down now." She exhaled, her words were to serve as an assurance for her injured fan yet it was half meant for herself.

"Now you're here I'm not scared. Not anymore." Albert winced once she began to clean the skin around his cut. Treating his wounds was a long process. Barbara glanced at the basket with a glint of worry. She almost forgot that Venti might still be waiting.

Albert faked a cough. 

"Ahh...I'm starting to feel kinda hungry."  He would find ways to make her resume her 'lunch' again and if even better, hopefully, she would share some with him so they could eat together. Barbara thought he had been treating him for a long while now and offered a single slice of apple pie from the basket. Of course, Albert refused to eat alone and told Barbara he will only begin eating unless she does so as well.

        The way he was treated well and cared for a lot by his idol was a dream come true alone. Whenever on times he was in need of healing, Barbara was always there for him. Such memories flooded in, he assumed the possibility that Barbara might've felt mutual wasn't as slight as he thought after all. She may have always declined his offer to go out with him a lot but Albert kept in mind that she's only always busy.

The fan was confident he will confess to her soon enough.

♪♪♪

It had been hours since the church bell rang.

             A rock bounced off the lake and was far enough to cross and land on the ground. It was by far the farthest he had thrown so far. Venti clapped his hand and cheered only to realize he was alone by himself. The bard pouted after his smile wore off.  

Did Barbara forget they were supposed to meet? 

      Venti fumbled on the ground for more stones to throw out of boredom. The closest ones to him were already far. If the deaconess truly has forgotten, then he can finally drink in secrecy. Barbara has been strict about his drinking habits lately. Strictly too much from his liking.

The freedom to be in the tavern tasted more delightful on his lips, better than how the wine would taste after a long while as he imagined. Once he entered the city, Venti sneaked into the tavern and dodged commonly walked-over paths for anyone that heads to the cathedral. 

Although a slight part of him was curious if he were to come across the deaconess. She will scold him, that's for sure. Charles placed his elbows on his knees as he put his hands together. He lowered his head, mindlessly staring at the pavement through the gap between his legs. The bartender could feel himself giving up. Many bards have already passed him by, but never the particular one he was looking for.  

"Ohoy, hey there Charles."

He shot his head up.

"How many times-" Charles widened his eyes at the sight. Venti waved and gestured at the board indicating the place will be giving away a free bottle of dandelion wine to any bards wearing any green attire. 

"Ahah- yes exactly, please claim the prize." He told Venti, unaware of the suspicion he caused from one of the bards that also wore green, and have already approached him to attain the freebie that has yet to leave the tavern since earlier.

"Hey! How about me? You said there were no more available bottles left!"

 "The prize is waiting bard." Charles gripped Venti's shoulders and hurriedly shoved him inside the tavern. The bartender defended the situation by telling him there was a mistake in the bottle count and smiled sheepishly.

   Venti pulled a smug look on Master Diluc. From what he had pieced together, it was no coincidence the qualification requires a bard wearing green. Apparently, the redhead was clueless as to why his gaze tells him he knew it was all on purpose. 

"Looks like someone missed me, eh?" Venti approached Diluc by the counter.

'What did I say about being obvious Charles.' He scolded the bartender in mind. No wonder Charles didn't accompany Venti and stayed outside the tavern. 'Well, that explains everything.' Master Diluc scoffed.

"Now I'm here--ehem the prize?"

"Since you already noticed, let me say it out loud. It was all just bait."

"Bait or whatnot...still, you got the outcome you wanted. Now, let's make a fair deal Master Diluc. You receive yours then shall I receive mine." He was nearly about to agree until Venti confidently approached, about to snatch the dandelion wine away. Diluc gripped the neck of the bottle and slid it to the side somewhere out of his reach before the bard could even touch it. 

His main objective was yet done.

"Alright bard. Before I allow anything, I have one more condition. Just answer my question truthfully." His voice grew deep and serious. Venti opened his mouth to speak until the sound of the door creaking abrupted both of them. 

Barbara gently closed the door and turned just on time the bard hopped over the counter and hid.

"Uhm Master Diluc...? Would you mind if I bother you for a moment?" Venti covered his mouth as her footsteps grew closer from where he hid. Diluc nodded and she continued to speak.

"Have you seen Venti? or at least if he had been here in the tavern today?" Barbara reworded her question after looking around and saw no signs of him. The owner felt someone tugging on his coat. Looking down, Venti was shaking his head and mouthed the word "Windrise". Considering how desperate the bard looked, Diluc went along. Now it only added more to his list of things he found questionable.

"At Windrise I think...why are you looking for the bard?" Barbara was taken aback when he asked. Not only by the question alone, she doubted his response since she rushed from Windrise to Angel's Share thinking Venti might've gone for a drink but somehow Diluc lying was unlikely of him. 

"I-I only have something to ask Venti, but thanks Master Diluc!" To dodge further questions, Barbara fled the tavern with guilt. She thought of the possibility that Venti might've gone for a walk if he wasn't at the tavern and hoped he might return to their meeting place again right after. The deaconess swore she would make it up to him. 

  Meanwhile Venti caught himself in a dilemma. He was not letting go of the dandelion wine and neither was Diluc whose gripping the other end. 

"You still haven't answered my question bard. Where have you been these past few days?"

"Ehe Master Diluc you see..." Diluc narrowed his ruby eyes at the bard as he anticipated the answer. Neither of them was letting go of the bottle. Venti briefly explained how strict the deaconess regarding his not-so-good hobbies. He should be at Windrise before Barbara could arrive by the huge tree.

"How come a deaconess from the Favonius church alone has put an end to your persistent drinking habits?" He said, pulling the bottle closer. As if he's buying any of his stories. Venti heaved up a sigh. It was already the truth. What else does the owner want him to say?

"I feared the Mondstadt was in absolute danger when you haven't visited lately. Who knows what would happen to you especially almost none in Mondstadt would care to notice aside from the Acting Grandmaster for your disappearance as the usual bard in disguise."

Oh. So it was the kind of truth he wanted.

"I am beyond touched Master Diluc. What I've said was partly the truth, I've been helping Acting Grandmaster Jean recently." Venti continued to blabber on his made-up story. 

"Although Acting Grandmaster Jean might still need a bit of a hand regarding those fatui threats since the traveler is currently away."

 Diluc loosened his grip and placed the same hand to his forehead. Soon as he let go, Venti pulled the wine and ran outside. He still wasn't fully convinced but he saw it fit to let the bard leave. Perhaps, he would just await the time Venti would tell him the truth.

His mind was drifting away once more. 

     Barbara was finally a few steps away from the huge tree. She frowned upon realizing he left and never returned the spot. She paused, a pair of familiar shoes was in the way of her path. The deaconess gently raised her head. Her sapphire eyes met turquoise ones. Sparks appeared in her eyes upon seeing Venti however it dulled down just as soon she saw him smile. She couldn't even speak. Too guilty she made him wait for the entire afternoon yet Venti still showed up with a gentle smile. 

"I owe you a big apology Venti..." Barbara also came empty-handed. Albert also ate everything she prepared today for him. It might only spell trouble if she mentions Albert to Venti or the other way round thus keeping the two out of each other's way as possible as she could.

"There was an emergency and I simply had to be there." Barbara looked down at her empty hands which Venti interpreted. He assured the deaconess and told her he didn't mind at all. More so, he was concerned about the dried bloodstains on her dress. Barbara grabbed his wrist before a question would come out. 

"Forget about anything today, I'll bring you to the Cat's Tail Tavern!"  

Cat's Tail Tavern. Cats. At the thought of the place alone, the poor bard already had urges to sneeze non-stop.

Venti realized an impending predicament was upon him.

Chapter Text

       It was no surprise to see a lengthy queue of locals extending outside the Cat Tails Tavern. A place where unique drinks were best enjoyed while playing with felines. Barbara's patience was immeasurable if were to compare to the finite line of customers. The idol let go of his hand once they reached their shortly walked destination before the public's gaze could befall them. Ever since they had left Windrise, Venti fell unusually silent. He rehearsed different excuses in his head, anything that will pave a way for an escape from the pending disaster. He glued his feet to the ground once the tavern was near, his breathing became heavy. Asking a nun once for permission to borrow the holy lyre was a piece of cake, making an alibi to Angel's Share winery owner wasn't so complicated yet he stuttered from speaking of truth which will certainly withdraw him from the situation.

Venti clung to his hopes that Barbara understands he was allergic to cats.

"Barbara...I-" Moments before his finger reaches her back, the rest of what he wanted to say died down on his lips.

Perhaps telling the truth wasn't the most difficult part, rather calling it a day was.

"Are you excited? I sure am!" The idol faced the bard grinning from ear to ear, her azure eyes reflected the clearest serene skies.

That smile.

Her smile.

Anything just to preserve it; he finds himself willing to do a little sacrifice. Without any complaints, Venti accompanied Barbara towards the line.

"..So, what drink are we about to try?" Alas, his enthusiastic voice returned. A colorful non-alcoholic drink has been widely talked about by anyone who visited Cat's Tail whether be it for the cats or beverages they were after. A drink becoming popular in their small city lately alone proves it will be worth the wait.

"I would like to try it with you if you don't mind?" It contains not even the slightest drop of alcohol and even so, Barbara was still mindful of his own preference. Venti was fine with anything as long it wasn't anything spicy like her specialty. It earned a chuckle from the deaconess.

"I'd be more than glad to, of course. I've heard plenty of commendations regarding Cat's Tail Tavern. That being said, what kind of drink are we trying again?" She could only describe its appearance at best, even the flavor was difficult to distinguish through customers' cups. It was a magical drink that switches colors once blended. Speaking of which, she forgot what the drink was called. She lightly tapped the shoulder of the lady waiting patiently in line standing before them.

The lady turned, striking Barbara with familiarity.

"Oh, Barbara it's you! Do you need something?" Distant from her usual surly approach, Helen was upbeat and accommodating. The lady bard acted differently from when she last saw her however everything remains the same and the idol didn't let it change the way she saw Helen for even a bit. She wronged her friends. End of discussion.

"Nevermind." Barbara looked up and down in return before she could ask another person ahead in line. Helen intercepted her way and grabbed her hand which took her by surprise.

"You see Barbara...whatever it was in the past, forget it. I really am sorry for what I did." The lady bard spoke for forgiveness yet in contrast to her soft tone, it was clearly audible enough to draw some attention. Due to the increasing attention that was gathering around them, the more she grew conscious. Barbara briefly glanced left and right at the heads turned in their direction before returning her eyes to Helen. 

 "I know apologizing for what I did isn't enough but-"

"I'll think about it." Barbara looked elsewhere, eyes with a glint of disdain and lack of comfort from the situation she was tossed into. She may easily forgive but forgetting what she did to her friends would be a different story.

"I understand. But someday I really really promise I'll make it up to you." Helen intentionally squeezed her hand. She pulled away once done and Barbara closed her hand into a fist to secure what she received. Her steps halted beside the idol and muttered under her breath. A silent gasp had escaped Barbara. She least expected her to come that close.

"But until then...please don't tell anyone." Her voice was low, sounding that of a threat.

She couldn't look down at her hand to check what exactly Helen gave. Not in front of Venti at least.

"Barbara?" Her thoughts drowned the noises around her.

Somewhat the lady bard having such in ready simply means she was expecting to see her. If she truly wants redemption, it would have been more ideal if Helen at least tried visiting her in the cathedral? No one in their city is ignorant enough that a deaconess such as herself spends most of their time at church.

"Hey Barbara..." Considering the Cat Tail's Tavern serves popular drinks, it was likely a coincidence they were on the same place. It bothered Barbara how she predicted their whereabouts unless she heard their conversation back under the huge tree in Windrise. Therefore her accusations at Albert would be proven...

"..Is something the matter? Are you alright?" She was close to reaching a certain conclusion out of all the clues until Venti's gentle voice snapped her out of her reverie. Barbara eventually returned to her calm self and nodded. Her response relieved Venti whose now pulling a smug look.

"I'm quite impressed...although it reminds me too of the days on how you acted while the holy lyre del Himmel was still in its' vulnerable state which I'm also grateful it's already nothing more than a memory." Barbara brushed off his teasing. It's nothing when it comes to defending anyone close to her...heart.

'Yes, any of my friends are close to my heart, and oh, don't forget lord Barbatos.' Thinking her thoughts might be transparent because of her unmatched expression to their current situation, the idol  shook her head and questioned how unsure she sounds in her head. Why is that so?

Am I overthinking it?

      In the opposing tavern Angel's Share, the red-haired gentleman stared into the distance. Diluc had been pondering about several conclusions regarding the statements Venti had told him. He mostly perceives them as nothing more than an alibi to fled the tavern however a slight chance they weren't lies was still as bothersome if it was actually proven to be true. Stating the obvious, he hoped not.

  His intuition tells him to take the matter on his own. As the thought was gradually slipping away, the Acting Grandmaster suddenly appeared in his mind. The last time Diluc saw Jean was at the surprise party they prepared for her if not counting the ones they crossed paths in the city several times on their way to work or walked past each other without a single word exchanged if not, awkward hellos and smiles.

Jean being resilient and independent, sorts almost everything that runs the entire city while the rest were given to the other supporting knights. Speaking of knights of Favonius, such quality of the Acting Grandmaster makes it likely she won't easily disclose such matters to the other knights if a plan already involves an archon. Similarly, they were the only ones that accompanied Venti to the Stormterror's Lair regarding the Dvalin Incident. His mind refused to believe something as trivial as teaching an idol from Favonius church who clearly knows how to play lyre be of worth to ignore a habit that has been going on for only the archon himself knows how many moons ago he had been doing it. Additionally, keeping Venti away from drinking was too impossible even for him, especially since being the tavern owner alone will only remind him of alcohol. There must be more to it than it seems. If Mondstadt is at stake, so is Jean's safety if she continues to face the problem alone. He cleared his throat, contradicting his worries about her safety. Diluc tried to suppress those thoughts. Focus.
      His ulterior motive was to help Jean to sort the Fatui threat for Mondstadt as well and to confirm if the danger Venti imposed was true or not. His trail of thoughts leads him to the doorstep of Acting Grandmaster Jean's office without realizing he already arrived. Coming from a well-known clan, even the knights by the door were intimidated, the knight next to the door was also on a brink of sleep. Diluc heaved a sigh. Knights of Favonius, always inefficient as ever.

     Behind the door was his childhood friend before becoming the Acting Grandmaster he knows in the present. She was still the same person in memory, kind-hearted and responsible. The same person yet feels more distant. His hand was about to turn the knob until he changed his mind. He should have turned his back now. No time for chitchats to oneself, the city might be in possible danger. No one would do the job to collect information aside from himself or else words would spread like fire on grass. Succumbing to his regrets by leaving the headquarters without showing himself only proves he went to the headquarters because his motivation is mainly driven by Jean's dangerous situation. Diluc shook his head. It's nothing like that. Worrying for the Acting Grandmaster would be natural to anyone who truly cares about Mondstadt, just like how everyone else residing in the city would. Right. Diluc's grip on the knob to her office loosened.

Enemies made him feel stronger yet around her he felt...

        Before he could let such thoughts take over, Diluc opened the door much wider than he intended. Jean was startled at her seat, she lost grasp on the papers which flew from her table and scattered on the floor. Not only it was an unspoken rule to anyone who comes into her office must give her door a soft knock, but such a gesture was also common courtesy. The two were frozen for a second and we're still yet to process what happened. Diluc wanted to scold himself even more so badly, he was aware of basic proper manners however his mind was too occupied. Although it was nothing evident on his face and managed to maintain a stern and composed look.

"Apologies for my manners. I should have...knocked." Jean sliced through the protruding silence between them by clearing her throat. She remained her gaze at him as she unconsciously placed one hand on her chest. No matter what, the awkward feeling was immovable.

"What brings you here Master Diluc?"

     Master Diluc. Given she was being formal, honorifics reminded him of their bond from when they were younger was truly long gone. He stepped forward before completely closing the door shut behind him. It was necessary to keep any knights in the establishment from hearing their conversation. Jean began reaching for the papers on the floor around her table. Diluc saw her struggling to slouch down with the little space left for her legs under the desk. As much as Jean wanted to stand, she feared the stacked paper might get disturbed once she uses the table as leverage to push herself away. If he were to wait for Jean's pleas for help, he would end up waiting for an eternity. Diluc acted on his own and picked it up, his gloved hand brushed against Jean's hand. His skin may have been beneath a glove yet still an unexplainable ignition within. Their gazes met. It was striking. Like fuel poured on a small lit fire.

      Jean blinked twice and gave a soft chuckle in order to make it less awkward, again.

"Oh...uh yes I got it now, thank you Master Diluc." His ruby eyes skimmed through the entire paper briefly before Jean could pull away. He swallowed upon seeing irrelevant contents regarding a 'fatui threat'. But in fact, they weren't the only papers on her desk so there was still hope that his visit wasn't in vain. To clear assumptions quickly as possible, Diluc told her everything the bard told him. Jean listened thoroughly and finally gave the confirmation he wanted. Jean clarified, she rarely meets the bard ever since their surprise part and the threat was false. He should've stayed in the tavern and listened to his own intuition. Diluc would notice if it was merely an attempt to cover or hide a certain matter. Neither. How could he tell? He simply just knows. He dropped the subject, it was humiliating to let the bard trick him and worse told the Acting Grandmaster about it. He's never the gullible person only this time he was. Considering an actual god tricked him into believing rather than just a random commoner, it made it less mortifying.

"That bard." He scoffed before leaving until a voice cuts him off.

Eternity came to an abrupt stop.

 "But since you're already here...I do need a bit of your help. It may not be a fatui threat of some sort but I may have inquiries related to your businesses but no worries there's nothing major..." The surprised gentleman returned to her table, willing to cooperate. It might take a while for them to finish but there is this one thing Diluc was sure of.

Oh boy.

The bard owes him in many ways that cannot be paid with mora.

 ♪♪♪    

Venti could barely hold it in anymore.

Once they had set foot inside the establishment, his nose grew more irresistible to itch each inhalation.

"Achoo!" Sneezes and sniffs echoed in the Cat Tail's Tavern which disturbed other customers that were waiting in line. The sensation has gotten worse the longer they stayed close to the cats on the counter. Barbara nervously hurried to finish chanting her orders to the bartender, glancing at Venti to check on his state. She opened her mouth, about to ask Venti about his condition until the feline bartender slammed a hand on the counter.

"Ehem..continue with your order please." Diona hissed by the end of her sentence. Chitchats while being in line was an ick for her especially customers are waiting for their turn. A single drop of sweat rolled down her forehead once the idol saw her small yet sharp claws digging to the wood. After a few shakes, tossing here and there, the bartender with cat-like features finished preparing the drinks they ordered. Her occupied hands stopped from reaching Barbara's anticipating ones.

"Wait....I smell something strange." Diona sniffed the air and was slowly drawn to Venti's direction. She stepped on the chair to kneel on the counter to smell somewhere around him. Venti leaned back as her face leaned closer to his menacingly. He's dead.

"I don't like your scent." She narrowed her eyes at the bard. It was faint however her nose never fails to detect even the slightest bit of alcohol. Diona loathes alcohol more than anything in Teyvat. If only her father would stop drinking, she would be finally more than content that he will spend more time with her. Venti sneezed once more. Her cat scent filled his lungs.

"So do I." The bard crossed his arms, mocking her tone. Barbara waved her hands to snap the two out of their deadly gazes despite being clueless as to why they despised each other's scent. She sniffed the air. All she could smell were various mixture of drinks and the adorable felines. It wasn't of any help at all. Venti wanted to provoke the already annoyed bartender however Diona might snoop about that he did, in fact, came from Angel's Share Tavern in front of Barbara by his scent alone. He won't back down on some pesky cat bartender but he was lucky enough she didn't mention the word alcohol or else the deaconess would scold him. "That's enough hehe let's go now." Barbara snatched the drinks from her hand and gently poked Venti with the back of her hand until they reached the door. His narrowed glare never left the cat bartender while Diona hissed in return. Finally outside the suffocating establishment, Venti took one deep breath after holding it almost entirely. A single random shred of cat fur that adhered on his sleeves got caught under his nostrils. Venti sneezed again and began to wipe his sniffles using the back of his hand.

"No, no that won't do!" Barbara took out a piece of white fabric. His hand barely reached and another sneeze was coming up already. Barbara immediately gently pressed it to cover his nose and lips. "Oh huh mmm..thanks!" Venti used her handkerchief, which sweet scent he very much appreciate than that of a cat. Barbara reached for his forehead and slid her hand under his bangs.

"You could've told me you weren't feeling well Venti." She slightly frowned, dissolving the smile Venti tried to preserve in the first place. His temperature was normal however and it sunk in. Barbara widened her eyes and as if Venti could read through her expressions, he said their synced thoughts out loud. "To clarify, I am allergic to cats indeed." Barbara looked down her tensed shoulders lowered as she exhaled. If only she knew he was allergic to felines, she would've brought Venti to a different place. The bard took one sip without saying anything, the corner of his lips turning to an upward curve. The drink was worth all the time and patience they've spent in line. Barbara sensed his delight and took a sip on her own. She was glad their visit to the Cat's Tail tavern was not as disappointing as she thought. Next time, she would fetch the drinks for Venti instead once they decided to come back for more. Her smile slowly faded as she could feel someone's gaze on them. Again. Barbara was caught at the moment, almost forgetting they shouldn't have stayed somewhere in the city out in the open. It's best they stray away far from the city as possible while finishing their drink. Windrise won't be a viable option since anyone can easily follow. Well not anyone, only Albert who's been possibly following her. Barbara looked around yet only empty space was in sight.

"Well, I know a place...how about Starsnatch Cliff?" Venti could discern discomfort from the idol and suggested they should go somewhere solemn. Barbara was delighted at first until she realized it was almost night time. Anything far would be out of the option. To Venti however his idea had no limits.

"Barbara do you trust me?" Why did he asked all of a sudden? "Uhh?" "I'll repeat...do you trust me?" He leaned close to the deaconess. Barbara swallowed her drink and nodded looking the other way.

"Good." Venti glanced sideways if anyone could see them before pulling her hips close to his. "WHA-?" He tapped his shoe on the ground that lit bright blue green. A sudden burst of anemo energy lifted them up in the air. Her heart skipped a beat as she shut her eyes close.

"Lord Barbatos allow me to live another day, I'll atone for my sins for the rest of my lifee!" Barbara screamed, chanting the anemo archon's name here and there as she tightened her grip on Venti's clothes. They landed safely on the roof yet the bard did a little prank on Barbara whose eyes remained shut. He did not drop her off yet, keeping her foot from touching the roof slate and allowed cold gust of wind that gives the same feeling as they were still suspended in the air. She was still screaming and squirming against him. Venti failed to contain his laughter. Barbara eventually fluttered her eyelids open, manipulated winds around her dissipated as she did. Fear immediately replaced with rage. The idol pushed Venti away using all the strength she can and rolled her eyes at him. She walked away, forgetting they were standing on top of a roof. Her other foot already hovered beyond the edge before she knew it.

"Ah--Lord Barbatos!" Barbara desperately called, eyes shot wide. She was already losing balance and the favor was not in her hands. For that moment, everything felt surreal. Fear washed over her trembling body once more; life flashed before her. It happened all too fast that her mind went completely blank.

As if the anemo archon she desperately called came to aid her pleas, a hand pulled her in towards safety. Barbara's weight fell on top of the bard. Warmth. Venti slowly looked down with a surprised look, her face was buried deep to his chest. The bard felt a slight tug on his chest at the sight.

"Shh..shh I'm here." He gently caressed her back. Barbara looked up at Venti with furrowed brows. She opened her mouth to scold him, only for a choked sob to come out. Once she could feel tears forming in the corner of her eyes, again she buried her face on him. As much as how embarrassing it may look, it mattered to Barbara most that no one will see her cry.

"D-don't do that again!" Her hands were cold. They rested on one of the rooftops and gazed at the bright moon among the starry night sky. She forbids herself to be sad beyond five seconds or so. Barbara sat up with a forced grin. 

"The stars look pretty don't you think." The stars that shone above them truly distracted her and soon her panic subsided. Her cheeks glistened under the starlight. 

Venti finds himself lost not in the starry sky but at the idol next to him. He wiped her tears. The stars were nothing new in his eyes in fact it has been the same sky he'd witness in millennia and counting. 

"By the way Venti I have been meaning to tell you something. I hope you don't get mad at me." She toned down her voice which immediately caught the bard's attention. "Go ahead." Venti cleared his throat.

"Don't get me wrong but...I wasn't completely honest when I told you I was extremely bad with lyres." She bit her lip before continuing; "I know it's bad to lie...although I admit playing the lyre the way you do is something I admire and the ones you're good at are completely different than mine."

"I see. So no, lyre lessons from now on then?" His face softened and somehow he felt melancholy for a short while. Venti tilted his head to the sight in the slightest.

He could have a drink this day onwards, decades, and centuries even as long as he lived. But somehow her dishes won't stay around to tickle his taste buds longer than that of dandelion wine. . He shook off his head finding such realization strangely occurring in his mind and replaced his frown with a forced smile before turning to Barbara.

"I may have done it to simply distract you from doing bad things...like that, you always do in the tavern and I'm surprised where it leads us both. You improved, and oh I did too with how you taught me but I did all of it for your own benefit and not mine." In other words, she cares about people the way he looked upon Mondstadt in its time of predicament.

   Venti couldn't deny he felt it from her. In fact, he didn't need a word to know. She was beyond sincere and has a strong will to help him become a better person. He chuckled to himself, even if he doesn't count as a mortal and drinking don't necessarily have long-term bad effects on him, it's the thought itself was all true from Barbara. 

In her eyes, he found a reason that clouded his sight from seeking his painful past. The wind shifted and began to flow the opposite direction. Future is where everything will be uncertain except loss. The loss he feared before was already a long gone past before he knew it.  

He brushed such thoughts away, eventually replacing his frown with a forced smile before turning to Barbara.

When will he ever learn it would be best not to share deep bonds with any mortals?

Perhaps, his life has to come to an end first for such to happen. He chuckled to himself.

"Also, I heard from the sisters that there will be future activities reserved for us in the church in the near future which sort of requires my full attention but don't worry I may be busy but I'll still try to see you sometime." A part of him was glad tonight won’t be the last.

Venti glanced at the Cecilia flower on his lyre which he had plucked. He carefully tucked the delicate white flower behind her ear which perfectly complemented her soft blonde hair. Barbara was taken aback at first but upon realizing his sweet gesture, heat climbed up her cheeks.

The sight of Cecilia flower gave him an idea.

The days he spent with Barbara were beautiful in fact, he wanted to preserve such memories in a form of a present. 

Chapter Text

A free but lonely soul lamenting at the loss of an old friend, a sight no stranger to viciousness.

Enchanting tunes from fingers that played various instruments alluring those nearby, and the same fingers which precisely aimed arrows at enemies.

The severe winds blasted the mountains into plains, allowing inhabitants to live.

At the depths of his tender heart, the Anemo Archon crafted a lovely lyre by hand. 

Mondstadt became molded to perfection by the same strong yet delicate hands.

        Venti took a part that of an oak tree and carved it anew. Strings that best fit her gentle, caring touches. Curves mimicking the calming waves of her captivating voice. A sturdy wood without a need for anything to rely on, a flat base that can stand on its own was inspired by her resilience. The bard painted it white showing purity, outlines of gold, matching her optimistic being. 

Venti began to carve symbols regarding memories they share until in the present.

       Peaceful water drops tell her more than once attempts to heal his hurt, wines and musical notes for such entertainments that drew them closer, tiny stars, and among them was a single star that shone brightest, one his eyes ever laid upon that night. Nothing alike to the appearance of the common lyres seen at the bards playing in some alleys resembling her music that stands new to ears. Such an act preaches freedom to form any music to express oneself without restraints from the values the past holds; it was no harm as every bard in their city still adheres to their city traditions reliving the tunes of the past while there a shining idol with a brave heart persisted to pursue her dreams despite the odds. 

     But if it were to completely alter sometime in the future, Mondstadt would remain the city of wine and music which bounds the city together as long as the story that occurred in the past shall never cease. Credits should be given where credits belong, even the anemo archon knew the importance of commemorating those who fought despite shackles. Even a musician with humble opinions of their own work must have their names known by anyone who came to listen. Most importantly, the modest idol sustains being a devout follower who never forgot to express gratitude to the four winds despite composing new music of her own.

The night before, he picked the freshest beautiful Cecilia flowers from Starsnatch Cliff.  Within a piece of wood were memories preserved in carvings. 

Tiny details yet it told tales. Their tale. Musical notes, rehearsals, a lyre, bottle of wine, were simply one of the few. Venti wished to perform alongside Barbara one more time.

Every being deserves a name to be called upon and woven into a song. 

                In his endless lifetime, he met another great friend he could find. Venti desired to give Barbara all he could no longer provide to his old friends. For farewells to be sweet and actions that he may regret not doing has to be done.  Venti lifted the lyre he crafted in the air. It lacked carvings on the other side, reserved for the tales yet to be written. Venti eventually would return to his drinking habits. Today would be the last to make Barbara happy to show her hard work truly harvested results. He placed the free dandelion wine he was hiding somewhere in one of the huge trees in Windrise's thick branches and used a vine to tie it up. A bit more patience and he will finally be able to drink alone once he handed his handmade present to the deaconess. 

A lyre untouched by time.

Venti expected it least their paces would meet at the bridge.

As if their mind and heart were one. 

The bard grinned reflecting the smile and passion she has until his eyes landed on her hands full of bruises and dress filthy from dirt. His smile dropped.

"Barbara-" Venti reached out her hand in concern only to have the present he fully dedicated to her went to nothingness when the shining star in mind, dulled the same sparks she inspired in his eyes. Her cold gaze at him. Lifeless and vacant. Far from the star he pictured in mind while crafting the beautiful lyre for her. Overwhelming emotions blinded her from noticing it was nothing identical to the lyre he owns. 

"Tell me the truth Venti." Her voice was monotonous, shattering a part of him as if Celestia came crashing from above.

♪♪♪

Albert refused to believe his own eyes.

Hurting himself would serve no longer purpose onwards, he hoped. The idol sent an invitation to spend time with him. 

"Please see me at noontime. I advise you bring some gifts."

- Barbara☆

Albert repeatedly placed kisses on the letter.

         The fan celebrated, finally able to approach Barbara. He once jumped off a tree, burn his skin, use a dagger to cut deep more than once and some acts were more drastic than the others. The fan endured pain through such lengths, seeing her alone outweighs the suffering he had been through. Albert came prepared for the moment so long. He ordered a bush of roses expensively crafted by Flower Whisper. A young kid owns the shop, too young to be tasked to pile a bush of roses towering over her and trim them off in the shape of the idol's first letter. Flora was a young florist and her service limits to decorating flowers in a beautiful bouquet, and taking care of different types of plants but with Albert's stubborn persistence, he eventually succeed in convincing the young vendor into doing so.

He plans to confess his feelings somewhere soon until receiving a letter from Barbara indicates things were going smoothly and in good places. At least, for Albert.  

Imagining the admirable idol confessing first before he could declare his true feelings, crystal flies flew around him. Flora has to make the flower perfect and finish on time; the crazy fan threatened. If not, she would have to refund the huge sum of mora he paid and take all the roses for free no matter how it looked and spread bad reviews around their shop. Meanwhile, the fan wore a formal suit and pushed his hair back. A good change in appearance always works as they say. Albert hid his dagger beneath his sleeves, he no longer need to harm himself to gain the attention he always crave from her.

White roses creating a letter 'B' pattern, embedded among crimson ones that filled the spaces. 

The florist did her best to comply so Albert will finally leave her in peace. 

          Once the permission to leave early by Sister Victoria was granted, Barbara hid a piece of paper inside the book she always brings around. She shut the heavy door close and spun her heel only to be greeted by roses in a form of the letter 'B' an inch close to her face. The fan lowered the roses to view her pretty face. He expected an awed and touched reaction from Barbara, he instead received a surprised look from her. The idol held her hand up in defense and soon relaxed her tensed shoulders upon seeing it was only Albert behind the bouquet.

"Phew, it is just you Albert. Do you need something?" The deaconess asked, her tone was neutral. No compliments, no enthusiasm, no sign of appreciation at all. His face turned sour in an instant. Did she drop the letter at his foot by mistake?  

"Are you not happy to see me?"

"Of course I am, but seeing me was mostly because you get hurt and of course I don't want anyone to get injuries. How are the wounds I healed? Did you come for my healing?" Her eyes scanned him, oblivious of the suit he wore. Albert pulled away shaking his head. Albert got the impression the person she wanted to see was not him.

"Then the letter...it was not meant for me but someone else!?" Albert raised his tone at Barbara who was clueless at everything he said.

"Albert I-I don't understand what you're saying..." She nervously chuckled, unconsciously playing with her fingers. He wore a suit, holding a bunch of roses at hand. Albert scratched the back of his head in frustration. The idol has been always naive.

The fan went down on his knees.

"I like you- ah no like is such a weak word... Barbara, you're my healing. Let me get this one thing clear. Treat these flowers as you will treat my love for you. Did you like it? Do you love it?" His mood switched back to endearing the idol. Albert stepped in almost closing the distance between them, forcing the bouquet of crimson roses onto her. As if being any closer would be of any help to see them in the most beautiful angle as possible.

"They're lovely but Albert please know this is a little too much...!" Barbara scratched the side of her hair.

His love is too much.

The cathedral bell intercepted the words about to escape him. The idol looked up at the bell tower, reminded of their agreement.

"I am sorry Albert, although I appreciate your gift--although I'm afraid I am quite in a hurry. See you around!" Albert suspected Barbara definitely has to go somewhere and possibly meet someone upon seeing her leave in a rush. She left Albert with the roses and a broken heart.

Albert loosened his grip on the flowers, letting them drop to the ground. His blonde bangs covering his eyes failed to shy away a single tear sliding down his cheek for the world to see. The idol he knows would accept and love his gift. Smile at him in return no matter what it was. He couldn't pinpoint what has changed but definitely, something or someone was making her act this way. 

Does she prefer different flowers?  Was the amount not enough? 

Albert gripped the side of his head, hurting himself by repeatedly pulling his hair. His head ached from thinking of many possibilities he could have done to make her happy. The fan kicked the roses to the side, palms rubbing and slapping his face in a way to punish himself.

The letter possibly could have been written for someone else other than him. The stained sunflower dress she wore at the concert clung to her other forearm.

Was she dressing for someone?

Snapping him from being in a trance, Albert felt a light tap from behind his slouching back.

 ♪♪♪

           Barbara lost count on how long she had since waited. She crumpled the piece of paper she received from Helen. The letter indicated a setting for a talk. A proper apology to her friends, Noelle and Bennett, and for Helen to restore the once neat beautiful dress would be enough for forgiveness. She patiently stood in their meeting place secluded and sheltered from any disturbance, at the docks behind their busy city. The choice of setting hints Helen wanted to say a matter of importance yet the idol wait too long than what would one consider as sincerely sorry. Barbara decided to leave, realizing Helen intended her to wait for nothing. She regrets going to the docks. 

Another reason to regret being at such a place came.

"Is there someone else you've been seeing Barbara?"  A familiar voice called before she could take another step. It belonged to someone else, a voice she knows too well. Barbara froze and turned. 

    "Tell me, who are you expecting?" Albert had his brows almost fused once his sight landed on the dress clinging into her arm. It was the same sunflower dress she wore at the concert.  She never heard Albert raise his voice nor be mad at her until now.

"I-I.." Barbara averted her gaze as her hand tightly gripped the dress. The always well-behaved deaconess was rarely scolded nor yelled at. 

"WHO?!" Albert leaned closer, almost yelling right to her face. Barbara bit her lip before answering.

"I-I'm expecting a bard..." She avoided meeting his eyes.

Albert slammed the roses against the ground. He trampled over the roses as he approached the star. Without receiving his idol's approval, they're nothing of worth now. Barbara stepped back with each step he took, her azure eyes were wide sensing a strange aura from him.

Musicians liking fellow musicians. It wasn't a surprise.

"I should've known you're into musicians hmm? Well, you should've told me instead of letting me make gifts for you that you didn't like." Albert chuckled, mocking her. 

He thought he already knew everything about Barbara yet here he was mistaken, feeling like a fool. Albert lowered his gaze and was reminded of the sunflower dress she held onto. He questioned the pretty dress she brought with her and why she haven't changed clothes when the bard she has been waiting for haven't arrived yet. 

She hasn't changed her dress despite being alone in the place. Perhaps she waits for the bard before changing in a secluded place with him?

What else he doesn't know about the idol he admires?

Plenty of bards roam around the city every single day. Barbara telling him she expected a bard did little to nothing to reveal his identity. Albert placed a finger below her chin before bringing the same hand on his hips. The dress suits occasions and is quite fancy, he couldn't hide his jealousy any longer suspecting the bard was an important popular figure. 

"Who's making you feel this way? I need a name." To imagine her seeing another person outside the cathedral all the while he put more effort into seeing Barbara made his blood boil. He painfully waits for Barbara to finish work, day until afternoon just to see a glimpse of the idol while a bard somewhere in their city does it effortlessly pushed him over the edge.

Albert heard enough. Attending every mass to hear his lovebird sing and harming himself. As her biggest fan, he attended every concert and event she was in. He spent mora, blood, sweat, and now tears only to gain nothing from her in return.

He would like to at least get something whether she likes it or not.

"Or touching you this way even?" The idol caught his intention by how he looked at her chest before leaning closer, Barbara knew what he was attempting to do and avoided his hand. For a widely known idol with many fans, there were times she was approached by fans too close to her liking. Despite the discomfort, Barbara always hid it behind a smile and kept it professional. Nights were the hardest because of overthinking.

Her journey as an idol was a bumpy road especially at the beginning, many obstacles were ahead.  

The poor idol ran away for escape only to feel the sunflower dress being pulled in.

"No one Albert! Let go of the dress please!" She feared the dress might tear apart.

"I am the only one who can give you gifts and make you smile! I was there with you from the start Barbara, I founded the fan club all for your own sake. Weren't any of those enough for you to like me?! I did everything and ANYTHING! I like you, Barbara...How long until you notice my feelings?"

The idol became silent, fear slightly building up in her. Albert hated it way too much. She was never direct. 

"Heh, I'm starting to believe my idol is nothing more than a snob." Albert lets go of the dress Barbara tugging away from him and landed on her rear bottom. She gritted her teeth from the ache as she caressed it to ease the pain but that concern didn't last when his huge shadow cast over her. Sunlight no longer touches her skin. Barbara unconsciously hugged herself as she looked up.

She never saw him raise his voice nor be mad at her until now.

"Notice how you only receive the grandest of gifts from me...it's because no one would love you the way I do Barbara. They only like listening to your music, but if it weren't for the tunes you make, no one would notice you."

Barbara gasped, her eyes watery in an instant.

Albert knelt to her level and caressed her cheek. He smiled, satisfied at her naivety whenever she was always around him to eat her up. Believing every word he says. 

 "Don't cry. Me? I like you! Your voice, smile, everything, and even if you weren't an idol I would always notice you're at your best. And no one, NO ONE should be this close to you other than myself." He yanked her ankle closer to make Barbara lay down completely.  The fan trapped the idol between his legs to keep her from escaping. Barbara was unable to respond, it was all too a shock for her. Albert reached for the roses and took out a single one from the bouquet.

" I like you so much It hurts so much here.." He poked the stem of the red rose against the place his heart lies. Albert took her hand and guided the idol to replace his hand gripping the stem, making it clear where it truly hurt all along.

"You never really liked me, how stupid of me. Well, there won't be any difference you saying no but at least I would be hurt by an angel like you."

"How can I not appreciate you, you're so caring..so sweet, so beautiful..."  Albert reached to touch her face as if she was a slice of heaven. Caressing her cheek as she continued throwing praises, ignoring her silent cries. Barbara gritted her teeth, confusion turned more into something bitter. Tears in the corner of her eyes piled, slightly blurring her vision. She laid motionless, hoping the situation would soon dissolve before her. Barbara squeezed her eyes shut before opening them, a teardrop escaped. 

Her back still laid against the cold ground.

Albert was still in front of her.

Nothing was disappearing.

It was all real.

     Barbara clutched the ground beneath her. Her fist uncontrollably shook as both grass and bits of sand piling slowly gathered. She gazed at him half-lidded from temper. The deaconess worked hard every day in a lifetime, her passion to master a certain skill enough has given her recognition to receive a vision from the gods. 

Barbara has always thought of herself as someone unworthy, not good enough. It is what has driven her to do her best every day. 

'They only like listening to your music, but if it weren't for the tunes you make, no one would notice you.'

Tears blurred her vision. It crossed her mind more than once and hearing it from someone else, a big fan of hers even, she could feel herself falter. Perhaps she was truly worthless. She has never achieved anything comparable to her sister who has taken in a position as the Acting Grandmaster.

An idol who performs but never owned the stage.

     Barbara never thought of herself as enough unless she reaches the potential Jean has. She had been suppressing such thoughts but subconsciously, her slight envious towards her sister kept resurfacing. She has done a lot to better herself every day but it never reached the point she was finally satisfied with herself. Jean always inspired her to work harder, the acting grandmaster was everything she wanted to be. Each time she has done something that makes her feel good, her mind automatically compares to what Jean has already done. Eventually, she would feel small again. Worthless even.

It clouded her sense of worth. Accomplishing something felt almost nothing. Barbara would prioritize other people's feelings over her. She was happy and willing to serve others yet her boundaries slowly crumbled into dust as people trampled over the line. Her insecurity has driven her to please as many people as possible. 

Plop.

Over the near body of water, the sound rang in her ears. She looked to the side and witnessed the fish dive down back where it came from. Once again it lunged itself up to the air and eventually was returned to the water. It's impossible to stay above in the air for a fish. Her azure eyes traveled around and saw a bird in the air. 

Despite the bard being nowhere to be seen, Barbara could hear him.

"...moreover, it is how the fish overlooks its own great ability to swim underwater that is impossible for birds. But it meant not that the one is better than the other. Rather, it shows that each has strengths on its own."

Each has strengths on its own. 

It was a tiring endless cycle of self-doubt. 

What if she wasn't as capable as she thought of putting it to an end?

Barbara felt pathetic realizing her ways of thinking and the fact she was on the grass at her lowest, squirming for escape didn't help.

To heal, sing, and care for people come from the bottom of her heart ever since she was younger however, she soon grew restless and avoided rejecting requests of other people beyond what was she can only give. Even receiving gifts from Albert made her feel indebted and she has to give more and directly rejecting him would only hurt his feelings. She avoided being direct, at best.

It made no sense that an idol liked by many, disapproves greatly of herself.

'Don't let the past decide on your present.'

 A new beginning. It's never too late to fix mistakes. Everything would be fine. Barbara assured herself.  To serve others, she has to be at her best. Barbara realized it would be best to drift away from pursuing her own sister's great abilities and soon focus on her own, that way she could focus on a single path and master her own strengths

She was ready to make it clear what she liked and disliked. Express herself freely albeit what others may think. 

To be lifted off of such heavy burdens in her mind, Barbara finally felt...free.

The deaconess threw the dirt and sand onto his face, it eventually went to Albert's eyes. He covered his eyes grunting in pain as he tried to scrub it off. While it still had an effect, Barbara pushed him away and sat up. She slid away from between his legs, dirtying her white stockings. The sand was slowly wearing off seeing him shook his head and blinked at the ground. Barbara looked back and saw Albert blindly fumbling in the air, his steps were wide with no certainty. 

His vision soon cleared up.

"Barbara hehe where are youu!" 

       Barbara soon hid behind the stacked-up port boxes. They weren't high enough to cover her entire height. She knelt on the ground on one knee, her hands shivering. The poor idol's eyes were full of desperation as she searched around for any knights.  

But there was no one.

"Tsk that wasn't so deaconess of you...but I'm here to give you a chance."

His steps drew closer but the loud thumping of her heart drowned out the rattling of the grass. Barbara had her eyes wide as she rapidly breathed through her hands tightly covering the lower part of her face. Her own hands were suffocating her but she couldn't help from being frozen and stiff in her position. Barbara feared any movement she does even in the slightest would reveal her spot. 

The idol thought to run away and risk everything. She glances at her trembling hands afraid the rest of her body was nothing different. She might run slower than she usually does. Barbara tried to calm herself before thinking of another idea.

"Come on you can do it, Barbara..." She cheered herself, a common habit whenever she's feeling down or nervous.

All of a sudden his steps ceased. 

It was all dead silence and her breathing hitched.

"FOUND YOU, STARLET!" 

 Barbara let out a squeal at the back of her throat and flinched to the side where Albert was expected to appear.

But her eyes met nothing.

Her heart sank at the sight. No doubt the sound she made revealed her hiding spot.

"Alright, I'd never leave you. No just not like this where you're alone. It feels sort of lonely here you know?" Albert laughed to himself. His sinister laughs brought another discomfort to the scared hiding idol. Once his childish chuckles died down, deafening silence hurt Barbara's ears. She waited a few seconds and anticipated any signs that will give away clues regarding his spot at the moment despite not seeing Albert.

Seconds turn to a minute. A minute began to feel like forever. 

      Barbara allowed air to enter her lungs again and slowly lowered her hands. If running away would put her at much risk as fighting back, she would like to try putting up a fight at least. The idol opened her palm as she manipulated her hydro vision. A tiny blue light began to form. Upon checking how her fear only weaken her physical capability but her hydro vision was still the same as she was calm, Barbara gathered all the strength she could before standing up. She immediately sunk back halfway behind the port boxes upon seeing a glimpse of his figure.

Her breathing hitched.

The light in her hand dimmed its glow once Albert took a hold of her wrist. 

"Stop this instant! Albert!" Barbara wriggled away while gasping for air that she was holding back. With the freehand, she attempted to attack his face. Unfortunately, it backfired when Albert caught her other one.

He walked towards Barbara to lean her towards the nearby brick walls. 

There were no knights, none of her friends around. She hated how helpless she was.

'Noelle...' Her back soon met the wall. Barbara tilted her head away from meeting his disgusting face. The deaconess hoped for a miracle the names she calls in her head, would be around to help her escape. Her hands were pinned together above her head. Inflicting tiny blades she never knew she was capable of creating simply digging to his skin and still, he paid no mind. The fan was used to any sort of pain after all. 

'Anyone, please!'' Her pleas fell on nobody's ears. Albert pressed his nose against her neck. Barbara called for his name loud and clear.

"Venti!" Her call did summon a certain bard. 

"Hey, you there...!" A stone hit the back of Albert's head.

Albert jolted, releasing Barbara from his grasps. He slowly stepped away from the idol and ran away hiding his face. The lively color of her skin returned as her blood began to flow normally after her hands were freed from restrictions. 

The lady bard Barbara anticipated arrived late yet at a time she needed someone. 

Chapter Text

       Helen came on time Barbara badly needed a helping hand. Nearest tiny stones around the lady bard's footing showered the culprit, only a couple of ones hitting him while the others missed as their distance became farther. She chased Albert until he disappeared at their sight. Helen's steps came to an abrupt and looked over her shoulder, her breathing became shallow. 

There was a sudden downpour, disturbing reflections at the once tranquil lake by the docks.

Albert escaped close to unharmed as Helen prioritized to provide Barbara a sense of safety instead of leaving the idol by herself.  Barbara lets go of the breath she held in for so long. Her knees collapsed to the wet ground, unable to process the situation she was in moment before. 

The deaconess vacantly stared as fear almost swallowed her whole. Helen fixed her messy hair and cap in place as if she was a lifeless doll. Her white dress and hose were beyond saving from the dirt and mud. 

"Did that person do something bad to you? Oh no...you have bruises." She rolled her sleeve up to keep the fabric from brushing against her skin. "..Huh?" Barbara eventually returned to her senses when Helen shook her.

The lady bard noticed her unresponsive state ended.

"Archons, are you alright?" Barbara could only give a few slow nods in return. Regaining all the strength she has, the idol brought herself steady on her feet. Helen recognized the dress from her concert and picked it up with the bunch of roses on the ground which Barbara ignored since her mind remains afloat.

"Let's get you somewhere more comfortable." She placed a cape over their heads.

Helen brought the idol inside her home and brewed an herbal tea. The scent of minty leaves and calla lily filled the kitchen. Barbara sniffed the aroma, her eyes scanning around as she waited. The place was slightly cramped due to the narrow space yet adequate for a single person to reside in. Some books were scattered on the floor and red curtains decorated the plain wooden framed window. Antiques and some jars were dusty and had webs connecting to the ceiling, placed on a wood nailed against the bricked wall. It was a poorly lit room with luminous flames of candles being the only source of light. 

Barbara shivered in her drenched clothes and hair.

"Hey drink up." Helen reminded her of the drink sitting idly at the table in front." Barbara stared without saying anything. In the glass was a translucent, clear liquid.  She heaved a sigh upon seeing herself become slightly paranoid about little things. The heat helped waken her up a bit, almost as effective as her favorite spicy drink Chilibrew. 

"What happened back there? Do you want to report them to the knights? I'll help." Barbara was against Albert receiving penalties more drastic than she believes he truly deserves especially once her sister discovers and decides to discipline him. Barbara did her best to be understanding, her fan must've been carried away by emotions upon the overbearing feeling of being rejected. She was never intentionally hurt by Albert and in fact, he was always protective until today he resulted in a bruise on her skin.

            As an idol, she learns to keep her distance from fans like Albert yet being a deaconess still leaves him a place in her life. Barbara believes her life purpose is to bring healing to those in need and if anyone was genuinely hurt, to her it would be unbearable to witness anyone suffering knowing she could've done her part. A painful sight to behold. If Albert may approach her sometime in the future injured, he's no exemption to being treated.

"Why not?" The lady bard was more curious than concerned.

       Besides the ramifications, to be a burden to Acting Grandmaster Jean leaves another reason she decided to remain silent. Barbara portrays herself much stronger despite being more inclined to healing and singing than combat. To cause great distress to others especially Jean would be the least she'll allow from happening. Since she was younger, she swore to never contribute weight to someone's shoulders.

"If only I've seen their face, I would've reported that person myself." Helen scoffed doing her habit of crossing her arms. Changing the topic for the idea to be forgotten, the lady bard brought the dress from under the table.

"The dress...I'm glad you picked it up for me." Barbara's eyes lit up, glad the sunflower dress was returned to her. However aside from the old stains, the soil from the docks smudged to some parts of the sunflower dress sent by her mother. Helen observed the casualties done, she immediately knew the reason why the idol brought it upon their meeting place.

"I see no need of fixing it for me. Your help recompensed me well enough."

"Don't mention it. A deal is a deal no matter what circumstances are. Don't complicate yourself." Helen retrieved the dress from Barbara, disapproving of the idea. 

"What I did...was just...so horrible. Again I sincerely apologize." Helen scanned the dress from sleeves to bottom and stains were still evidently reminding her of the incident.

"Aside from the dress, you no longer owe me an apology, Helen. As for my friends, however..." Before Barbara could end her sentence, Helen read between the lines. 

"Tell them I invite them for dinner at Good Hunter's." Barbara glanced up from staring in her mug. Pleased with the idea. She hoped Noelle and Bennett would be free. A glint of happiness in her eyes soon dimmed. 

If it weren't for the sound of the rain, it would've been completely silent. 

"You told me I no longer owe you anything right?" Helen voluntarily poured more tea in her empty mug and one for her own, breaking the silence. The deaconess heard the uncertainty in her voice. Barbara felt bad for being unable to lift off her guilt despite forgiving her already.

"It's okay Helen let's just forget. Don't feel indebted to me anymore. Anyways, thanks for brewing me tea." Barbara began to feel a bit better from the aroma of mint and heat traveling down her throat. 

"It's because I still am. I want to make amends by not keeping you in the shadows anymore."

Barbara brought herself down at the seat upon the feeling of urgency. "Conscience is slowly catching up to me these days and ignoring it does nothing to relieve it either," Helen admitted and heaved a sigh. 

"What is it, Helen?" Barbara leaned close eager to listen. Her face shows sympathy for the lady. Helen's pitiful facade almost ruptured. Her constant seek to provide relief for others made her too vulnerable and Albert knew it too well. The lady bard knew he would be at least of use. It left a triumphant taste in her mouth. Her plan assembling soon into place.

"Never mind what I've said. You might not believe it anyway." Helen refused to answer right away to elicit more curiosity. Her response would feel like a prize for Barbara. A prize to chase only to realize it was a trap that would shatter her into pieces.

"I'll believe you. Please tell me." She pleaded after being left anticipating for nothing.

"Alright, I will." The lady bard thoroughly chose the right words to tell the idol she wasn't a big fan of her music in a non offensively manner to admit the motive behind her past antics. It was an honest move. She was careful not to topple the trust she already built around her. Barbara was understanding. Every person is entitled to have an opinion and preferences.

"Such reasoning was shallow, but I learned and now know better than putting someone's life at stake just because of it but I'm sort of thankful for that bard changing plans, or else it would've ended more badly. Now I saw you both at the Cat Tail's Tavern and I hope I could say all is well now that you get along but sadly, I can't entirely say he can be trusted."

Changing plans? Who's the bard? Observing her puzzled expression, Barbara must be confused. The deaconess clearly remembers who the person she accompanied at the tavern and instead acted oblivious, denying Venti was the bard she referred about not to trust.

"Let me tell you the truth I know about Venti that you remain clueless of."

The 'truth' she owes Barbara. No one else could tell the truth aside from herself. Helen began to tell the story the first time they met. Partly modifying words and events from what has truly occurred.

 The idol shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she listened.

       At Good Hunter's where the poor bard begged for a Teyvat fried egg. Helen helped out of pity as the bard ran short of mora. Venti consistently bragged his award too frequent to her liking, of achieving the title of a three-time winner of being the most popular bard.  Showcasing his talent backfired only to have the audience disperse once the idol was to pass by.

 She did interrupt a performance of his before.

"Now that I think of it, it's quite disrespectful of me." From now on, she would avoid Venti and his crowd. 

"Don't feel sorry for him. You must completely stray from Venti because...I'm afraid he's plotting something."  Helen claimed that day, it brought the bard to utmost shame, and their plan was created. Eventually bringing themselves closer to success until...

Barbara was shaking her head denying as she spoke.

She was lying. The lady bard had to be fabricating the Venti she was describing. Or perhaps the bard they were talking about was two different people.

     Venti has always been a greatly valued friend of hers. The bard gave her lessons she took to heart and helped her resolve some insecurities to stay focused on her dreams. Because of him, Barbara realizes she had the potential to improve which she mistaken as being almost unattainable. His wise guided her in many ways that never crossed her mind. 

"Venti's nothing like that." Helen caught herself off guard. She regrets being transparent about her strong dislike of the idol before which lessened her reliability.

For the lady bard, she won't easily give up persuading the idol just yet. As long as the evidence lies in her pocket, she tells every statement confidently.

"He's...let me guess...gentle, kind...knowledgeable? Fits the description doesn't it not?" Helen questioned.

  Barbara slightly flushed in a split moment with just a mere memory of Venti. She nods her head in agreement, pressing her lips together eventually looking down in her mug again. 

"It's because that's what he wants you to think and by the looks of it, you're well convinced." Helen glanced at Barbara before leaving her seat to grab a satchel bag. She brought it down the table and their mugs vibrated, the idol jolted at her seat. It contained many letters, the bag could barely close.

"I've been receiving threats from your fans until today." All the horrible words haunting Helen, even if she already has set a foot in her home. Some terrified her than the others. Barbara took a random envelope in one of the piles and scanned her eyes at the letter. Foul words were used against the lady bard.

"Venti changed the plans to paint an image of himself as the good bard, coming clean and framing me up in the last second as the known mean bard who ruined your big day, and now look what he did...to me at least. I'm at my home receiving endless threats and stares from other people."

"That's horrible... " Barbara felt guilty the lady bard was facing a crisis unknown to her. As supposed to be a good role model for her fans; now they behaved differently. If only she knew her Fanclub sent terrible letters to Helen almost every day; she would have taken an action earlier.  

"I'll talk to them for you."

"Barbara you're too kind...thank you." 

"Anyways, I'm afraid Venti might be using you, to maintain his number of admirers. The only way to prove everything I've said was true is this..."

"I don't believe you." The lady bard crossed her legs beneath the table as she began to be impatient. She saw through her hesitation and it brought her close to losing all the patience she had. Her leg kicked the table underneath, the half-empty vial rolled towards Barbara.

"I know I don't have the right to ask you a favor but this is for your own sake, Barbara. Show this slippery potion to Venti and see how he would react." Barbara glanced at the tiny bottle she was hesitating to pick up, returning her eyes to Helen. 

"Believe me, that bard is a good trickster." The deaconess nibbled her lip, fingers crumpling the hem of her dress in a pile. If it was truly all an act, then he was no better than Albert who acted kind and caring for the sake of gaining something in return. Albert attempting to win her heart and while Venti maintains a reputation. Melancholy soon turned to resentment.

"See it for yourself." Helen raised a brow. Gradually the idol fell in despair at the thought. 

Barbara rose from her seat without a word and left. 

"Barbara where are you going it's still raining!" Helen grabbed a cloak and followed the idol.

♪♪♪

             Venti took a part that of an oak tree and carved it anew. Strings that best fit her gentle, caring touches. Curves mimicking the calming waves of her captivating voice. A sturdy wood without a need for anything to rely on, a flat base that can stand on its own was inspired by her resilience. The bard painted it white showing purity, outlines of gold, matching her optimistic being. Meaningful symbols were carved regarding memories they share until in the present.

At the depths of his tender heart, the Anemo Archon crafted a lovely lyre by hand.

Thus, Venti wished to perform alongside Barbara one more time.

Before handling the deaconess a delicate gift, he did a little special preparation. Venti extended his arms in front, holding the lyre.

"In resemblance of your sweet voice and resilience, darling deaconess I present you my heartfelt gift." The bard transferred in front of the spot where he once stood.

Venti spoke in a very high pitch, imitating a certain deaconess. He flicked his hand, fluttering his eyelashes.

"To receive such a present I am beyond speechless! From now on, you can drink as much dandelion wine as you want~ " The bard shook his head and chuckled, dropping the impersonation of a certain deaconess. Speaking of dandelion wine, Venti glanced at the free dandelion wine leaning against the root of the tree. Once Venti reached the desired height, he used a vine and tied the wine in one of the branches. At the huge tree in Windrise, he resourcefully used a vine to tie it securely on one of the thick branches. A bit more patience and he will finally be able to drink alone once he handed his handmade present to the deaconess. He planted a kiss, patting the bottle as if a mother tucked their child into sleep.

"A good wine for a good time." Every being deserves a name to be called upon and woven into a song. Venti was skillful enough to compose a song without any need for rehearsals. He knew every word and perfect tune to sing for her by heart. Beyond was his excitement for the deaconess to hear it.

Landing on his foot as he hopped off a branch, the archon soon left and persisted in heading to the cathedral. It began to rain heavily and Venti seek shelter on another tree by the bridge. He was careful not to let a single raindrop to the lyre. Minutes already passed and neither the downpour settled down nor the skies have cleared. From boredom, he sat on his ankles and played melodies with the lyre he crafted. On a silver lining, he would test its durability and gladly it was nothing close to being fragile. 

 A pair of dirty black shoes came to a stop. 

"Oh why hello there." The bard grinned reflecting the smile and passion she always does until his eyes trailed from her shoes to her face. Barbara glared down at him differently. Far from the glint of rage from when he refused to fix the lyre for the second time. Behind the deaconess, there stood Helen under a cloak all dry.

Venti freed her from the worries holding her back for the longest time. She secretly admires him ever since then. If Venti wasn't the person she thought to be...

Barbara didn't prepare herself enough. 

She gripped the vial turned her back, biting her lips to keep the words to herself. 

Venti dropped his smile upon noticing her dress being filthy from dirt. Barbara was completely drenched from the rain, her wet blonde bangs almost poking her eyes. The idol ran away while covering the lower part of her face. For the answer to remain unknown was better than discovering everything Helen said was the truth.

"Go on. Chase her." Helen squeezed herself next to Venti to shelter herself from the rain. How dare the lady bard tell him what to do. He will chase Barbara in his own pure will, not due to her command. Venti rolled his eyes before running away. He would deal with her later.

 Barbara realized cowardice was mostly at play. Her steps came to halt at the middle of the bridge. The only way to overcome fear was to face it. Helen coming along with Barbara would be a bad sign as Venti thought. He tapped her shoulder.

"Barbara ♪ oh endearing deaconess ~♪" Venti chanted in a singsong tune to persuade the deaconess to face him. Upon hearing Venti call her 'names', her fear dissolved, and instead, something in her snapped.

"A present, hehe do you like it?" Venti was relieved Barbara finally faces him. He surprised the deaconess with the crafted lyre he hid behind as she turned. 

Barbara flinched at the roses.

The crimson roses that Albert greeted her with flashed before her eyes. Barbara swung her hand, tossing the instrument. It fell from the bridge beyond reach. The present he dedicated for the deaconess went to oblivion when the shining star in mind, dulled the same sparks she inspired in his eyes. Her cold gaze at him. Lifeless and vacant. Far from the star he pictured in mind while crafting the beautiful lyre for her. Emotions overwhelmed Barbara from noticing it was far from being identical to one belonging to him.

"Tell me the truth Venti." Her voice was monotonous, shattering a part of him as if Celestia came crashing from above. The truth shall be only revealed in his own will. It would cause an unwanted uproar among the denizens if it were to be known. Venti assured his certainty to himself that he made no mistake that will reveal anything about himself aside from telling the acting grandmaster and the winery owner. He told one of the nuns in the church except the Sister thought he wasn't serious which ended up with him stealing the lyre instead.

"This truth you speak of, care to elaborate?" Venti gulped.

Barbara opened her palm, the familiar half-empty vial soon came to sight.

"Ah, I know exactly what's going on in here." Venti rested his eyes at Helen, the lady bard avoided meeting his gaze anxiously.

"Yes, I did partake in creating that potion."

"...b-but why?" Barbara did a silent gasp, her voice cracked as it died down. Venti scratched the back of his head as if a tiny awkward chuckle would make the situation any better.

"My intention was never to bring you or the audience any harm. I thought it would be a fun idea to do a little prank." They were scolded by Sister Victoria yet Barbara defended her fan who's in the wrong all along. Venti excluded.

"You don't understand how important that day was Venti, I did everything I could to make it perfect and my friends helped me worked hard." It was also a donation for Springvale.

"I'll repeat myself. Our plan, no rather how 'I' planned it was supposedly a little harmless prank until this lady bard you stand next to decided to take it far." 

"Pardon? I wouldn't be at the concert in the first place if it weren't for the concert ticket you gave." Helen scoffed, trying to turn his words against him.

"The word 'Give' is nowhere close to having a similar meaning from 'steal'"

 "Now that I've proven my point, you are a greatly mistaken lady. My objective was far more different than yours." Venti began pointing fingers at Helen who defended herself. No matter how many endless excuses he had, the fact he participated remains true.

And to Barbara, Helen was right. Therefore if Helen was right about one thing, then the rest might be as well a fact.

And nothing about him will change. Barbara felt pathetic for defending Venti. She doesn't even know him anymore. Who is Venti?  She knows not a single shred of information; where he came from, who his parents are yet she foolishly proved Helen he's better than the person the lady bard convinces her to be.

 Venti told her not a word about the matter. Barbara finally knew something about him. Venti is good at keeping secrets, certainly. 

"Enough." Barbara covered her ears which silenced the bards. Her voice was hoarse from trying to fight off the tears that threatened to fall. As her last triumphant seconds against her tears ran out, she immediately turned her back on him. She stuttered in between hiccups and explained everything Helen told her.

"Barbara I'm the one telling the truth. I would never do such." Venti took her hand which she withdrew. Barbara currently faces a dilemma. Just as she had been told by Helen, Venti participated in creating the slippery potion meanwhile Venti on the other hand had no proof of having any hidden motives. Helen gave silent gestures hinting that the bard was simply tricking her.

One last time, Barbara gave Venti a chance to come clean. The bard fumbled over himself attaining no tangible item as a piece of evidence to him having no motive.

Helen couldn't help but grin.

 "I want to be...alone. Don't talk to me. ever. again." Letting her guard down and allowing Venti close to her heart fell into her pit of regrets. 

Far worse is Barbara chose to believe Helen instead which Venti took offense to. The bard saw no point to alter the beliefs of someone unwilling.

"If you say so, therefore you shall receive!" Venti turned his back on Barbara. A part of him longs to reach and give her comfort. He told her everything he wanted to say anyway. Lies. The bard knew too well it was a lie. 

If telling proves nothing, perhaps an action may show.

Before Barbara could walk away, he spun her around and gave his testimony.

"This." Venti grabbed her forearm, pulling her in an embrace. The god of freedom fulfills his promise to give freedom until at every moment she's close at him, repressing his urges of trapping Barbara in his arms. Defying the values he holds onto in his entire lifetime. She buried her face, they felt each others' warmth through the coldness of their wet clothes. His embrace soothed her pain away. 

Barbara wishes they could stay like this forever.

She wishes...

It all happened.

Barbara looked over her shoulder in a split second. Reality pinched her. Venti dared not to look back. Forgetting everything behind, the idol returned to the city.

The bard had similar hopes, looking back to see if she did but Barbara was already gone.  

The musicians were tone-deaf, and her singing didn't match his tempo. The tunes would have been perfect if they acknowledged their lack of harmony. The lyre was better off at the bottom of the lake anyway. 

Venti frowned as the idol drifted away, hesitations to catch up to Barbara already vanished. He remained in the spot where he stood, yet what he awaits never happened. To the bard, he believes despite not having guidance, Barbara will unravel everything on her own. It's best to stand back and watch the same way the Anemo Archon gazes over Mondstadt as it flourishes itself. 

The moment Barbara finds the light at the end of a tunnel, she would learn to strengthen herself.

Venti decides to no longer explain himself, his gentle smile being visible despite his wet bangs covering his eyes.

"I'm counting on you, Barbara." He whispered at the whirling wind.

Moments later, the rain stopped. Applauds from behind snapped Venti out of his worries as he watched.

"What a show! But I'm glad to play a part this time. A huge one at that. What do you say?" She continued, leaning at a post. Helen wiped her imaginary tears out of happiness as she clapped in the purpose of provoking the bard as she sat at the side of the bridge.

"Long time no see...Helen" Venti cheerfully greeted and to her surprise, the bard remains unbothered. 

"You still remember me? Aw, how thoughtful." Helen chuckled upon seeing him play along well. A good sport. One of the reasons she never fully convinced the bard in getting rid of the idol's career.

"Of course. How could I forget, if it isn't the only exceptional bard in town who receives nobody's applause." Venti sarcastically

"Less embarrassing than being a three-time winner popular bard only to lose at a local idol."

"First of all, I would say you did a great job in playing your part." Venti rubbed his chin, walking around her.

"Although I find it quite sad the same can't be said of your performances." Venti mockingly curved his lips. Until Helen learns to rejoice for others, he will give her a lesson.

"I assume you didn't notice but I'm aware the 'truth' you told Barbara has more to it than it seems, Hehe anyways~ Barbara being an idol may soon take my place as the most popular musician in town, may I remind you how it doesn't take away my title as being the most skillful bard you could find in Teyvat."

The wind began to thicken, making it difficult to breathe for Helen as if an invisible force squeezes her neck. She touched her neck but it was empty. Helen widened her eyes in panic.

Silence. 

"Hmm? This is certainly new to my ears! You are capable of being silent in my surprise. Much better from the tunes you've played. As your former mentor, that's the best I've heard from you ever since." As if she was given a chance to speak, the force around her neck soon dissolved. She shook her head at how strange that single brief of a second was. 

"I simply told her everything you didn't, you're not any better for keeping her in the shadows. Oh did I hit a nerve? Interesting. Watch out bard, do just as I say, and stay out of it." Helen coughed holding onto her neck.

The lady bard forethought the final word would be hers.

"Nuh-uh uh, Such a bold statement. Be careful or you might find the favor you seek from the gods come in form of wrath instead."  Her eyes searched everywhere but the bard vanished into thin air leaving traces of feathers and a realization that Venti is beyond ordinary. Powerful. 

Reminding her why she truly wanted a vision herself.

Chapter Text

              Helen visibly grew impatient at a table reserved for four until Bennett and Noelle arrived along with Barbara at the popular restaurant, Good Hunters. The unlucky adventurer took 'interest' in their dining arrangement and lent time to meet the lady bard. Unknown to Barbara and Noelle, Bennett recognized the invitation as a rare opportunity to spend time together again with them since a while already passed when they last bonded.

"Wow..." Bennett almost had a drool spill from the corner of his mouth, his appetite rose to peak from the aroma and mouthwatering sight.

"It's my treat, please sit down before the food gets cold."

'It all looked too delicious, especially it's free. Never mind...Noelle, we can't just let Helen carry the expense of everything alone.' Noelle resists the temptation her voices tell in mind. But Bards were known to create fortune enough for themselves for a day or two, at best. Noelle and Barbara realized as they exchanged glances but chose to contain the question to themselves regarding her fortune as a bard since prying into personal matters opposes the act of basic courtesy. Bennett was curious similarly to the other two except he straightforwardly relieved it. 

"By the way, these meals are awesome! If you don't mind answering, did you pay for all of this?" Bennett frankly stated. Barbara acted reserved and slightly adjusts herself in the seat, eager to hear her response without being obvious.

"Well...I...was.." Helen froze for a moment and briefly scowls at the adventurer before forcing a tiny chuckle to buy little time. Noelle nudged Bennett for such an impolite query.

"Ah-never mind! Nevermind!" Her armored elbow sent Bennett wincing in pain and regret.

"Oops sorry.." Noelle whispered to keep themselves from experiencing further embarrassment.

"...Please don't shame me for it but it's from my audiences for a couple of weeks' worth," She lowers her chin and answered in low spirits. For a bard leading a simple life and a few performances here and there, paying a huge sum must be troublesome. Their sympathy easily won over.

"Sorry for asking, really am." Bennett wished he saved enough.

"You could've told us sooner so we split the bill! Here let us-" Noelle fumbles for her purse.

"After all, we gathered here because of me..."  Barbara spoke, obliged to take responsibility instead. Helen assured them she'll quickly regain the amount she spent with her own 'ways'. Bennett opens his mouth to inquire again but noticed Helen did not specify which must've been private. He learned silence is best in certain instances the hard way a little too recently.

     The potion, and the threats Helen endured. Everything perfectly leads to a sense but her heart longed for more answers. Barbara subconsciously places a hand in her chest. When she's around Venti she finds serenity in his voice. A surreal realm, calm comforting breeze where she feels the lightest and carried by the wind like dandelion seeds swaying away and fleeing freely. Hearing him play made her happy before but now, even his talking voice alone makes her heart flutter. Barbara frowns upon what they've become. She watched Noelle and Bennett enjoy their meals and seeing them by her side is all that matters. Noelle pauses eating, noticing the sad smile on Barbara and how silent she was than usual.

"The steak might get cold." The maid knight returns a brief smile and pointed at her food. Helen leans close to the table to reach for the glass pitcher which made her gaze over them less noticeable.

"Oh that...I'm full."

"Well the steak they served is especially good today since I requested, it would be a waste not to try. Right?" Helen shrugged and in which Noelle agreed to. The steak they ate was impressively good and Noelle savored the taste.

"Okay..." Barbara gulped with dulled eyes at the steak as she slowly reached for the utensils. A hand pinches the rim of the plate and slid to the corner of the table.

"If you don't want to then it's completely fine! I'll just eat it so no food will go to waste."

"Benny...That's Barbara's!" A scold from Noelle rang in his ears.

"Noelle is right. It would be a shame if only us three get to eat."

"It's okay I'm not really hungry Helen..." Barbara repeats, clarifying the permission she gave him. 

 "You heard her."  His second plate of medium steak sits deliciously at the table and Bennett widely opened his mouth ready to dig in a tiny slice until a hand extends towards him. 

"Wait don't eat it, Bennett." The lady bard sank her teeth in her bottom lip.

"Why not?"

"I thought we could solve it by ordering another one." It was a solution to an obstacle that never occurred in the first place.

"I find it thoughtful everyone is concerned I'll get hungry but please do not worry, a glass of water will do just fine." Barbara interferes with Helen from ordering another batch.  

"If you say so then I see no problem..." Bennett proudly insisted. He enthusiastically bites into his second plate of medium steak but wasn't completely distracted by its gratifying taste.

The idol often conceals exhaustion with a smile, but today she was different than usual. Bennett mistakenly assumed Barbara was simply uncomfortable and attempted to change the ambiance to a more comfortable and welcoming one. Neither Noelle speaks much, and he concerns Helen might become bored quickly when she has already done her part by treating them to a restaurant. At the very least, he thought the meeting shouldn't feel one-sided.

"You know as they said, I'm one unlucky adventurer but right now I'm lucky enough to even get a free meal from you..!" Noelle and Helen heeded their attention once his cheery voice rang in their ears, their focus from splitting the meal diverted to Bennett.

"How long have you been a bard?" Bennett never ran out of words to say. Helen gave a short-lived smile, returning her eyes at the plate. His question dug deep into a bittersweet past yet managed to answer nice and short.

"Since childhood..."

"That long now...Ooh, amazing! Sometimes I wonder if being a bard is more fun than being an adventurer...but in all honesty, I'm not that inclined to make music and I enjoy traveling better! How about you? Have you tried traveling before?" They finished their meals except for Barbara who barely touched her food. Bennett continued blabbering, making Helen grip her utensils as she ate but still she answered as calm and entertained the topics from him. He was talkative, taking her every opportunity to shove food in her mouth in peace.

"Once." She answered neutrally.

"You should! It's really fun I'm telling you." Noelle cleared her throat to get his attention. Thanks to the maid knight, Helen finally was able to eat properly without abruptions. "Bennett...would you mind focusing on your food please?"

"Oh sorry about that." Bennett scratched his head.

"I don't mind it much. By the way Bennett, Rowelle...I suppose Barbara already told you the reason why we gathered here. I'm here to address some troubles I've caused you both." Noelle sensed an upcoming apology due to her tone becoming serious. Her expression turned slightly bitter once reminded of what she did before.

"Uh-hem, It's Noelle." The maid knight corrected her mistake before sipping on her drink, looking elsewhere. Noelle sensed an upcoming apology due to her tone becoming serious. Her expression turned slightly bitter once reminded of the trouble she had to deal with because of her.

"Alright...Bennett, Noelle, I suppose Barbara already told you the reason why we all gathered here. I'm here to address some troubles I've caused you both."

"Quite a huge one..." Noelle murmured under her breath, she intended to be inaudible for anyone to hear. It's considered impolite to speak while a person is still speaking, and the 'low' score from her last knight's training merely credited her efforts. Such an attitude would be another understatement of her knowledge regarding table manners.

"I genuinely regret and understand the disappointing risks I've put everyone in."

'Disappointed indeed...' Murmurs from Noelle repeated after Helen. It was difficult to maintain her composure; she had little time left after the concert to review and recall everything again due to the commotion Helen caused.

"I hold accountability for my actions and I sincerely apologize for giving you a rough time."

"As one proper denizen should.' Noelle wishes she rushed rereading the entire knights' handbook that day still. Meanwhile, Helen's antics least affected Bennett out of the trio but for everyone's relief; the unlucky adventurer spoke first to give his insights.

"Well...I certainly don't hold any grudges. None at all! As long as you don't do it again, it's all in the past and I know we are all capable of making mistakes, all the same as we are capable of doing the right thing." Barbara nodded proudly at Bennett at his considerate open-minded answer. Next, the maid knight calmly answered with a hint of sophistication. Despite the grudge remaining from the knight's training, she chose to sympathize and end the persistence of sharing a word with Helen. She aimed to achieve a score nearing perfect but now it was nothing more than a distant memory. In silver lining, Noelle was given a second chance, and holding grudges won't be any benefit.

Finally, peace was agreed upon by both sides.

Barbara who was quiet ever since they settled at their table, soon lets loose of the words she was holding back once the atmosphere became uplifting. Noelle nudged Bennett again to listen and observe this time. "Ow! That hurts you know?..."

"How are you doing Helen? Are you still receiving...you know, those letters?" Barbara asked concerned. Helen suffered from the hurtful letters and bravely dealt with the outcome alone all the while Venti was carefree, mentoring her in Windrise as if nothing happened. The Fanclub was no better for sending horrible words and even to Barbara, neither Venti deserved to receive them like Helen. To the deaconess, revenge is an act never condoned.

"Uh, my stomach feels kind of weird..." Bennett grunted before drinking water. Helen fidgeted her hand and hid them under the table.

"Y-yes I still do." She pointed her eyes everywhere but never on Barbara's. The moist from the cold glass of water created a puddle from the melting ice cubes. A bead of sweat trickled down in the side of her cheek, which synced with a droplet in the glass that fell in the tiny puddle.

"I wanted to have a word with my Fanclub for you but I thought they might become defensive once they see me..."  She frowned, making up a reasonable excuse to avoid Albert. Bennett came up with a solution.

"Well if that's the case, we can talk to the Fanclub for you both instead!" Noelle agreed with the unlucky adventurer to volunteer to help Barbara. The deaconess pulls them in briefly for a hug.

"Aw thank you..." Noelle smiled seeing her gleam return while Bennett on the other hand, a faint blush appeared on his face.

"However if the Fanclub denies..." Noelle pondered on the possibility.

"Oh, I know! Helen, can you hand us those letters?" Bennett felt a sudden churn in his stomach.

"Although I appreciate your concern,.you don't have to." The lady bard cracked her knuckles to prevent her hands from shaking. The deaconess already familiarized herself with signs of a person may not be feeling well physically or internally due to having to treat many patients before and the idol was certain Bennett didn't look his best.

"Are you alright Bennett?" Barbara fretted at his breathing. She immediately handed him a cold glass of water. The deaconess suggested bringing him to the cathedral.

"I'm good, just felt weird for a bit there."

"It's almost noon...as much as I wanted to stay longer, I have something to take care of. Thanks for hearing my side. I enjoyed meeting you, see you around!" Helen leaves in a hurry.

"The way she acted back there was strange..." Bennett scratched his head, receiving a response from Noelle.

"Yup. She seemed nervous to me...." It left a mystery to solve. Barbara figured it might be about the letters. Asking Helen about the threats, she began to fidget and look uneasy. The deaconess revoked her friends' offer. Besides herself, she couldn't think of a better person to sort the problem with her Fanclub. There's no time to be selfish and only think of her comfort once she sees Albert. She will face him and the others for Helen's sake. Throwing around hurtful words towards one another would be always a serious matter to Barbara.

A certain someone appeared in mind that will put it to an end.

♪♪♪

            The leader of Fanclub consistently sees the idol in action from outside the cathedral, not missing a day or two until today. Praying to the anemo archon or seeking to be healed by Barbara was either the reason denizens visit the cathedral and grew well aware of his existence--even the sisters grew tired of Albert standing outside relentlessly.

The unlucky adventurer stood at the specific spot where the strange fan was usually seen.

"It's weird. He's supposed to be here." Bennett stumbles upon accidents often in his adventures with the guild and mostly goes to the cathedral for genuine reasons. Whenever  Barbara heals him, he witnesses Albert intensely glaring from afar. Bennett surely thought he would have dissolved into liquid like a melting candle against Albert's heated stare.

"I know..." Barbara dejectedly looked to her side, aware of the reason most probable his presence suddenly gone. After what the fan has done, it was no surprise Albert must've been ashamed to face her.

"Where is he then? Or he's yet to arrive perhaps?" Noelle rubs her chin.

"Oh, I know!" Bennett's eyes darted in the sky with a glint of determination.

"Yes, Bennett?" Noelle's query was followed by Barbara's. "Any clues?" The deaconess was nervously anticipating his response, praying it would be incorrect. If she saw him again, she couldn't help but feel sick. At the very least, it will be a few days before she is ready to speak with him again.

"He must be..."

"He must be?" Noelle and Barbara said in synchronization as they leaned closer every empty second to the adventurer.

"Right! Albert might be in a different place! That's it!" Barbara and Noelle blinked twice, sync with their movement once again; mutual agreement on how futile his assumption was.

"Stating the obvious Bennett." The maid knight gave a soured expression at Bennett. Barbara rested a palm on her forehead and did a tiny giggle which made her appear livelier than she was back at the restaurant.

"W-Woah okay what would the reason be then?" He took a step back. Barbara refuted their speculations. It became a routine to Albert soon as the sun rises and sometimes he goes to the cathedral earlier than the deaconess does. She was guilty of leading them to nowhere Leaving a hint despite knowing a clue why Albert chose not. Like a fresh wound, it still leaves her in distress, and telling might make her feel similar to how she felt while being in the situation.

"Let's just do it the other day. The sisters might be waiting for me already." She replied unusually in low spirits. The two returned worried glances at each other before looking at Barbara. Noelle assured them they will notify her once they get even a clue of his whereabouts.

A foul smell spreads in the air and everyone suddenly stiffens.

"I-I smell something..." Barbara crunches the bridge of her nose. The unlucky adventurer pressed his lips as he gripped his pants tight.

"It smells like..." Upon sniffing the air to check, Noelle recoils from the stench. A grumbling noise came from the unlucky adventurer steals their attention.

"I'm sorry my stomach aches. I can't take it anymore!" Bennett holds onto his gut with a sickly look and sprints down the stairs in the cathedral. "Oh no...will he be okay?" Barbara reaches out to him but he was quick to leave.

"I think so, maybe he just ate too much steak." Despite having an uncertain guess, Noelle thought of no other reason. "Is that so?" Barbara regrets giving her steak to him. There's a possibility it might be undercooked but didn't notice how hungry he was. All she hoped was that he gets better soon. Afraid she was consuming her friend's time; the maid knight soon bid goodbye and the deaconess eventually returns to her recurring duties.

"Do we have a choir practice, Sister Victoria?"

"I believe it will be moved tomorrow. Anyways Barbara, would you mind aligning the pews? Anemo Archon forbids these denizens that care little in their surroundings."

"Okay." Barbara nods before proceeding to arrange the pew in further right. The pews follow the arrangement of the first one until the last row. She closed one eye for precision and made sure the seats aligned in her line of sight.

"Perfect!" Barbara contentedly clapped her hand. They were heavy and took her upper body strength to push the ones protruding the way. One another onto the next, the pews were arranged impressively in place which relieved the sister's eye sights and anyone who visits by.  

"Someone's looking for you." Said the emotionless voice she recognizes right away. Her gaze was drawn to a vacant seat usually occupied by a particular someone. Although Barbara was curious about his whereabouts, she wished not to see him for the time being. Prioritizing her comfort shrunk to insignificance in comparison to Helen's distress receiving those dreadful letters.

"W-who is it Sister Rosaria?" She weakly spoke, a part of her resistances against her own will. To confront every Fanclub member who was involved in writing those threats and for reverting the once peace Helen relished, she must. 

Chapter Text

The door creaked, a teal-colored eye peeked through a tiny slit. The nun crossed her arms and blocked the view. 

"Is Barbara here?" Venti tilted his head further, his eye traveled to see even just a glimpse inside the church past Rosaria however she covers everything behind her too well. A faint pink hue appears across his drunk face realizing what he was staring at all along. 

"Let me guess, another fan?" Venti looked up and met a cold glare. He detached from the door and briefly swayed his head sideways to fully awaken himself.

"We only allow those who pay a visit in the glory of the anemo archon, Barsibatoes...no wait I mean Bartoepiss? Barabaratos?..." Rosaria rubs her chin.

         Venti examines her from head to toe. Her clothes were different from the other sisters. Being god full of freedom, any attire has nothing to do with worshipping him. On the contrary, he greatly approves of her choice to wear something out of the ordinary. If the nuns preach freedom, why the certain clothing pattern to follow? Typically white or black that is usually seen accentuated with gold. Quite plain for his followers and isn't much expressive of freedom. But now disguised as a normal bard, he has no say in the matter. 

Aside from such differences, mispronouncing the archon's name led him to doubt the nun he was speaking with. 

"Neither was correct. It's Barbatos." Venti rested a palm against his forehead, beyond disappointed to express it in words. He once dealt with a strict nun, and now a nun ignorant of the accurate pronunciation of their archon's name. A shame. 

"Whatever you get my point and you know who I'm exactly referring to. Anyways, the idol is currently on important duties so it's best not to disturb her. You may leave." 

"In one condition. I prepared questions about the anemo archon you 'greatly' worship so. It matters most you acknowledge-" The door slams, leaving his explanation left undone. A puff of air from closing the gap moved his bangs to the side. Venti blew it back in place and sat at a nearby bench and slouches in defeat. 

"Barbara, someone's looking for you." The emotionless voice she recognizes right away.

"I-Is it a patient Sister Rosaria?" Barbara asked, too petrified to face Rosaria. She certainly seeks the chance to confront every Fanclub that was associated with writing those threats except their leader Albert. For now, she would keep a distance if ever he was seen. Speaking of the leader of the Fanclub, could it be he visited?

"That weirdo? Tch no. It's a different one."

"Then who is it, Sister Rosaria?"

"It's a strange fellow wearing all green. You know what I'll just-" Barbara realized what Rosaria was planning to do once she turns her heel. 

"He may be like that but he isn't that strange! AH-no wait please Sister Rosaria...don't let. him. in. Please tell whoever who comes looking for me that does not need treatment I'm currently busy."  The nun thought her encounter with the bard left an impression peculiar enough to mention.

"For someone who looks innocent, he sure reeked of alcohol...who's that anyway?"

"Oh he's drunk..." Fist gently presses against her lips. She does not heal others because she is capable of doing so; rather, it is her caring nature that has endowed her with the ability to heal. She will heal him as that tender-hearted deaconess, but not the Barbara is to Venti. The answer Rosaria expected was rather simple, his name to be specific but the deaconess misinterpreted it with something more meaningful.

How the bard truly meant to her has never crossed her mind.

"He's...he used to be someone close to me and oh my what am I saying...forget it."

"As for the reason, I won't pry but losing friends is part of growing up." Rosaria understood what she was trying to say. Barbara would think more deeply of her statement but the idea that comes to mind stole her span of attention.

 "It is sad when you think about it but Sister Rosaria can I ask another favor? This will be last I promise!" She trailed off unclue of the answer but decided to change the subject. Speaking of boundaries, Rosaria spends time on matters that concern her. Barbara negotiated to take on all of her tasks tomorrow and leisure would be the prize in return if she obliges to hand Venti a drink to ease his hangover and keep it a secret she prepared it for him. 

"Well then go ahead. I'll wait here until you finish creating the drink." The nun enjoys having leisure most. Every second she stayed at the cathedral, the more energy drains off of her. "I can't thank you enough Sister Rosaria!" Barbara rubs her palms altogether in relief. 

"I'll just check the supplies for now." The deaconess headed in the part of the cathedral where she stores her herbal teas and bandages. She inspected the box filled with bandages. In her estimation, it would be sufficient enough to last more than a few days. For herbal teas, Barbara recently collected a new batch for mint and berries except for the containers for Calla Lilies and wolfhooks. She prays to find a spare. 

"I'm in luck. It's the last one." With the petals and fresh fruit, she was able to brew an antioxidant drink. Once she was done, she updated the inventory list. 

"Minus one berry and calla lily...then nothing's left." She opened each tiny container and aside from the lack of Lillies, wolfhooks were in a bad condition.

"Oh no...the wolfhooks too they're all rotten now." She indicated the fruit count to zero in the list. "This calls for a nice outdoor walk."  The basket sitting idly since she last collected herbs awaits in the corner. She sneaks behind Sister Victoria, who was discussing with other nuns. Surely unlike Sister Victoria, Rosaria understands or either could care less wherever she goes. 

"Sister Rosaria here's the drink. Please don't tell him that I'm the one who made it." Before leaving she handed Rosaria the drink to ease Venti's hangover. 

"Alright." Rosaria lazily walks toward the cathedral doors which creaked open. The deaconess made silent steps towards the door near behind the cathedral. He never left.

"Oh, it's you again. Will you let me see her now?"

"Here drink this. It's known to relieve hangovers and hush before you ask anything. Anyone could detect you're drunk from miles away." 

"What's this?" Venti shakes the tiny bottle and flipped it upside down. Shreds of berries swam in the bright yellow drink.

"No questions just drink it."

"Well, I want to know first if what you're offering is safe. What is it made of?"

"A nun poisoning a young fellow out in the open in front of the church. Not the most logical I've heard." Rosaria saw Barbara slowly sneaking behind the clueless Venti. She nods giving the deaconess a cue to leave.

"I'm not going to drink it unless...you let me enter. I suppose such sacred place should be open for everyone?" Barbara hurriedly ties her dark blue cape around her neck and pulled the hood over her head.

"That kind of hostage doesn't work for me. Maybe for Barbara but not for me."

"Hehe so it's from Barbara. I knew it." The deaconess freezes upon hearing Rosaria's slip up and looks behind over her shoulder. The nun furrowed her brows, a cold glare that felt like a scold for her to continue walking. Her shoes squeaked in the most unfortunate time. 

"Huh?" His brows raised. Barbara once again stops any movement.

"I-I meant someone like Barbara that tactic would work. Us nuns made some ready-to-drink beverages to help drunkards like you those who usually come by."

"Either way, I'm still not drinking it. Even for an eternity, I'm willing to wait."  

His words made her heart stop again. Eternity. How long is the eternity he speaks of? His poems and songs could hardly ever hold meaning for her again realizing how unrealistic they were. She's aware to be at fault for believing them too. The bard waits for nothing and she'll let it known by the sunset she will return. 

             ♪♪♪

Barbara sang on her way to the Springvale where Calla Lillies commonly grew in avoidance of letting any negativity get the best of her. The pale flowers bloom in areas nearby water while wolfhooks exclusively strive at the deep forest of Wolvendom. Instead of going to other lakes for picking calla Lillies which will only complicate her route, Barbara decided to drop by the small village on her path towards Wolvendom. In Springvale, the flowers bloomed fresh near the windmills.

Barbara felt like an intruder in a village far from her city. Her hand reached to the beautiful lily but audible grunts from the unknown distracted her. Two struggling hunters lifted a barrel filled with soil from their cart. Their faces contorted as they held onto both ends.

"Let me help!" Barbara went to the side of the barrel and supported from underneath.

As if an angel came from above, the pressure in their backs immediately reduced and the weight soon became light. The hunters' faces loosened at the sight of the idol suddenly at their village.

"Y-you're..." The hunter squints his eyes making Barbara giggle at the exaggeration.

"Tada~ There's one and only idol deaconess!"

"I find it random you sprung out from nowhere and helped us like an angel from above..can we have your autograph?" Allan greeted and the head of the hunters in their village holding the other end, Draff asked for one too. 

"Sure but please keep it a secret between us okay? Also about that..." Barbara winked and tilted her head at the barrel they were carrying. The hunters were reminded of the weight in their hands.

"Of course haha we're distracted. Let's get moving." Draff chuckled. They carefully dropped the soil outside a cottage. Draff knocks at the door for their presence to be known. It soon opened, revealing the woman residing in the house. Barbara hid by facing the opposite direction Draff was looking.

"Good day Brook! Here's the soil that you ordered." Brook rummaged her hand in the barrel, testing the texture. "This is perfect. Exactly the type I'm looking for." She nodded in contempt. The hunters glanced at each other and questioned a random favor. Brook wondered the purpose a sheet of paper would serve the hunters. Barbara raised a brow and listened.

"I'll sketch the next path for hunting. In our case, visual representation would do better than verbal."

"And a pen please." Allan hurried to request before Brook could shut the door close. Once the woman handed them a paper and ink and both hunters expressed their gratitude, they rushed to Barbara. "Apologies for the wait, here please sign." Allan eagerly waited, raising the paper while Barbara signs for Draff first. They were enthusiastic about receiving a souvenir from the starlet. Moments later, Barbara returns to the water by the windmill. She began to collect calla lilies and placed them in her basket one by one.

♪♪♪

                 In the lifeless subarea Wolvendom, dead trees daunted those who ever explored. The howling of wolves grew audible as Barbara walked deeper into the dead forest. It was a place for wolves and other wild animals secluded from the resided lively city of Mondstadt. Hunters come to slain animals for meat but other than hunting, the place was rather abandoned.

Barbara straightened her back in the threatening environment she was in. Despite being alone she was reserved but her steps were calculated. Light yet fast; not to disturb any wild dangerous animal nor allow herself to stay for a long time. Wolvendom was a place more dangerous at night, where wolves stay most active. However, unknown to the idol, daylight imposes similar risks similar to night when exploring alone.

"Keep going forward. Nothing's going to happen." Barbara encourages herself in the middle of hesitation.

"Eek!" She squealed high as a bird flew past close to her side. Brushing it off, the idol continued to walk, and alas, the cerise-colored fruits finally appeared. Barbara began to feel chills down her spine from the unwelcoming place but before she could feel her legs betray her by running away, she hurried to collect them. She usually collects in the morning or noon except today was an exception. It sinks in. The guilt of heading to the forest without acknowledging the sisters made her feel even tenser.

"One, two, three..." One by one she carefully picks the wolfhooks whispering numbers. Talking to herself was effective and distracted her from thinking she was completely alone in a big forest. Once contented, Barbara closed the small basket. "What's that?" A faint rustle in the leaves was enough for the idol to grab a stone. Relief washes over Barbara once a tiny beast hopped off the bush. A crimson fox came running towards her and stopped at her feet. It waggled its head, the small leaves caught on its fur fell into the ground.

And now Barbara no longer feels alone.

"Woah how adorable! Hi, there little one~" Barbara pets the crimson fox which received the affection without any protest. The idol poked her cheek, thinking if she should bring it to the city with her. She had no time left to decide as another rustle from the same bush behind was heard again. A low growling sound left Barbara petrified, her eyes wide at the sight of wolves growing large in numbers. A pack of hungry, gritting wolves surrounded Barbara and the crimson fox she cradles in her arms.

The rumble in their throat became lower, flexing their long sharp fangs. The only way through was to try anything. Despite the fear, Barbara forced herself to move. She saw the wolves' preying their eyes at the crimson fox but sacrificing it was never an option. The stone thrown bought her little time to divert the attention of the pack.

With a swift move, Barbara places the crimson fox in her basket and climbed the nearest tree. The wolves sensed the movement and chased after her, their claws dug close to her leg. Barbara desperately climbed branch by branch; fortunately, she lifted herself far from their reach upon reaching the highest branch. Barbara was beyond terrified, none of the branches were thick enough to support her weight and it won't be long until it snaps. The wolves gathered at the foot and aggressively shook the tree. Barbara quivered and hugged the basket close which earned a tiny innocent squeal from the crimson fox that could not understand the danger of the situation. She pressed her lips, giving a sad smile at the small beast.

"I'm sorry I had to do this but please escape safely for me." At least the fox's life would be salvaged, Barbara tosses the basket somewhere far from the drooling beasts beneath them. In a blink of an eye, the thin branch soon collapsed. Out of instinct, the pack dispersed with their ears flat backward once Barbara fell on the ground. Their threatening stance returned and drool dripped from its' mouths. Barbara adjusts herself, forgetting to blink as one of the wolves leans closer.

The beast lunges forward with its sharp claws and widely stretched jaw.

Darkness enveloped her sight. Barbara squeezed her eyes shut; awaiting its fangs to pierce deep into her skin. Instead, an electrifying presence and the sound of thunder filled came to her senses. Barbara musters the courage to peer, catching a glimpse of long silver hair and an amethyst lightning bolt.

Lighting is to be feared and a time rarely ever comes it was an exception until at the present moment she became a witness. 

Chapter Text

The beast lunges forward with its sharp claws and widely stretched jaw.

Darkness enveloped her sight. Barbara squeezed her eyes shut; awaiting its fangs to pierce deep into her skin. Instead, an electrifying presence and the sound of thunder filled came to her senses. Barbara musters the courage to peer, catching a glimpse of long silver hair and an amethyst lightning bolt.

Fangs against steel stood no chance. 

Each fingertip sparked tiny electricity, a purple orb gathering in his palm. Piercing the weapon onto the ground, phantom electric claws extended from his hands as the boy scratched void. The sky reflected the deepest amethyst. He unleashed a flash of lightning connected from the clouds and struck the heavy claymore he wields. The wolves scattered upon the sound of roaring thunder. 

And fear was to rise above any harm. Wolves belonging to their pack and the ones differing from his are still family after all.

"Thank you..." As if life wasn't almost seized from her moments ago, Barbara showed no sign of intimidation. The boy briefly turns his head over his shoulder and caught traces of violence in his eyes. Along with the curtains of silver hair, they glistened under the moonlight resembling vermillion agates; fierceness befitting of a wolf. They were daunting, despite being saved she still felt like prey in his eyes. Barbara caught a glimpse of how his once ferocious gaze instantly tames when the dispersed wolves left following the leader. It was from a brief moment she realized his intense glare was reserved for those wolves to scare them off and the glint of violence in his eyes were only traces before his face retorts to calmness.

He gave a single weak nod telling a cue to leave for safety. Her relief lasted only in a blink of an eye when the two wolves he arrived with surrounded the basket. The crimson fox quivered once their breaths infiltrates the tiny crack. Noses twitched at the scent of their prey they were circling.

For the fox to live she must be strong. 

Barbara picked up the tree branch that fell with her and swung it around. The wolves dodged with a snarl, their ears flat against their heads. She raises the branch in which forced them to dispel. 

"My lupical..." They were almost hurt but it was close enough to make him angry with her recklessness. 

Once the coast finally cleared, Barbara hastened toward the basket. 

"They're gone now oh poor you." She pets its head and the crimson fox squeaked. The dragged footsteps against the grass made her become wary once again. 

"M-meat..." Pair of red eyes fixated on the crimson fox she cradles as he limped. Barbara could solely focus on how weak he looked compared to earlier. She didn't run away, knowing it was the small animal he wanted. The young boy from the forest extended a hand as he got closer.  

"Stay away." She hid the fox from his gaze by twisting to the side. The pack of wolves was in the way of their hunt. He dealt with them to win the fox over but now their meal for tonight landed in the hands of a stranger. Ignoring the limit of his body was another problem aside from bringing his wolf family something to eat and exhaustion overtook his last reserved strength. 

Barbara squeezed the fox into a hug when he slumped towards them and misperceived it as an attack.

"Huh?" The curious deaconess rolled the boy to lie on his back and saw his pained expression. She gasped recognizing his familiar face. He's known as the boy who grew up along wolves, away from the city and humans. His name laid on the tip of her tongue however it never came out. Once he ever wakes up, Barbara plans to simply just ask politely. Barbara further inspected the unconscious wolf boy whose name she still yet to remember. His arms were slightly defined, hair rarely cut extending below his hip. She couldn't tell the reason he was in pain yet. His scars tell the years he's lived in the wild among other wild animals. Growing up somewhere far from busy people, she thought would be more peaceful. It seems life in the forest for him is nothing any different.

Barbara hovers the back of her hand over his lips. It was faint but if it weren't for how warm his breath was, she won't feel his breathing at all.

There was a red swollen area on his skin. It was beneath the clothing which she lifted and in her surprise, her finger made contact with his burning skin. His temperature was another thing to check.

It was a gash, infected explaining his heated temperature.

Although Wolvendom may be a common home to wolfhooks she's afraid those alone may not work.

Barbara counted one to three before lifting him on her back. The boy was heavy but it would be worse if he were to be left untreated. For a short distance, Barbara managed to leave Wolvendom while carrying him. Her shoulders began to hurt. Springvale was the farthest she could go with steadied feet and it was still miles away from Mondstadt. The deaconess carefully sat him against a tree and he did a weak grunt. Her lips curved knowing there's a bit of consciousness still left in him, at least and she held his arm in assurance.

"I'm sorry, please hold on a little longer..." Barbara rushes to seek something or anything that would help. Nothing useful can be found until her eyes landed on the wooden cart. The same one Draff and Allan used to hold the barrel filled with soil. She looked around but she couldn't find someone to ask permission to. 

Her panic arises. 

"Should I?" Barbara desperately began talking herself through. Every second she hesitated, his hurt would be prolonged. Barbatos would understand if life was at risk in the matter. Right? 

Life cannot be returned once lost but the cart she supposes she'll just borrow will. 

"Forgive me Lord Barbatos..!"  The deaconess guiltily borrows the cart hoping she was not seen committing a 'forbidden' act. She gave one last glance behind her, whispering a promise to return it tomorrow.

It would've helped her greatly if the wolf boy was conscious to bring himself in the cart.

"Hey, are you awake?" She asked in a low voice close to his ear. No response. The deaconess scratches her head, the ties on her blonde pigtails loosening. She pulls the cart closer, positioning it just before him. The same method she thought of except carrying him briefly this time. Barbara centers all the strength she has on her legs and arms once more to gently lay him down but executing it was easier in mind than done. The first step was easy; sitting him down in the cart and it went well until she lets go of his entire body.

All it took was all his weight which sent the cart rolling on its own. Ahead the direction it leads to is a pond.

"OH NO!" Before another chaos ensues, Barbara chases it down a slope the fastest as she could. A few stones in the way slowed her down and to reach it on time seemed impossible. She took a big leap and extended her hand to the grip.

The wheels were an inch from the water when it came to a stop. Momentarily forgotten they were still tilted, standing on a slanted slope the now unconscious boy slowly slid off of it. Barbara did a loud gasp making her glad the whole village was already asleep. The cart remains in place by her hold and with her free hand, she pulls him in place by grabbing his ankle. Only the tips of his silver long hair were dipped in the pond. Thankfully. 

Talk about a long way from the subarea of wolvendom to the busy city of Mondstadt she finds herself missing its' safe grounds again. 

"I'll make it." Before starting to sprint for miles, she prayed to the anemo archon to keep any disasters at bay.

♪♪♪

    Barbara gently puts him down in a neat single bed in the convent and lights up a candle on the side. The tiny light emphasized his skin sweating as his chest expanded and shrank relentlessly. The deaconess calms herself and grabs a towel she places in a small basin with water she hurriedly gathered.

His high temperature was dangerous it might cause convulsions. She sweats profusely, simultaneously nervous for his critical state and weary from running in miles.

"Barbara, care to explain where have you been? It's night and- is that?" Sister Victoria walked in at an utmost difficult time. The deaconess wipes her forehead as she slowly faced her.  

"Sorry Sister Victoria just a little a bit more time and I'll explain everything." She did her best to be calm to avoid further speculations.

"Please." Her tone begged but her serious face tells it was a demand. Sister Victoria stared moments before leaving the room and finally with no one's eyes on her, Barbara briefly holds onto her shoulder after feeling a twinge of pain in the area but brushed it off eventually returning her hand on the other end of the towel she was squeezing by twisting. Now it was damp, she rubs it on his forehead. Another dip on the basin and doing the same procedure, Barbara wipes off his arms, neck, and body while carefully avoiding the infected part. From how it looked, she estimated it might take a week or less for his wound to fully recover. 

She used her hands to fan herself.

Despite the moon being at its peak, she swore to stay by his side awake to be the whole night.

The deaconess did everything she could. Barbara placed a tiny chair next to the bed to monitor his condition. Before dawn, his temperature improved so little but enough to be considered safe. Barbara looked down at him smiling at him finally sleeping peacefully. Her lids became heavy, the cold of the night singing her a lullaby to sleep.  

"I need answers." A strict voice intercepted the soothing darkness upon closing her eyes.

"I went to..." Barbara could barely respond with energy, fighting her drowsiness to remain awake. Despite her strictness, the nun cared for the deaconess and gave her time to rest instead. "Sister Rosaria already told me where you've been but that and the one outside the cathedral is another story. 

"And it is a long one indeed..." Barbara

"Nevermind, I'm letting you rest. Just tell me everything tomorrow." Victoria pointed at the wolf boi laying on the bed. Her words finally sink in. The one outside the cathedral is no other than Venti. Until dawn, he still waited. Her ears couldn't believe what she just heard.

"We could just not leave some drunk juvenile loitering outside the cathedral at night. He's looking for you due to unknown reasons. It is difficult to have plenty of admirers as an idol even if he tells he's not one of 'those' I still don't believe so."

"He was a friend." 

"Was? Oh. so it's something personal...It's good to know he's not like those weird admirers you have. I won't listen but I'll still watch over from afar and it's already past twelve. Convince him to leave if you can also do so if you may? Thank you."

"No problem Sister Victoria." Barbara obeys her request and headed to the bench where he lay. The chilly breeze felt nice and strands of hair sticking in her neck eventually sways behind her. Once their distance was close, his snore became louder. From afternoon to dawn, not a single mortal could sleep that long especially for someone who slept in a rough cold bench made out of cement. His position seemed uncomfortable. Hugging his knees close to fit in a small space.

Barbara began to pity the bard she was supposed to ignore.

"Venti. I know you're fake sleeping." She turns her back on the sleeping bard. 

"Go home now." It was all the words she needed to tell but deep down she knew it was a lie. Either way, the deaconess won't repeat herself.

Venti lightly tugged her sleeve. The charms dangling on his belt chimed in her ears as he sat up. For a bard so stubborn to her surprise, listened to the words she told just once. Barbara remains still despite being aware and refused to look at him. A sigh escapes his lips as he lets go of her sleeve. 

If he blamed this unexplainable feeling that urged him to hear her soft voice again, it would've made sense. 

After a few to a couple of bottles, Venti longed to see her face. It matter not it was the same face that made him drink more than he should on a regular. 

The fault is in the wine. Venti smirked with his head down low, shaking his head. He thought maybe the drink she made would make everything better instead of a temporary distraction from his unpleasant reality like the alcohol did. He opens the drinks and downed the bottle in one go. Venti scrunched up his nose from the taste. It left a pungent taste that lingered despite being already swallowed. 

Not a single drop was left and he somewhat felt relieved all of a sudden upon finishing a useless drink.    

Just as fruits were to rot, unknown to the bard so was the drink to lose its effects upon not consuming it immediately. Barbara felt the urge to prevent him not to as it serves no longer its' purpose aside from it tasting terrible. However, ego gets the best of her. She assumed the bard endeavored to seem miserable enough to gain her sympathy. It pinches her heart more than what she was willing to admit in which she feels exasperating. He must leave the outside premises before anything to be potentially regretted from today onwards happens. 

The bard currently despised looking miserable in front of the idol who appears to be perfect all the time. It's best he leaves before she changes her mind and decides to confront him. In his worst state, he must not. Venti gradually stood from the bench and Barbara held in her breath. He lost the scent of Cecilia flowers she always adored. His tired eyes gazed upon her back anticipating a response. 

The idol remains motionless and silent. So as he thought she would do so.

Barbara sensed his presence vanished, exhaling deeply.

The bard tells the wisest words yet acts so foolishly around her.

It's difficult to apprehend incomplete poems.

Chapter Text

     The place, scent, and everything occupying his other senses felt all foreign. Curtains swung open and dust particles visibly floated in the part sunlight penetrated. The boy who grew up in the forest longs to see his family again. His eyes shot wide open as his mind was scrambled into a panic.

"Good Morning! Are you feeling better now?" Razor ignored the twinge of pain in his swollen skin, aside from the greeting he received. A pair of hands prevented him from hopping off the bed.

"No, no...you must not leave yet. You still have a fever!" Barbara presses her palm against his forehead when he sat up.

"Razor. must. leave." He points at himself eyelids heavy, noticeably tired although judging his tone alone tells otherwise. The bed creaked along with his resistance and they both paused upon hearing a noise the fox made. The basket cover sprung open and the dainty fox appeared. Last night's hunt, supposedly.

"Meat!" Razor growls, still in the mood for hunting. Whether he would eat animals raw or cooked, Barbara would rather leave her curiosity alone for the sake of this poor being.

Barbara squeezes herself in between Razor and the basket on the small table behind her.

"Behave nicely, okay? Don't touch..." She trails off, the crimson fox yet to be named. She was suddenly reminded of the wolfhooks and calla lily that were left in the basket, forgotten to refill the inventory with. Razor snarls once more to threaten her to move aside.

"AH! Wolfily!" Her tongue tangled the two words together and sounded nice for a name.

"Our choir practice starts in a few minutes..." Calls a muffled voice from outside the room. 

"Okay, I'll be there in a bit!" For a moment her head turned away, there were small grunts behind her. Razor sticks the tip of his tongue against the corner of his lips as his hand continuously stretches towards the table while still lying in bed. 

"Razor don't do that!" Yelled the deaconess and sprinted towards the basket, to obscure the fox from his hungry gaze again. Her hands were pressed on the edge of the top of the small cabinet and it tilts forward, the drawer opens bumps at the back of her knee as it sprung open making her jump. Among many other medicinal properties, a handful of ropes caught her attention. Her eyes switched back and forth between the rope, edge of the bed, and Razor.

Of course, the wolf boy opposes the idea and wriggled around. His fists almost landed a hit on her face and unfortunately for Razor, his strength was reduced due to his current state which was used as an advantage by the deaconess. Barbara successfully seized his wrist and hurriedly ties it to the wooden bed barrier.

Razor further squirms but it was only an exert of his spare energy left in hopes to be freed.

"Argh." His stomach clenched in sync with his excruciating grunt which restricted him from moving violently. Barbara pities him but there was no other choice. "Does it hurt? I'm really sorry but it might only get worse for you if you run away. Once you're completely healed, I'll return you home, okay?" Her gentle voice fully convinced Razor to behave-who abruptly stopped any violent movement and stared back as if a tiny puppy. Barbara faces the doorstep to follow on to their choir practice. He mutters a request.

"Razor has favor." His ruby eyes remain glued to the ceiling. From a gloomy tired look, Barbara's face lit up when he began endeavoring a proper, calm conversation.

"Yes..of course, is there anything you need?" To accommodate those willing to be cured, she'll serve anything as long as not beyond her capability. Razor points a finger at his chest.

"I like to eat meat..."

"Then I'll bring you some. See you later."

"Wait lupical too."

"Hmm, Lupical? You want me to bring them meat too?" A word she first heard. Barbara assumed it was the name of someone he knows back home. The wolf boy bobbed his head at her second question.

"Lupical is family. They like meat." His request would require another visit to Wolvendom. Now to think of it, she'd return the trolley at Springvale. The dead forest was right just ahead of the village which is convenient.

"Don't worry I will too. For now, please rest while I'm not around. Bye-bye ~" Barbara excitedly waved at him as she slowly exits the door, squeezing in a smile moments before shutting the door completely close. At the cathedral, nuns were aligned and centered in the front. Scolds from Sister Victoria never made past her thin lips detecting the exhaustion visible on the deaconess. She simply shook her head in pity for the young lady and moved on to resume their practice.

"Barbara's arrived. Do you still remember the intro?"

"Yes, I do Sister Victoria."

"That's pleasing to hear. Okay then, let's begin with the chorus." She forgot to tell Barbara which song was to be rehearsed. The deaconess simply waited for the other nuns to sing and by the first word alone, she already knew it too well. Windborne Hymn. Each line devotes glory to their land and archon of freedom Barbara never gets tired of singing about and hearing countless times. Her mellow voice accorded in as they gracefully sang praises to the god they serve. Next to her was a bored, yawning nun. Rosaria. She was staring down at chains wrapped in her fingers while playing with her nails, not paying a tidbit of attention to the front.

Barbara turns her head over her shoulder, to ask her reasons for refusing to fully participate. From her peripheral vision, there was a glimpse of full verdant attire in the first row of pews that made her do a double-take. His knees kissed the grounds where his own people worship him. Venti was praying to the anemo archon, or as Barbara thought. She wondered which prayer the bards of his kind would wish, whisper, and hope. Venti sensed her gaze and opened his right eye to peek.

"Hehe, no worries. I have no plans in staying any longer to bother you." The more he holds onto the unexplainable feeling the more incomprehensible and difficult it was to distinguish. 

"Then what's the purpose of your visit?"

"I'm a follower too you know? Although may not be as devout as you. Whoever visits to bask in his grace deserves to be treated with hospitability just as much as those with less frequent visits yet I, compared to your 'fan' is always invited in." Barbara answers with nothing but silence and a piercing glare. He was slightly intimidated, bowing his head.

"Ah, a shame. I'll pray somewhere outdoors instead." Venti heaved a sigh, his back slouching as a silent beg for some sympathy. He skidded his way towards the exit, slowing down by the time only a few steps were left away from the door. The bard pouts his lips. Is she really keeping her silence?

Barbara turns around before guilt could win over her.

Venti stops in his tracks, noticing her gaze slipped away from him so effortlessly. As if everything they had gone past redemption. 

'She's still upset...'

     Venti shortly leaves, after receiving the unspoken message Barbara was trying to get across. He understands, after all that happened. He'll prove he's worthy of regaining her trust. Looking down at his lyre, determination lights up his aura. Perhaps a melody could make a change.

♪♪♪

           Barbara was grateful for the cart she borrowed for fulfilling the purpose of helping her safely bring the injured Razor to the cathedral. Today is the day she must return it. Luckily, the hunters were out to look for fresh meat and she was able to sneak it back in place. Barbara strolled to wolvendom afterward to accomplish Razor's request of feeding his family.

She prayed they were the kind ones.

Barbara gulped and did her best to remain calm as she gently placed the meat in the grass at the same spot they were seen yesterday. It's her best guess since there's no other idea where to locate the wolves akin to Razor. Hopefully, they would detect the scent of meat and appear quickly.

One by one they appeared out of the bushes and began lapping the meat.
The other wolf began pushing the other.

"Here's meat for you." She pulls out another one she freshly bought from the market. The wolves surrounded her waiting for another drop.

Barbara fetches the last strips of meat and watched them gather. While they were distracted, it was the best time for her to leave. Without her realizing it, she was amused watching the wolves eat and forgot to leave some spare for Razor.

At noon, she returns safe and sound with a warm soup to bring to the table next to Razor.

"Y-you meet them? My...lupical?" Her steps woke Razor up and the boy squinted his eyes from the sunlight leaking from the windows.

"Yes, I did hehe and they sure did eat a lot of meat." The wolf boy tried sitting up on the bed only to be constrained by ropes and the pain in his stomach. She gently pins him down slowly, grabbing him on both shoulders.

"No, you have not completely recovered yet Razor. I'll free you once your condition improves okay? This soup will help you get better so-" Barbara scooped a mouthful of soup to feed Razor. Unexpectedly, He tugs her close by her arm, and everything on the spoon splattered on the floor.

Razor leveraged himself from the mattress using his elbow and leans close sniffing her. Barbara tried to lean away but his strong grip firmly kept her in place. A good sign he was regaining strength compared to his condition earlier morning.

"W-what are you doing?" It upset the deaconess, baffled at his strange aggressive behavior.

"You not lying. I smell them." Razor narrows his eyes before his grip loosens, eventually returning to the distant space between them. That reminds her, the wolves left her a wet forest scent. "Next time, please don't do stuff like that again...it's not normal for humans to smell others and you're a human Razor so why mimic wolves?" Barbara looked at the mess on the floor and began wiping it clean.

Apparently, it's not normal for a person to smell others like wolves do.

A frown crept on his cracked lips.

Does he ever consider himself a human? Neither his family of wolves considers him to be one of them. He never felt belonged both to wolves and neither to humans. This familiar feeling of being abandoned with no home to come to. It feels empty.

Razor kept silent, unable to form an answer. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice on you like that.." Barbara noticed his dull expression and realized she might have unintentionally hurt his feelings.

"It's okay as long lupical is happy I am happy." His answer was irrelevant to Barbara's response though, unknown to her was it a continuation of his inner thought. Razor looks away to decline being fed.

"Me not want to eat!" Barbara attempts to shove the spoon in his mouth but his stubborn resistance prevailed over her resilience.

The deaconess sighed feeling hopeless and tired after over half an hour.

"Well please drink water instead. I see you're already dehydrated." His lips were cracked dry. Razor drank it quickly, swallowing huge amounts recklessly. Barbara concedes it was her mistake to forget to leave him some water to drink. As much as she wants to fully focus on taking care of him, it clashes with her busy schedule.

A few days went by and soon the wolf boy regains stability and has improved greatly.

Barbara excitedly enters the room with a freshly cooked vegetable soup.

"R-Razor?" She called but received an empty answer. The deaconess worriedly skidded towards the bed to check up on his wound. She wandered around and arrived at a mess, with disheveled bedsheets and untangled ropes on the ground. Underneath the bed, her foot kicked something. 

Barbara bends down to peek and sees the basket where the crimson fox was hidden now gone.

Her high-pitched squeal disturbed the birds chirping peacefully by the window.

Chapter Text

      A certain wolf stench drove denizens to shield their noses. Razor craved meat, a taste lingering in his mind for a week now, enough to drive him beyond sanity. He roamed the streets with the crimson fox hostage in his hand, looking for a perfect source of fire to cook it.

        Every denizen Razor came across, would dodge a contact and mutter complaints under their breath whether it be assuming the days it had been since he cleaned himself while some exaggerated for estimating it half a year or so since his last bath. Few felt sympathy for the wolf boy who they believed had no proper home and was completely neglected. It is unusual to witness hobos in Mondstadt, especially in the center of the city and his ragged appearance stood out.

But all the mean words went over his head when it was spiked with hunger. 

There was a nearby open restaurant, the flames under the pot caught his attention.

The wolf boy went missing and Barbara searched everywhere.

"Has anybody seen Razor? He has silver hair, electro vision, many scars, and..."

"Intolerable wolf scent? Ah yes, I did." Marjorie raises a brow, surprised the pristine starlet would be associated with the likes of the weirdo mimicking wolves. It spoke the truth, but it was unnecessary to deliver such sentiments out loud. 

"That way, to Sara's restaurant, though I'm surprised you're searching for that weirdo from wolvendom."  Barbara fabricates vexation at her comment, plastering a brief fake smile.

"Ah, he's a patient under my care. I'd appreciate it if you refrain from using such words on him. Thank you, I'll be leaving now!" Returning her concentration to look for Razor, at Good Hunter's the stove outdoors next to the restaurant counter, was a terrible, horrific sight. 

The fox's fluffy head was an inch close to catching fire from the flames under the stove. Barbara yanked Razor by the back of his dirty hoodie which made him sit back. The unexpected interruption left him sitting on the ground stunned, and Barbara takes the fox from him before he could make sense of what happened.

"That's. my. food!" Razor immediately stood and Barbara knew she had to sprint unprepared. Barbara ran off to the city gates, mindful not to bother denizens in the process.

Escape to a safe spot for the crimson fox, and convince the forest-grown boy to bathe.

Windrise was the perfect landscape for such a plan; a big tree with high trunks and a stream of water surrounding it. Neither it was occupied with crowds to bump onto.

Barbara shrieked looking back to check over her shoulder if he was still after her tail. As if he didn't just recover from an injury, Razor was quicker than any average person. His sprint was thrice faster than the children Barbara playfully chased around the cathedral habitually.

And for the same reason, she didn't get tired so easily although it did worry her the wolf boy will catch her soon. Instead of running a smooth straight line, Barbara sprinted on a zigzag pattern until reaching the huge tree—which thank the anemo archon was effective. Despite still wearing white stockings and deaconess attire, she sacrificed getting them wet for Razor to follow and hop in.

"Hey! Mine, food!" He tries to reach the fox wrapped safely in her arms. Barbara tilts her body sideways and Razor fell face first onto the water. She took it an opportunity to secretly place the fox down on the ground behind her and allow it to escape.

"YOU, let it escape!" Razor charges to approach and Barbara moves her foot backward, a pebble unknowingly was in the way underwater. She wobbled as her feet went unsteady. Barbara tugged his gray jacket in hopes to anchor her balance from slipping away. Unfortunately, the sudden pull also dragged Razor along.

Splash.

        Razor was able to lever himself from bumping his tough forehead against the deaconess'. Both hands were on the sides of her hips, while Barbara hung her head low with eyes still squeezed shut. She sucked her breath in.

He needs a bath. A long one indeed.

There was a ripple in the water around them. Tiny bubbles emerged from the fish's mouth. Fox meat was now long forgotten once the new hunt target caught his eye.

"Fish!" Razor rattled away as nothing happened and began chasing the swimming animal. Finally able to breathe fresh nature again, Barbara releases a puff of air and fixes herself. 

"So he's chasing fish? I'm joining." Fishing is an activity she participated in a lot before in her childhood days.

"No, no. The fishes will keep swimming away if you frantically run around."

"I know-how. But me, only hungry." 

Barbara giggles at his excuse. "Here, watch how I do it." Placing a finger on her lips, she did a hushing sound. Focused eyes follow the fish, feet digging to the ground. "But I do need another pair of hands." The position her sister used to take responsibility for. Barbara observes the fishes they plan to capture, they swim along the flow of the water current. 

"Remain still Razor." Barbara leaves the water to sidestep walking all over the fish to switch places. She went to the other end of the lake, dipping herself in the water again at the closest she could get without disturbing its group. Razor squats and spreads his legs to block the other end where the fish may escape to. 

"Ready." Razor knits his brow together, with sharp focus as the water reaches up to his knuckles. Both hands open in anticipation.  

Barbara digs her shoe and the mud emerges, clouding her once crystal clear reflection. The school of fishes dispersed for survival. Before some could get through between the gap of his legs, Razor grabbed a bunch as fast as a flash of lightning. Meanwhile, the others tried to escape where the deaconess stood. Barbara competitively grabbed fish, making sure the numbers she'd catch would not be drastically less.

Beads of sweat began forming on their foreheads as they went on for almost half an hour.

They gathered all the fishes they caught by the tree, the last three captured still wriggling. Barbara began counting and compared their result. His counts up to thirteen, while hers was only less by two. Not bad for a skill she last performed back in her childhood compared to the boy who grew up in the forest hunting every day. Excellent.

"Hehe...I got eleven. You won with thirteen fishes Razor!" Barbara warmly smiles at him. A frown went its way on his lips. She expected Razor to be happy about his victory. Why the low spirit?

"H-here. Both twelve, now we fair..." He picks one from his own pile and places it on top of hers. "No no, all credits go to you Razor. We'll cook all of it but first I'll gather enough wood to make fire, only if you promise to stay here and wait for my return. Understand?" 

"I c-can make fire." He climbs the huge tree without hesitation before Barbara could ask the kind of idea he has in mind. Razor crawled from the thickest of the branch towards the end to snap the small ones. She tilts her head, as the tree bushes obscured him from view. All heard was the rustling and shaking of the leaves. 

Barbara approaches the tree closer and lifts her chin to check Razor, her eyes went wide seeing him falling, and stepped away. The poor boy scratches his head, confused at what happened up in the branches.

"S-something...pushed me." 

Pushed? Barbara hooks her arm on his as she slowly helped him get back to his feet. "There." His finger pointed upwards at the branches where he fell from. She looks up once again but there was nothing. 

"What pushed you Razor?"

"Wind. Strong." The deaconess releases the breath she kept on hold. She assumes it may be Albert who might have never stopped stalking her. Was she too paranoid? Barbara pulls herself together and picked up the branches he took on the grass before returning to the pile of fish to sit. Growing up in the wilderness, the fire appears with the combined use of a couple of branches, stone, and friction. In the reflection of their eyes, the flames danced. They used the spare wood sticks left to pierce the fish from its' tail to its mouth.

Barbara could not help but praise the skills she saw in him.

"How amazing! When I was younger, my sister and I needed a bit more time to create fire." 

"You have, sibling?" Razor briefly squinted his eyes before facing her with curved lips. She continuously rotates the stick to evenly cook the fish on both sides. Cerulean eyes never left the dancing flames upon giving a slow nod. Reminiscing her old fun days with Jean. Her sister had always been in the same city as her except lately she yet felt so distant. Their lives became busy as they grew apart. All could Barbara do is secretly admire her for being able to take on her responsibilities as acting grandmaster from afar. His shoulders lowered from their tensed state as expectations they bonded the same way before crumbles.

"Why not try...try again?" 

"I know she'll decline, I understand Jean's busy too like I am. She simply never had time for herself. I think it's best not to disturb my sister."

"I am not your sister. But we can have more fun." His silver bangs fell slightly to his brow. Realization struck Barbara. The boy who lived among wolves wasn't as aggressive as her first impression of him upon first meeting. Speaking of isolation from humans, it was to her surprise Razor knew numbers.

"I hope it won't sound so rude to ask...but how did you learn how to count Razor?" She grinned ear to ear, starting to feel a sense of safety around him. 

"Purple teacher. Purple teacher her name Lisa taught me." Barbara leans her body forward in surprise. "You know Miss Lisa? Oh, I didn't expect you to visit the city sometimes." 

"Only sometimes. To talk is hard but I try. I'm not a wolf...but humans too, they hate me...where am I belong?" His fragile voice cracked before he could ask the question, in desperate hopes of an answer. It had been years since he was born when he began wondering. Until now, the world felt too big for Razor yet no space for him. Barbara grips the ribbon in her chest, as she gently caressed his back frowning. There were times too, she felt alone despite big crowds cheering for her. Not even a single one could be the person she could run to, at her lowest. 

"Aww Razor, don't listen to what anyone says. Listen to your heart and you may find the answer you seek. So if you were to be asked, how do you see yourself?"

Razor looks down at his hand. Long nails but not considered claws. He has hair and not fur. Teeth but no fangs. Two legs, not four.

Therefore;

"I am human." Barbara clapped her hand together to cheer for him but his sentence was yet complete. 

"But...human does not like me. I'm still confused," Oh. The bliss in her face dissipates quickly. Barbara wasn't oblivious about the way denizens talked badly about him. Someone as kind as him deserves better treatment from denizens. 

"Razor,  I see you as one of us. All you need to be human is...this." She presses her finger against his chest where his heart lies. Some people don't deserve to be called human for their vile character despite their mortal physique. Barbara explains to lift the heavy curiosity he feels. 

The only problem left is his need for guidance to appear more approachable. First, they should begin with his wet forest mixed scent of wolves. Barbara tried to talk him out of it in the least obvious way. "Uh Razor, you haven't changed clothes for days now ever since I brought you to the city. We can ask Miss Lisa for...a more comfortable one."

"Razor is good." He declines but Barbara was persistent. She dips her hands by the edge of the lake.

"Oh okay, well the stream water feels cold. Don't you feel hot?"

"Ooh, I like baths! But forget to do."

"So what are you waiting for, come on Razor!" Barbara was too fixated on pulling Razor along the pool by his own will, realizing late she walked too ahead of him and the water was already by her hips. It's too late to turn back now all dry. To her surprise, Razor takes his hoodie off before jumping in. The deaconess covers her eyes immediately and turns her back on him.

He was supposed to swim with clothes on-as Barbara's concerned to wash away the odor attached to it.

"But this is how we swim." His gray brow arched and raised from the other. Barbara lets go of the issue. Perhaps she should be concentrating on her sole task he returns to the city clean. They splashed water at one another, laughing as they took turns. Afterward, the two sat back by the huge tree. Barbara twists her pigtails dry including the hem of her dress. Meanwhile, Razor was dissuaded by the deaconess from wearing his hoodie again. 

All the time spent on their bath would go in vain if Barbara allowed it.

Next, would be verbal and body language.

"So how do wolves greet another?" Barbara asked, curious if there would be at least similarities with how wolves interact compared to people as her way to measure how long it might take for him to memorize it. 

Curiosity killed the cat.

Razor knelt from sitting, and licks her cheek.

It tickles and is harmless but certainly strange for humans of course.

Before Barbara could tell him to stop in between giggles, his weight almost tackles her to the ground as dogs do upon seeing their owners. Someone clearing their throat made the two suddenly freeze. 

As if history was told from the perspective of someone engaged in it with their very own eyes rather than learned.

"It is up to every denizen's knowledge that Windrise is a sacred place, in honor of Venessa's sacrifice for Mondstadt. This massive oak tree is a commemoration of her ascension to Celestia and until today, this tree symbolizes and is a reminder she's one of the Four Winds, her gaze on our city as the Falcon of the West. If I were you, I'd be mindful to put some respect in such a holy setting." 

Not a single ancient book in teyvat has records of the anemo archon speaking against his freedom principle, delivering such a declaration demandingly; hinting at a desire to control.

Chapter Text

As if history was told from the perspective of someone engaged in it with their very own eyes.

"It is up to every denizen's knowledge that Windrise is a sacred place, in honor of Venessa's sacrifice for Mondstadt. This massive oak tree is a commemoration of her ascension to Celestia and until today, this tree symbolizes and is a reminder she's one of the Four Winds, her gaze on our city as the Falcon of the West. If I were you, I'd be mindful of putting some respect in such a holy setting."

Not a single ancient book in teyvat has records of the anemo archon speaking against his freedom principle, delivering such a declaration demandingly; hinting at a desire to control.

"No no, it's not anything like that...Razor and I were just-" Barbara paused, catching herself sounding more defensive than intended about a matter she did not do. Still concerned about how he would feel upon seeing her spend time with someone else under the tree where they used to hang out. Upon being reminded of the incident out of the blue, she changed her approach and straightened her posture. 

"And If I were you, I won't jump to such conclusions. We're doing nothing wrong, Venti." Barbara stated simplified, rising above her sympathy. Either way, their friendship is long gone and a lengthy explanation is unnecessary.  

"Oh-ho ho...' jumping to such conclusions. Putting words to my mouth I did not declare, are we? Voicing out, through knowing truths first and that's when I only dare." Venti averted his eyes over Barbara's shoulder for a brief moment, Razor baring his teeth with a low rumbling sound coming from the back of his throat. A trait similar to wolves in which the bard is absolutely familiar with, having his wolf companion Andrius for over a millennium. Venti is aware of such a stance, the wolf boy was threatening him but the anemo archon heed no mind. 

He returns his gaze to the deaconess' pretty azure eyes he has always longed to stare at. 

The corner of his lips turned upwards. "Well from lots of accumulated time we've spent in the past under the same tree, I suppose you know me better than assume things at first sight, because apparently….nothing is everything how it seems at glance." 

Those words of his were assembled in a way to provoke, Barbara knows; yet confused the deaconess which of them Venti was trying to make a point to. The deaconess paused for a moment realizing he incased his words with a hidden message.

Does Venti emphasize he had spent more time with her in front of Razor for the sake of displaying superiority? Or was it a hint from the bard to not conclude at first plain sight? 

         Venti was staring deeply into her eyes, smiling at her, not the same kind she's seen plastered on his lips. What he displays usually sparks warmth unlike the current one with silent aggressiveness behind it. 

Why did she suddenly ache to see him in that manner again?

 But now she has no time to ponder about it currently, but she knew she'll spend the rest of the day with those exact words not leaving her mind relentless. 

The silence broke between the two. Razor steps forward and growls. "You..pushed me."

Barbara gasped upon hearing his complaint. "Razor is my patient still recovering, why would you do that Venti? You could've given a proper scolding."

"Well darling deaconess, let me tell you a thing or two about freedom." His sweet call of endearment she last heard in a long time made a twist in her stomach. Was it disgust? Or a tug of string in her heart?

"Restrictions won't make everyone follow, one can only give free will to the person in question and it's up to their choice. It's easy to comprehend except for those illiterate ones...if there is." Venti gripped his arm tighter, all the while keeping both still crossed on his chest.

"Venti." Barbara slightly raised her voice with brows knitting together, surprised at his insulting remark that obviously hinted at Razor. He was acting differently. Venti is a good mentor, and he understands that certain things are beyond someone's capability. Insults are far from being so like him. Or so the Venti in her memory that she bonded with. 

Why did the air around him suddenly change?

"But pushing Razor off the tree isn't any better Venti. How come you're concerned about this tree? And as for this freedom you speak of, you act so...differently." 

I act…different? 

Venti blinked thrice as he looked away, snapping out of his unrecognized change of behavior. He's not under influence of alcohol either to explain such.

His chest began rising only to fall as he took deep breaths, staring at a random patch of verdant grass with tiny white flowers close to his feet. Exhaling unnaturally, as if pushing the air out from his nostrils. The bard always had so much to say, especially the nature of his talent as one associated with poetries except in the present moment he was in, he kept his silence.

Edith stepped in, just in time.

"I asked Venti to keep an eye on this tree starting today until next week although I did not mention anything about repelling anyone from staying here in Windrise, only to keep the premises neat in exchange for apples. By the way, I'm Edith a historian."

Venti cracked a nervous chuckle.

"Well you see, it seems I've tweaked the instructions you've told me. Hehe, apologies."

"Oh hehe, what a silly bard...right, Razor? Come on now let's return to the city, ignore what he said~" Barbara imitates the bard’s chuckle as she tugged Razor's arm and gave a side eye roll before smiling sarcastically. 

For someone banned from the tavern, apples to spare him for a week would be nice. Venti lets out a sigh, weakly putting his arms down as he turned. He refuses to see her fade into the distance again, not especially with someone else.

Returning to the convent in church with Razor, Barbara was surprised to see a friend waiting for her. It was Noelle. "Oh Barbara you're here finally, I have something urgent to tell you." She stood from her seat and immediately approached her friend.

"Sure Noelle, but first let me accompany Razor to bed so he could rest." Barbara walks past Noelle along with Razor who obediently follows her around. "It had been a long day Razor, please take a rest, and here drink some water." He nods his head, telling her a tired thank you. Barbara slowly closes the door to lessen the sound of wooden creaks. She meets Noelle at the end of the hallway where her friend had been waiting.

"I gathered some information and this may shock you Barbara but...it's about Albert." Noelle has received a piece of news on their days of investigation of Albert's whereabouts. 

"You found where he is?" The deaconess widened her eyes in anticipation of her response.

"No, no it's about your Fanclub Barbara. Albert is no longer the head of your fan club, he was replaced by that bard."  

"...Who's the bard?" The amount of bards in their city is beyond her fingers could count. It could not be Venti, is it? Barbara shook her head. Noelle had a slight nervousness as she tells Barbara about a surprising event that had been kept secret from her.

"That lady from days ago...Helen." She tells with an uneasy look, her gloved fingers toying with one another. Barbara covered her mouth at the unexpected discovery.  Is everything not as they seem at first glance? Worries flooded in, giving her a bad feeling about the whole matter. 

The Fanclub won't be the same way anymore.

Chapter Text

         Devotees and nuns circled around the foot of the huge anemo archon statue as they prayed in serenity with closed eyes, silently whispering the aspirations they wish to pursue and their gratefulness to the archon in mind.

         Barbara whispers her own prayers to the anemo archon to wish for a chance to attain the knowledge she needed to uncover the truth and guide her closest to justice. Noelle was next to the deaconess, doing her best to console her. 

The Fanclub won't be the same way anymore.

But that wasn't particulary the problem. 

Barbara worries what they learned was just the tip of the iceberg. 

              Noelle sat on a bench and Venti happen to be performing at the center. Why of all places that they had to be in it at the same time? The bard's presence was loathsome. Barbara scoffs while her arms were crossed.

"Oh my. What's with that gaze? What happened with you two, I thought you were good friends?" Her friend noticed the bitter stare she sent across the plaza. 

"We were but then..." Barbara sighed, as she hunched down to cover her face with her welcoming open palms. The tip of her fingers pressed on her closed lids to prevent possible tears as she tells Noelle the story.

"He mentored Helen before and I thought he could be trusted. Until..it was revealed to me how Venti participated in the trouble in my concert that day, I was told his reasons was because I...outshine his reputation as a musician and he dislikes..m-me." Barbara forced her throat to squeeze the words out audibly as she claimed the bard's reason and Noelle's gaze softens. The knight maid sees what it is.

Their bond was too strong, it was painful to put to words how Venti could possibly dislike her.

"Venti...he's more than just a friend to you, is he?"

   Barbara's eyes stretched wide, never leaving the windmills from a far. She felt her heart made a thump. More than a friend? Like a special friend? 

Well, to her Venti is special. 

She was guided by him, cheered her up when she felt down when no one else could, taught her a lot of things relating to music she never knew and has his own wonderful ways with words. She wished she could be as good as him in fact, it surprised her it was the other way around. She believes he was more deserving of praise.

        Barbara was yet to assemble the words that best describe how she feels towards Venti; To her, she looks up to him and his spectacular skills in playing the lyre and poetic that rhymes without any rehearsal. 

However, that's how she feels towards his works. Babara's smile drops a little, thinking she figured it all out in a blink only to find out it wasn't still quite right.

If anything there is more to mention about Venti.

How does she feel towards him?

As if a bush of roses instantly grew from her cheeks, Barbara sought deeper into her heart.

One thing's certain whenever his presence is around. Around him, Barbara feels the safest and happiest with Venti than with anybody else.

Around Venti, she felt...free.

Around him, she feels...at peace.

Her solace. 

      Barbara shook her head to rid of the happy memories with him. 

Is noelle implying she likes the bard?

        They spend their time together mostly beyond the city walls and where nobody else’s gaze could fall on them. Noelle wouldn't have enough glimpse of their interaction to come to such conclusion. Barbara fully convinced herself to assume otherwise regarding her question. She sees him differently apart everyone else, but she refuses to believe it holds any meaning. 

Whenever her thought starts to drift to his qualities she loves best of him, Barbara quickly dismisses and turns away.

"Oh...what do you mean?" She blurted out to gain clarity.

"I'll be completely honest...forgive me if I assumed differently. It sounded almost there the betrayal didn't hurt more, but the idea of Venti not seeing you favorably." Noelle shrugs as she smiles sheepishly and such a simple statement she dropped made Barbara all suddenly all stiff.

The betrayal didn't hurt more but it's the idea of being disliked by the bard...

Is it?

The deaconess was almost convinced for a second, it captured well how she feels; but that would prove Noelle’s point earlier about how she feels towards Venti. She refuse in every way.

Or wait, she would never lie to herself, wouldn’t she?

       Barbara felt her heart beating faster, as the gust of wind brushes her hair from her cheek. The intense warmth she feels began to increasingly overwhelm her the longer she pondered of the bard’s image, she has never been asked by such a question before neither she had realized it herself.

The deaconess finds a way to distract herself from such trail of thought soonest.

Barbara clears her throat.

"Noelle..? If you really want to know what happened I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to let in a little secret. You’ll be the first I’ll allow to hear everything."

            Noelle listens throughly as Barbara explains his 'betrayal' to appear as the hero in her concert and play along a 'lie' how Helen was the only person involved to keep his name neat.

"And now the Fanclub sent Helen horrible hate letters, I never said Venti deserves them...oh well nobody in Teyvat deserves them but those letters were too mean...which reminds me, there's a favor Helen asked me…and OH-"

                 Describing the situation out loud helped Barbara hear herself outside her caged thoughts. How it sounds on a bigger picture. She shot up from her seat and faced Noelle.

"YES, THAT'S RIGHT! I do recall Helen asked if I could plead the Fanclub about the matter for her to stop those threats and that's why we're looking for Albert in the first place. Noelle, do you know when Helen replaced Albert as the leader?"

"Over a month ago already...as one of the members has said." Noelle's eyes went up to the sky, tapping her chin with her index finger.

"That's great you have information!" 

Barbara immediately sinks in the bench next to her upon another realization.

"But Albert just went missing a week or two ago. This is strange.." 

Mentioning his name left a bitter taste in her mouth. The idol connected the clues in her mind as she stayed silent.

That time Helen 'saved' her was all just a setup.

Likely they were both involved. 

Barbara's face dims, her bangs covers her eyes as her head hang low.

If Helen was the head of the fanclub a month ago, then who was in charge of writing threats to her? Could it be not the Fanclub at fault and someone else? But that would be confusing, and would mean Helen was writing the threats by herself.

No, Barbara recalls it all vividly. Helen did want her to talk to the fanclub. The favor the lady bard asks of her flashes in her mind.

She figured it out.

Helen was leading her to the fanclub herself. But what is her motive?

"A week or two since Helen became the head? Am I thinking what you're thinking?!" Noelle had the same idea as her with the problem regarding the letters written were created by Helen herself.

"Nothing is adding up.” Barbara swallowed, pondering seriously about the situation.

"May I know where you took your source from, Noelle?" Her friend was astonished at her determined look in which, she had never seen on Barbara lately. She had been in low spirits in past few days ever since the bard and the deaconess stopped talking.

"I was able to interrogate Huffman while I was training earlier, so far he's the only knight of Favonious I know to be a club member. He already left ever since Helen replaced Albert but I think we’ll atleast learn a thing or two about where they hold meetings and hopefully, also the reason why Albert stepped down as the head."

Barbara clearly knows the reason he gave up being the leader of the fanclub. However she kept her mouth sealed.

"Although I doubt you can disturb him, he's still busy with training." Barbara sighs in disappointment at Noelle’s continuation. How will they be able to reach out to Huffman? She wants to resolve the tangled mystery behind her current situation as urgent as possible or else sleeping comfortably would be unobtainable. On top of it all, Razor still is under her watch.

"And...I'm still taking care of Razor, though he has recovered..I'll still need to accompany him to Wolvendom to make sure he returns home safe."

"Oh, I believe Bennett can help!"

"Speaking of Bennett, how is he doing?" Come to think of it, Barbara last saw him on their dinner with Helen. Back then, she gave her prepared steak to him and had a bad stomach ache upon consume.

There's no other person in the picture who's the possible culprit for it. Only three of them ate with Helen that day.

And Barbara has a raging determination to confirm her conclusion before dawn.

"I last saw him by the guild "He's recovered and doing fine already, I was about to say hi but I didn't want to disturb him but I couldn't drop by to say hi..well he seemed to be busy talking to Fischl." Noelle winked at Barbara and the deaconess couldn't help but smile at her being a tease about the two.

"I'm not one to ask favors but I have a feeling this is urgent, let's go visit him at the Guild Noelle." Barbara sprints towards the Guild with urgency leaving Noelle behind surprised for a second at the glimpse of her determined spirit. "Oh...coming!" She snaps out of it instantly or else she'd be left completely behind and ran to follow after Barbara.

♪♪♪

          Barbara spots her white-haired friend by the Adventurer's Guild, and was exactly talking to a girl his age with a deep violet attire as Noelle depicts.

She ran up to them, as much as she does not want to interrupt the matter she has to care of is important, as her gut instinct tells. She had an overall bad feeling about it. 

"Bennett are you busy at the moment? Apologies for interrupting but this is for Razor, I heard from Noelle you're close friends."

          Bennett noticed she looked quite frantic and serious. He swallowed, the deaconess almost never asked him to do anything for her. There must be something serious going on he could sense it. 

"Razor? Yes, we are! Why the question?" He chose to play it off despite all his weighing curiosity.

"Oh I know it isn't usual of me to ask but..there is something urgent we need to take care of. But if you're busy it's oka-"

"No, it's fine, I don't mind at all!" Bennett immediately dismisses her worry regaring his schedule. In fact he feels indebted to the deaconess. He had been healed by Barbara, with every injury he  receives throughout his injuries everyday. Bennett had been waiting for a chance to return the favor if anything but had never had it until now. 

"Oh okay, let me fetch him for you. Thank you Bennett." Barbara returns to the church with a held-up brimming look on her face. Despite feeling haste, the deaconess took her time to speak slowly and in a happy manner to conceal the worries with her best.

♪♪♪

"Razor, we're returning to Wolvendomm."

The wolf boy groaned as he stretched himself on the bed. He sat up looking slightly dazed and confused upon only being woken up. For Barbara, it was a chance to repeat herself, with a more cheerful tone she could.

"It's time for you to come home~"

"Come...home?"

"Yes Razor and a friend waiting for you outside, let's go." Bennett was outdoors waiting patiently leaning against the door frame with crossed arms. He smiled ear to ear at Razor and he waved back.

Barbara accompanies the wolf boy to his friend.  

Bennett offers a fist bump which Razor happily reciprocated. After all, it's been awhile since they last bonded.

♪♪♪

             Barbara was ignoring every passerby that smiles at her. It's almost as if the world around her ceased it's existence. She was physically present in Mondstadt but her mind was somewhere else, in a spiral of mess.

         Noelle had been apologizing for her whenever she bumped someone's shoulder. The concerned knight matches her swift steps to finally reach and tap her shoulder. 

"Are you sure we'll be heading to the Knight's headquarters?"

“We will. We’ll try to see the schedule reserved for all the Favonius knights.” 

Noelle attempts to stop her. 

“Barbara, I think you atleast have to ask or have the permission of Captain Kaeya or Acting Grandmaster Jean to see that kind of record. An ordinary knight would only know their own schedule but that kind of detailed list must be in the hands of the position of their likings.” She suggested biting her lower lip, knowingly this would possibly add to her troubles.

“It’s fine Noelle, thank you for informing me. We’ll ask Captain Kaeya if we can.” Barbara grins, still maintaining a positive outlook. Which to Noelle she all knows is a facade. Whenever she feels down Barbara always forced herself to be happy again. 

She thought maybe she could atleast let her feelings out naturally with no restrictions. Was being an idol really worth disposing your true feelings? Noelle wishes Barbara should be kinder to herself.

      The knights by the entrance straightened their posture and held a saluting gesture to both of them.

“Kindly state your business.” 

     Barbara scoots a little closer to whisper her intention to see the Cavalry Captain to the knight. “We simply hope to see him.” 

“Oh, Captain Kaeya is training some knights to finish a hilichurl camp by the Starsnatch cliff. I’m afraid he’s not in the office right now. Return the other day please.”

     Barbara briefly turns her head to Noelle and displays a scrunched nose along with a pair of narrowed eyes. She faces the knight just as fast as she turned to her friend. 

“Alright. See you the other day.” Barbara smiles and waved but Noelle had a different idea and whispered in her ear after yanking her arm.

“We still have Master Jean.” 

The Acting Grand Master.

Her older sister, who she’s no longer as close with where Barbara wishes they still did.

    The young deaconess gently shakes her head in refusal. “Well Jean might ask us what our reason will be. Lying to anybody especially the Acting Grandmaster is not a good idea. Let’s just ask the knights if they’ve seen Huffman instead.”

“Got it. Another question I believe, have you seen Mr. Huffman around?” Noelle approaches the other knight by the other side of the entrance door.

“It’s his duty by the docks when it’s noon I think.” 

          The two exchanged glances to one another in delight with shine in their eyes. Finally they have a clue to search for one of her fans who’s in contact from the inside of the Fanclub. 

          Barbara was certain for her goal today; look for Huffman and know the reason behind why Helen leads her to the Fanclub on purpose. 

Today, she will uncover everything that was concealed from her by that lady bard. Barbara approaches Huffman. It is now or never.

Chapter Text

              They finally had a breakthrough and discovered a clue that would help them locate one of Barbara's fans who had insider information from the Fanclub. With determination in her heart, Barbara knew exactly what she needed to do today: find Huffman and uncover the truth about Helen's involvement in leading her to the Fanclub.

"Mr. Huffman, may we interrogate you for a second?" Barbara approached Huffman, feeling a sense of urgency. The time had come to reveal all the secrets that had been kept from her by the enigmatic bard. Barbara was determined to get to the bottom of it all.

"Hello, Miss Barbara. I see no reason why I should decline your request." Huffman grinned ear to ear at the plain sight of the idol brightening his day."

"We're interested in knowing the whereabouts of the fan club meetings and if there's a specific schedule they follow."

"They used to take place at the residence of the leader... his name was Ald? Alb? Oh right, Albert, I believe. However, he's no longer in charge, and I suspect they have relocated to a different venue. Personally, I decided to leave the fan club because I had concerns about the new management's capabilities." Huffman trembles with unease. He clarifies that his duties as a knight hindered his active participation in the fan club, resulting in sporadic attendance at meetings. As a result, he never had the opportunity to form a close bond with Albert.

"It's an incredibly strange situation, Barbara. Even I find it challenging to discuss," Huffman admits. The two exchange concerned looks, realizing that the situation is escalating. It's perplexing why someone like Huffman, a knight, struggles to articulate the details.

"Is that all you need to know? Because if so I'm glad to be of help." Barbara stiffens upon a strike or realization of where the meeting was held. 

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Huffman, for your assistance." Noelle conveys her appreciation to the knight on Barbara's behalf as she was visibly submerged in her thoughts. "Come on, Barbara," She nudges her arm, bringing Barbara back to reality. They returned to the plaza, gathering and organizing the clues they have obtained.

"Alright... so we have a lead. According to Mr. Huffman, the meetings used to be held at the leader's own residence, which was Albert's house. Could it be that the new location is..."

"Helen's..." Barbara interjects. The mere possibility leaves her astounded. Could the day when Helen once accompanies her to her own place be a blessing in disguise? It's almost too incredible to believe, and a significant part of Barbara's mind resists accepting it even now. She swallows, her mouth feeling dry with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

She wants to see Helen soon and untangle everything that doesn't feel right.

              Barbara's restlessness grows unbearable, compelling her to take action and alleviate the weight pressing upon her chest. Without considering discussing her intentions with Noelle, she impulsively starts sprinting. Once more, the determination overrides any hesitation. Noelle, the loyal maid knight, immediately gives chase, ensuring she never loses sight of her idol.

"Hey, Barbara?!" Noelle calls, attempting to catch up with her, yet faithfully following her lead. The deaconess stops in her tracks. "Noelle? I'm heading home. You should as well...let's continue tomorrow okay?" She gives her a faint smile. This is for the good of everyone.'
"Oh, that could be a good idea. You do seem weary Barbara I'm worried." Barbara nods determinedly upon seeing her worried friend. The knight waved goodbye with a smile and soon their ways parted. She didn't want her precious friend to get involved in the possible trouble she may face ahead.                                                                                                                    

           Barbara places her trust in the Anemo Archon, finding solace in the belief that she will be guided. With unwavering determination, she resolves to confront her fears and confront whatever truths await her. The deaconess gently knocks on Helen's door, and it creaks open with the first tap. A wave of apprehension washes over her as she hesitates, frozen in place, while sunlight spills into the dimly lit house.

"Come in," a voice beckons. Barbara looks down, taken aback to find Nora, the young girl who has expressed profound admiration for her. Confusion floods her senses. "Nora?" Barbara utters in astonishment, her eyes widening. The little girl immediately covers her face, seemingly hiding something.

"Barbara!" She sobs before sprinting towards the deaconess, wrapping her arms around her tightly. Barbara pushes her questions aside at first to provide comfort for the little girl and brings a knee to the ground to hug her back.

"Shhh okay..just let it all out." She gently caressed her tiny back as she whispers in her ear. "I missed you..it's been so long since I saw you, Barbara." Nora cries, further burying her face in her shoulder.

"And I missed you too." The deaconess retained her calmness to soothe her crying while her eyes wandered inside Helen's home. Soon when Nora starts to calm down, Barbara assures she was completely stable first before asking for clarity.

"Aww Nora, what's bothering you?" The poor girl shakes her head, afraid to answer while the deaconess's thumb gently wipes away her warm tears.

"I can't, s-she might get mad at me." Her sniffs interrupt in between her pauses. The girl wipes covers her eyes with the hand holding a piece of paper. The deaconess grabs it before pulling her into a hug. She read the contents and to her surprise, it was a letter filled with hatred towards Helen. The letters were messily written, and the supposedly straight lines were wavy and bumpy. At this moment she knew Nora was forced and was likely scolded as she wrote them at how unsteady some characters were written.

"Shhhhh I'm here...now you're safe." Barbara fiercely knits her brows together, determined to know the culprit but at the same time allowing air for the little girl to breathe properly, and pulls away. Nora slowly looks up, her lips slowly parted out of hesitation. Barbara could see she was slowly giving in to speak and tell her something. The deaconess involuntarily mimicked the way her lips parted eagerly, anticipating the first syllable that would be spoken, and her eyebrows lifted above her eyes.

The pieces begin to fall into place, and she no longer hesitates to guess who might be responsible. Just as Nora was about to speak, but before her tongue could produce any sound; The voice Barbara is well familiar with interrupts their warm reunion.

And her assumption was right.

"Our favorite local idol is here. Oh hey, there Barbara." Helen leans back in her seat comfortably, crossing her arms before placing them over the table.

"Anyways..what has brought you here? Well, I prepared a tiny museum for you." Barbara felt a hint of unease as she noticed the insincerity behind the smile, despite the seemingly friendly demeanor. The deaconess became conscious of the posters, marked with hastily scrawled red paint on her face. It was evident that the setting she had entered was not intended to inspire admiration for her. A couple of messy crumpled papers, posters of Barbara with a splatter of red paint on her face. The fan club was a complete mess, looking more like a cult for hatred than a place of fun and admiration. Barbara felt like she was walking in a dungeon, a dull not so happy place.

However, she has mastered the goodness in staying calm in this kind of situation, coming both from her deep understanding of people and the nun's teaching to keep her professionality regarding being an idol.

"Supposedly I bear a single concern, but upon seeing Nora...never mind." The deaconess gives her a heavy-lidded side glance. 

"Her cries? Yes, I was behind it. Those hate letters I was 'sent', I made her write them creatively. Now what's your other concern?" Helen utters, nonchalantly. Barbara already knew she was behind it, but the weight of how little she cared still manages to elicit a gasp from her.

"She's still a little girl...don't you worry about the harmful words she'll learn to use? Don't even get me started with how you force Nora against her will." The idol's voice rises, her upsetness influencing her tone. Helen pauses, seemingly taken aback, before unexpectedly bursting into laughter. The lady bard finds amusement as if Barbara had just delivered a humorous joke. Barbara despite her offending mock still allows a moment of silence, giving her the chance to explain the motive that influences her behavior. There would be more room for forgiveness that way. The deaconess had always been forgiving, a principle that she mastered from serving the church and the enemy archon she looks up to. 

              In her pursuit of finding goodness in everyone, Barbara had often discovered flickers of light in the darkest of places. However, at this moment, all she found was the dancing flame on a candlewick, a mere illusion of warmth. She realized that true understanding and perception didn't come solely from listening with one's ears, but also from listening with one's heart. And as she looked at the lady bard before her, she sensed a hardening within Helen's heart, extinguishing any remaining hope for genuine compassion or empathy. Her laughter soon ceased and the room was reduced to silence.

 "You see me clearly Barbara, right? I look nothing like her mother, and so neither it's my job to compromise my own needs to keep the peace." Helen's face drops as her eyes reflected no remorse. 

"I'll get straight to the point, little miss Barbara. Quit as an idol and everything will go smoothly for the both of us." Helen declares through gritted teeth, her words oozing with a veiled threat. As Barbara listens, she perceives the true intentions behind the lady bard's words. The weight of the situation bears down on her, making it clear just how much Helen desires this outcome. 

Barbara's voice interrupts Helen's thoughts, "Please there must be a reason you're doing this Helen, I won't judge...just-" Helen scoffs at her convincing. "You really are too naive for your own good, aren't you?" She shakes her head in disgust, "I have no obligation to tell you anything." Barbara's heart sinks as she realizes that Helen won't be easily persuaded to reveal her motives. But she doesn't give up.

"It doesn't have to be this way," Barbara says gently, her words carrying a glimmer of hope. However, her unreasonable kindness only serves to intensify the burning hatred within Helen. The lady bard continues her desperate search for any flaws in the idol's perfect image, yearning for something that would shatter the unrealistic facade. Her unmatched confidence in their city fuels her desire to prove herself as the best replacement for the most popular musician in town. In her mind, Helen envisions the possibilities of success, and the attention, and admiration she would receive from both denizens and the archons. Helen's mind wandered to the possibilities of what she could gain if she succeeded in her plan. She imagined the attention and admiration she would receive from the people and the archons, how she would be viewed as special and favored above all others. 

A tiny hand grips her dress and reminded her to shelter Nora's ears.

Barbara processes the scene before her meanwhile, she stepped into a place meant to put hate on her name, face, and music. But the deaconess had to be strong to defend herself and didn't shrink away. 

"Nora, we'll talk later, alright? Go home safely for now," Barbara says with a cheerful smile, hoping to reassure the frightened little girl. The tremble in Nora's demeanor only deepens Barbara's distress, realizing that she had unknowingly exposed such a young child to harsh words and distressing situations. She felt apologetic. The deaconess knows that Nora needs consolation and comfort, but considering the circumstances, convincing her to return home would be the best course of action.

"Miss Barbara, thank you." She nods, and Barbara ruffled her soft hair. The little girl returns her smile before she fled the scene. The door closes shut, snapping the thin strip of sunlight that penetrates the room.

The dimness made the shadows more prominent and tower over her which gave an overall eerie feeling. Barbara swallows to moist her throat which ran dry. Before she could make an introduction, Helen made sure she has the first word.

Barbara's sweat ran cold.

"You know why I hate you with my every inch of my being Barbara? You are so clueless about the culture of Mondstadt and the people you are trampling over." The lady bard stands up and moves the chair away kicking it with the back of her leg.

Culture? People?  Barbara tried to make sense out of the words she was being told. The deaconess had always been respectful of the people around her and neither placed Mondstadt's history in a bad light.

"W-what are you talking about?" Her face becomes blank, she understood the meaning of her reply but yet they fail to make sense in the context of her own motivations and actions.

"Are you that self-absorbed...you're oblivious to the fact you're soaking up all the fame and leaving all the bards in the streets starving?! Your perfection is nothing but a facade that turned a portion of our town people with a brain size of a degenerate AND EVEN GROWING. I don't even know what is there to like about you. To have thousands spending their time and attention on you. It's beyond unacceptable how ONLY I can see through you out of everybody in town." She chuckles with pride swelling up in her chest.

"And perhaps the only denizen conscious, I believe I am the chosen one of our Lord Barbatos to save Mondstadt from its predicament and lose of identity, erasure of history." She claims proudly closing her eyes.

"You do know legends say Barbatos sometimes takes the form of a bard himself, right?" Helen's voice carries a mix of arrogance and envy. "I know how to sing... I can play the lyre, can you?! Dance? I can learn and do better. Is it because of your charms? Well, if I'm the only one who sees through your carefully crafted image, then I guess it's time for me to save Mondstadt from this deception." Barbara, observing Helen's words and demeanor, can't help but conclude that jealousy is the driving force behind the lady bard's actions. While she has faced similar comments in the past, no one has ever dared to be so brazen and confront her so directly.

"Everything you said... it couldn't be further from the truth," Barbara asserts, her voice filled with sincerity. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing.

"What makes you say that? I love music just as much as the bards do. But for me, it's not about seeking fame or being well-known like you seem to believe. In fact, being in the spotlight has often made it challenging for me to focus solely on my talent. However, I have learned to manage it. My devotion lies in serving our Anemo Archon and upholding the principles that make Mondstadt a safe and free haven from tyrants. As deaconesses, it is our commitment to these principles that qualify us in the first place. And as for the bards, I deeply appreciate their talents and the beauty they bring to our city."

Barbara's words carry a sense of authenticity and conviction, aimed at dispelling the misconceptions and jealousy that seem to cloud Helen's perspective.

"If that was true you would leave room for others' talent to shine. You are so greedy."

"I hope you reflected well before you speak. We are never able to make the best judgment out of everyone so please spread only nice words. I'm willing to forgive you Helen...just hear my words and repent."

"It's not too late, Helen. Just pray straight to him and he'll listen. Those who are kind to others will be likely blessed by a vision. Aside from the anemo archon, apologize to Nora too.

"Pray? I've been praying for years, and yet I still feel empty... I believe it's because I haven't fulfilled my mission yet! The number of your admirers ends with Venti, and now it's your turn, Barbara," Helen asserts, her voice tinged with frustration and resentment.

"Venti? What did you do to him?" Barbara gasps, her hand instinctively clutching her chest as a wave of worry washes over her. However, Helen remains indifferent to her reaction. It becomes apparent that talking to Helen feels futile as if she were speaking to an impenetrable wall, unwilling to listen or respond to reason.

"I deserve it more than you do! I've worked hard to get rid of your will to continue as an idol. I'm doing more work than most of these people. And what about you? You prissy noble idol that walks on clouds, give me that!" Her hands try to reach for her booklet bag where Barbara keeps her hydro vision. She moves her hip away to dodge her hand, bumping into the closet next to her, shattering a glass jar that lays atop that tumbled down the floor upon impact. The lady bard became further upset, and instead, an impulsive idea that was out of her plans blossomed.

The atmosphere felt different Barbara observed, as the lady bard slowly ducks down to pick the biggest shard among the pieces. 

"I'll make myself clear. Everything will go downhill from now, and I could make it worse by the snap of my fingers.  From making sure nothing goes well in your concert to convincing Albert to harm you so I could replace him for being the head of your fan club. That guy is a perfect example of being a degenerate. I hate everything about him."

"It was all you..." Her words were spoken shakily.

"Yes. Every misfortune you've faced ever since the concert. And I won't stop until you get the message in that narrow mind of yours. I'm glad I got rid of him in my way of plans. If you want it the easy way, surrender and quit being an idol. Forever."

Barbara's heart sinks as she witnesses the callousness with which Helen throws around hurtful words, mistreating those who have been dear to her. It becomes clear that Helen's actions stem from a self-serving motive, disregarding the feelings and well-being of those around her. Barbara cannot comprehend how someone could so easily disturb and hurt others simply because they are associated with her. It feels like a cowardly and thoughtless approach, causing pain without any justifiable reason. The deaconess finds herself grappling with a mix of disappointment and sadness, as she realizes the extent of the damage caused by Helen's actions.

"If I can't convince you...I guess it's time I get rid of what people admire in the idol they see huh? Let's start with your face!" Helen declares with a malicious tone.

"Helen, stop it!" Barbara pleads as she slowly stepped back, as the lady bard treads in her direction threateningly. To fight back means hurting others and she could never do such without guilt accentuated to it. The deaconess desperately searches for a way to escape while the lady bard was on the way to the entrance. Helen is far too deep and concentrated in her thirst to prove herself worthier. 

After all the lady bard's complaints, Barbara recognizes that it is not truly Venti who fears being overshadowed, but Helen herself. The lady bard's actions stem from a deep-rooted fear of being surpassed and an insatiable thirst to prove her own worthiness.

"The bard you were talking about...whose audience dispersed that day because of my singing. It was you."

On that fateful rainy day, the lady bard strikes Barbara with false truths, taking advantage of her vulnerable state after the unforgettable encounter with Albert. With a twisted narrative, Helen weaves a web of deception, distorting the events to suit her own agenda. Barbara, still reeling from the shock of her encounter with Albert, finds herself defenseless against the onslaught of false accusations and manipulated storytelling. The lady bard's cunning manipulation further complicates the situation, clouding Barbara's perception of the truth and leaving her feeling deeply unsettled.

The space they were moving in was really narrow. It won't be long until Helen would be close enough and her dodges won't work. Barbara's heartbeat thumps loudly. She suddenly recalls everything, the day Helen reveals Venti's 'reasons' behind sabotaging her event. The fog clouding her judgment seems to have lifted up.

"You didn't have to hurt Nora, Bennett, and...Venti. In fact, I really do pity you, Helen. If truly you were so brave...you would have confronted me directly." 

"Enough!" The lady bard refused to listen and swings the shard to scratch her skin. Barbara was able to shield her hand by moving it behind her back.

"Don't even think you see through me, Barbara." She squeaks irritatingly. Helen slashes the shard once more, and out of defense, the idol continued to repeat her defense of dodging her attacks. She promised to never use her vision to hurt anybody. Good thing Noelle thought her some defense techniques from her knightly pieces of training.

If you have more passion for music and genuinely care about the purpose behind it, recognition and acclaim will naturally follow," Barbara asserts, hoping to ignite a spark of understanding in Helen. She encourages her to redirect her focus towards a genuine love for music and the joy of sharing it with others, rather than obsessing over recognition and fame. Barbara believes that true success lies in the sincerity and passion one brings to their craft, rather than in seeking external validation.

"The last thing I'd want is your pity. I'm only here to negotiate."

"Jean, the Acting Grand Master, is your older biological sister. I know. Yet your combat skills are like night and day." The two stop in motion as Helen resorts to mocking her even more in an attempt to diffuse all the hope that resides in her to resist her offer to quit.

 Helen takes a calculated blow to Barbara's esteem, mocking her combat skills in an attempt to further undermine her resolve and extinguish any remaining hope within her. The revelation that Jean, the Acting Grand Master, is Barbara's older biological sister adds gave her an idea to make her feel how she feels. The lady bard seizes upon this information, highlighting the stark contrast between Barbara's combat abilities and those of her esteemed sibling, aiming to belittle her and further weaken her determination to resist Helen's offer of quitting.

"I doubt your sister doesn't see you as some pathetic sibling that couldn't even stand on her own feet. If I were you, I'd save myself shame." Helen's words strike a deep nerve within Barbara, tearing down the carefully maintained layer of serenity that she had upheld throughout their conversation. She had always felt inferior to her sister, although with such thoughts she had always focused on her strengths and Venti's advice truly guided her to demolish such doubts regarding herself. She knew she already overcame it when she was able to keep her chin up and not feel a lump forming in her thought when such thought flooded in.

 Helen ends her sentence by degrading her older sister. "It fits she's only 'Acting' Grand Master for a reason, second to Varka. I guess you both have similarities in putting up an act when it comes to service and being second of choice for reliability." 

Insults to her are tolerable but towards her dear sister is beyond unacceptable.

             Red paint slashes across Helen's face and the now empty tin can rolls over to the corner of the room. Helen froze, surprised at the unexpected attack on her face. some of it sneakily made as her unfinished insults paved an opening to her mouth. The unpleasant chemical taste made her spit and silenced her. While she was stunned, Barbara took it as an opportunity to walk behind her and stay by the door. Helen lowers her head, trying to see her crimson dress now covered in bright red paint through her other eye the pigment missed. A simple act won't put her in place. Even if Barbara begs on her knees. The idea made her grin. She desperately wants to have the idol on her foot as she planned now. She didn't expect her to resist strongly.

Helen spat the bitter taste away across the room. Despite the paint on her face and the shock of the unexpected attack, Helen fights to maintain her composure. She refuses to let her true emotions show, determined to conceal any semblance of weakness or defeat. Pride and hatred consume her mind, numbing her to the point where she becomes almost immune to the sensations of humiliation and frustration. She clings tightly to her image of superiority, refusing to let anyone see her as anything less than victorious.

Barbara relaxes her shoulders as her surroundings began becoming clearer. The release of tension allowed her to finally breathe, it was ragged as if she was desperate for air. Was it anger she felt just now?

"I-I'm sorry.." Barbara says, her voice shaky with emotion. "I didn't mean to do that, I was just so angry and I didn't know what else to do." As Barbara extends her hand, a soft, glowing blue light emanates from her palm. She intends to use her hydro powers to wash away the paint that splattered on Helen's face. However, before she can even approach, the lady bard misinterprets her gesture as an attack and flinches for a brief moment. There was a glimpse of fear in her eyes that immediately took it's leave upon realizing what she was trying to do.

       Helen refused to let Barbara see her wipe the paint off like some pathetic loser, cooly walking past her to intentionally bump her shoulder into Barbara's with the intent to put an idea of what kind of person she really is dealing with isn't one to belittle. The overwhelming emotions of regret, and upset about what happened, wash over the deaconess. From a single blink, the tears that threatened to fall from Barbara surrendered from all the resistance she built strongly.

"Mark my words. You'll regret this..." She looks over her shoulder and leaves her 'so-called' home.

Barbara promised Barbatos to never use her gifted vision to harm anybody. At least she was still able to keep her promise. The deaconess felt like her knees would fail her. Her lungs felt constrained from all the rush of emotions. She has always bounced back from being happy to be exhausted. Such an intensity was new to her. Her encounter with Helen replays in her head once again and was reminded of something she has yet to have an answer to.

"Oh no, where could Venti be?" She finally had a grasp of how wicked Helen could be. She doubts she'd do something to Venti as shallow as making the bard turn his back on her after everything.

It is with a bitter heart, that everything already has been done to those she cherishes. But what is yet to happen can be salvaged. Worrying about things she could no longer change will simply hold her back. She has to be strong for the people she loves. Barbara sprints to the tavern to check on the bard. The bartender simply shrugged upon the search of the bard's visit today. Another place Venti usually bask under the sun and played was by the foot of the huge Anemo archon statue. He was absent. "He's not here either..." Barbara slowly backs away, shaking her head. She quickly treads towards the bridge outside the city walls. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer to the wind. 

Barbara's heart sinks as she realizes that Venti is nowhere to be found. Panic sets in as she frantically searches for any sign of him, calling out his name in hopes that he might respond. The wind carries her voice, but there is no answer. She climbs up the steps of the Windrise tree, her mind racing with worry. She looks out over the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of the bard in the distance, but there is no sign of him. Desperation washes over her as she realizes how much she took Venti's presence for granted.

With tears streaming down her face, Barbara falls to her knees under the shade of the Windrise tree. She clutches her hands together, praying to the Anemo Archon for guidance and protection. 

"Please, Anemo Archon," she pleads. "Bring Venti back safely. I can't bear the thought of losing him. He's brought so much joy and hope to Mondstadt and me. Please, guide me to him." Barbara stays there for a moment, the weight of her worry heavy on her shoulders. But she refuses to give up. With renewed determination, she stands up and wipes away her tears. The silent wind rustling the leaves was the only thing that felt most alive. Through the gaps of the bushes patterns of sunlight were scattered across the grass. 

Chapter Text

Her life felt like it has been tossed around in a tornado.

How could so much cruelty befall her?

                  The deaconess kept it all in, for others that had been hurt she must stay strong. Her lips quivered as she forced a determined smile as a lump in her throat reminded she could no longer take it anymore. Why is she resisting these feelings of being hurt? Resisting what already had happened would be futile. All the resistance became loose, her legs collapse to the ground. She slams her forehead against the huge tree to support herself from slumping forward. Barbara knelt and hung her head low on the ground as overwhelming regret weighs her heart, the idol allowed warm tears to freely cascade down her cheeks without a care to be in her most vulnerable state. Only to Venti she could show such a side of her but now, he too was not around.

In windrise, she could be vulnerable. Nobody would see her like this. "How could I let everything turn out like this...I failed everyone." Barbara has never felt this hopeless before. Nora without her notice was forced to work for Helen, her friend Bennett was almost food poisoned and Venti was framed for a part he did not intend to happen. Aside from that, her only friend bard that taught her many things and brought fun after a day filled with a busy schedule could be in possible danger as well.

Barbara gathered her thoughts in the midst of the situation, her fingers tightly clutching the fabric of her dress's skirt. From Nora's situation, she was able to come up with the assumption that Albert too, was manipulated into doing things for Helen that was against his will. It paved the way for forgiveness easily if proven to be the truth. Such thought has now crossed her mind as the revelation began to make sense for her distasteful encounters.

"To think about it...he had never done anything that physically harms me before." Barbara settles to the ground completely to compose herself and gently wiped away her tears. She swallowed, dispelling the lingering lump in her throat. The idol was uneased, bothered at questions with answers has yet to be clear. Along with Albert, Venti as well disappeared from sights within the city. If she were to report to the knights, she fears her older sister will have to be involved. Barbara no longer wants to involve one more important person in this trouble that all happened relating to her. Resolve soon overshadows her once regrets. "

I promise. I'll make it up to everyone once I get to the bottom of this."

The deaconess prayed Venti was safe and so was Albert.

♪♪♪

                          Bennett on his way back to Mondstadt performs to do what Barbara asked him to. Bringing Razor safely to Wolvendom is his priority, second is to be a friend to have fun with along the way. Throughout their journey, they hunted and ate on different lakes tasting different kinds of fish. It was already evening when the two proceeded to continue to the forest of Wolvendom. Soon enough, Springvale was already within their range of sights.

"Why did the calla lily join a band?" He points at a random flower they passed by. Razor shrugs at his strange question.

"Because it had the perfect stems for playing jazz!" He giggled, holding onto his stomach in which Razor understood none. The wolf boy kept a smile as he saw how his friend laughed, instead of finding his jokes humorous. Although it had been going like this for hours, he didn't mind at all. Bennett noticed it didn't gain a reaction likewise his, twisting his neck to his right as they continued walking.

"Hey, was what I said not funny to you?" The furrowed lines on his forehead gradually smoothed out, as his brows relaxed and the tension faded away upon observing Razor's change of expression into a more defensive state. Bennett noticed they were already passing by Springvale where they bonded and hunted with the wolf boy like the good old times. The wolf boy sniffed the air.

"I smell...weird."

"What do you mean?" Bennett scratched his head.

"Razor you always smell weird...and that's fine." He brushes it off but upon pulling his friend's arm, Bennett was the one reeled back in as if Razor's feet were nailed to the ground. His curious gaze never left the group of cottages in the village. In return, Bennett finally understood what he meant.

"How weird do you smell?" The unlucky adventurer was perplexed.

Razor was too fixated on the strong scent, his question was heard yet ignored.

"Alright then. If you persist let's take a look..." Bennett observed the neighborhood, with the kids playing outside and the pond with fishes swimming around in it as he walked. The ambiance was nice and peaceful and he couldn't help but appreciate the scenery. Until someone particularly familiar came into the picture.

"Huh? Is that.." He couldn't believe his eyes. Bennett wanted to clarify what he saw and scooted closer behind the bushes.

"Albert? Oh, he's talking to someone.." He looked at the figure standing across. His eyes expand to the unexpected guest.

"That bard? Why is she covered in paint? What are they doing here?" He furrowed his white brows and narrowed his eyes at their conversation.

"You stupid rascal!" Barbara discovered the Fanclub!" Helen charges toward the once-familiar head of the fan club and harshly lands a palm on his cheek enough to leave a mark.

"Didn't you PLAN ALL OF THIS?" I SHOULDN'T HAVE LISTENED TO YOU!" Albert yelled to her face in return which further engaged Bennett in listening, he wanted to mock the lady bard for her foolish appearance but dared not to say a word upon her scolds. The trickling of water towards a tiny pond by the village's huge windmill was interrupting his focus between their exchange of words.

"It's not my fault that idol doesn't reciprocate your feelings. All I said was woo her with flowers and do something that will make that pesky bard jealous." She argued, making sure his point was set aside. 

'Albert likes..Barbara?' Bennett found everything he heard almost hard to believe. Now it made the perfect sense why the fan competes with him one-sidedly to get healed by Barbara. He comes to the church with two scratches from his unfortunate adventures, and he'll be present to steal the spotlight with three deep gashes. Albert loves making sure he will get prioritized first by the deaconess to be healed. He put two and two together. At first, Bennett simply assumes he finally found someone unluckier than him. Turns out to be mistaken, taking away his curiosity to get close to Albert and sympathize with the fan to console him.

"I didn't mean to harm Barbara now she for sure hates me...I'm returning to the city to apologize to her."

"Think twice. I doubt you'll be able to enter the city unscathed. By that I mean, Barbara has already snitched on you to the knights."

"Are you serious?" Albert was speechless for a while, genuine fear reflecting in his eyes. "But no worries, I have a solution for that." Helen dug her hand in her pocket and showed a piece of paper.

"Surely, this would seal her mouth..." Albert's eyes widened in amusement, as his hand unconsciously reached for it. He wanted to see it up for closer viewing. Bennett, too was curious as he narrows his eyes trying to figure out its' contents from afar.

"Nuh-uh...not yet. I still have one last favor and I'll give this copy in return. You can have it as you want." She waves it in the air to his face like a sweet treat for a desperate dog. Bennett concentrates further as if it would help widen his perspective. Unfortunately, it was too small from where he hid. Razor's rough pants brush against Bennett's shoulders.

"When, us leaving?"

"Shhh...Razor this is important." He shushes the wolf boy by sealing his lips with his index finger and intended a side-eye glance at Razor.

As Bennett's gaze snapped back to the two figures, a wave of terror washed over him, causing his heart to plummet, as if it had plunged to the depths of his stomach. "Razor!" He grabs his wrist with no slightest hesitation in his system and yanks Razor down behind the bushes with him.

          What was intended to be a silent attempt, the bushes rustled as the wolf boy bumps at the bushes. Without delay, Bennett swiftly placed his hand over his mouth. He included Razor's before he could give any reaction. Helen immediately snapped her head toward the source.

"Who goes there?"

'Oh no. Is this another misfortune of mine?' Bennett panicked.

Glancing toward Albert, she observed him shrugging showing his incompetence. Foolish of her to choose Albert to work with, her thoughts influenced her lifeless stare. She was reminded, she only works with him for being the head of the Fanclub. What a stupid assistant. Not even checking it himself despite the signal she gave.

Helen rolls her eyes, taking the job by her own hand. She slowly walked away from her spot, stopping in front of the bushes. Bennett completely froze in anticipation in case she discovers them. His mind went blank. She gives the bushes an intense glare waiting if anything comes up without getting her hands dirty.

"Could've been some fox." Tapping her sole against the ground as her attention span was short, Helen fled away close to the bush where they hid and Bennett felt his lungs be brought to life. He removes his hand from Razor as they both took a deep breath.

"Thank you for cooperating and not making a noise." He whispers at the wolf boy who simply nodded. Bennett once again leans forward through the gaps of the leaves to hear their conversation further.

"Anyways without further ado, where were we? Right, about that pesky bard...where is he?"

"Oh about Venti..? He's somewhere here...I'll show you." Albert gestures his hand to invite Helen to come along. He walked towards a small cottage and slowly opens the door with a key. The lady bard had a satisfied look on her face before she finally disappeared from sight with Albert upon entering the tiny cottage warehouse.

"No way..." Bennett once more shook his head. He knows Venti, seeing him walk around the city a couple of times. Turns out, he was missing too like Albert before.

"Razor, the Wolvendom is already a few walks from here. It's up to you whether you'll follow me or not, but we have to part ways soon before they return. Got it?" He firmly held on to both of his shoulders.

"I follow you." Razor went along as he didn't want his friend to be out of sight sensing worry from him. While the lady bard and Albert were busy inside the house, they took the opportunity to flee the scene. Bennett sprinted, tripping on some tiny rocks that slows him down but he didn't mind until he got away from the village.

Chapter Text

By the pace of footsteps, he concluded two people entered the place he was in. 

              Venti fluttered his lids open and met darkness. Just as he expected. His hands were tightly connected from behind, bounded by a rope. He rubs the back of his knuckles against the pavement, it was cold on his skin and dusty. It was enough detail to tell him how abandoned the place his sight was obscured by a piece of fabric.

"Great job on getting him out of the plan, what a nuisance." The only bard who dares to oppose her ideals and possesses the greatest potential to thwart her plans. It would simply be ideal to remove the weeds before planting anew. Venti immediately recognizes such a troublesome voice. He sat in absolute silence with no resistance to keep her satisfaction from flowing over what he only intended to give. Exhilaration made the lady bard clap her hand together. She thought working with a foolish person like Albert was a mistake, at least her deal with him was of use. Although captivating Venti out of the way was just another step she accomplished, she has yet to achieve her desired outcome. Albert scratches his head.

"Was it that big of a deal? It was pretty easy though. In fact, way too easy."

Allowing them to celebrate for a while for the brief victory he gave him a taste of almost earns a chuckle from Venti. But the mischievous bard was good at hiding.

Helen narrows her eyes out of curiosity and darts her eyes toward Albert with a condescending look. She observes him from foot to toe, unbelievable for him to exercise or be physically active. 

"How come? He wields a vision." No matter how hard she thinks, no possible scenario comes up as to how he did it successfully. Albert closes his lids, matching his lifted-up chin in arrogance. "Well work smart, not hard as they say, while you were away to run some errands...I did as you say. I took him while he was fast asleep...until now it seems though I can't tell, his eyes are covered."

If his hands were free, Venti would've landed a palm on his forehead.

His story was way different from the truth. Well as for Venti he was entirely conscious. He came along willingly, for the possession of the safety of the deaconess in case she was indeed in need of help and so at the same time save her from distress and win her heart back. The bard was confident, he won't stand a chance if he took resisting his abduction seriously. Although Venti did wish there was a more humble way to put it.

"What a shame." He was glad to know Barbara really is, safe however dismayed at the missed opportunity and now at these two figures. Venti coughed from the dust inaudible on purpose to keep their conversation from disturbance. Summoning his strength, he raised himself from being seated to relieve his already numbing legs and release them from his own weight. At that moment, a heartfelt prayer filled with intense longing resonated in his ears.

Venti paused, delaying his supposed attempt to produce tiny anemo blades on the tip of his fingers to slice through the ropes tying him up.

"Please, Anemo Archon, bring Venti back safely...I can't bear the thought of losing him. He's brought so much joy and hope to Mondstadt and me. Please, guide me to him."

Her cries for help were heard. The anemo archon could always hear those who want to be free. And the way she desperately pleads was filled with despair.

The burdens in her heart. Venti senses her strong desire to be free from those shackles. It ran deeply. He feels her.

 "Barbara..." His lips unconsciously part open as Venti calls the deaconess' name. He misses this. Calling her name dearly. Barbara needs a shoulder to cry on, he has to leave this place. Swiftly as he can and soonest possible. He will always be for her despite tough times. For a spirit of his, that bears no weight, it was all possible.

Until the voices drowned all such possibility.

 Helen curved her lips wickedly, her footsteps becoming louder for Venti. She grabs a box sitting in the corner that lies beside him. The bard remained vigilant for a while to concentrate on his surroundings.

"And what is that exactly?" Albert stared at the plain wooden box that strikes no amusement from its tedious appearance. Venti leans his head toward their direction and scooted himself a bit closer to the source. Helen unhooks the lock of the box and the bard heard it creak open. 

I'm sorry Barbara, it seems you'll have to wait a little longer.

He discerns the exchange between the two.

"It's the last piece for my mission, and I know exactly when's the best time to use it to my advantage. It's just simply where I'll keep it." Helen once more dug her hand into her pocket where she placed the piece of paper she showed him before entering the warehouse. 

"Last piece?" Albert was perplexed but kept his composure.

"Do you think she can deal with this so easily? I don't think so." Helen's complacency was painted all over her face, her supposed secret was spilling without her notice. Venti despite the fabric over his eyes, could feel her satisfaction oozing in the entire place and it stifles his breath. He'd rather jump in a pile of dust.

"No no...my question please answer." Albert on the other side pleaded, as Venti found himself in relief he reminded Helen to answer before he could. The bard was careful, treading lightly to keep her from seeing him as a threat still; to let her submerge in a false sense of triumph.

She continues to chatter as if there was no one in the room but herself. "...Haha, soon Barbara would find being an idol is nothing but grueling and tiring to deal with-" Helen couldn't stop babbling from how well it was going so far, she caught herself and bit her lower lip. She slams the cover close and hooks the lock to secure it. Now that explains a lot. Venti snapped the rope unknowingly, the gravity of her words influenced his strength to be poured on it. The two were too fixated on their discussion, making them oblivious to the sudden eruption of a verdant glow that momentarily radiated behind Venti's hips. He breathes in, to release tension and immediately dims the glow.

"What do you mean...? Don't tell me you're planning to use that against Barbara. Give it to me straight. Are you planning to make her STEP DOWN AS AN IDOL?!" He spreads his hands as he complained, Helen leaning away at how much space he was taking which made her quite uncomfy. Venti eagerly listened, his chest almost making contact with the pavement. Never in a millennium years, will he ever let Helen dull her spark. 

His hands were all free, just waiting for the right time to collapse his vulnerable facade. But underneath it all, it consumes every inch of his discipline to remain silent.

"Is it what I think it is?!" Albert stared at the lady bard as the most ridiculous person he knew was presented before his eyes. The way he stared at her in incredulity, Helen knew all along he won't be easy to convince to take her side.

Taking him down as the head of the fan club was one thing, but his admiration for Barbara is another.

"If that's what you're planning to do? How could you do this to Barbara?! I could never forgive you. Is disbanding the fan club not enough for you? How greedy can you be Helen!" 

Her hand crept inside the box as Albert spoke, taking a pair of keys. 

"YES! And so what? You no longer have a fan club to return to anyway! It already disbanded with your neglect and under my command as the new head. Now, you dare speak a word of this to the knights and return to Mondstadt about my plans I DARE  YOU, ALBERT." Helen sucks in her breath. Repeating herself, she reminds him of the consequences he particularly fears. "I dare you, even Barbara so gentle as she is I doubt it won't ever face you with hatred after what you've done. And don't even blame it on me. To have you agree with the plan alone tells enough of how terrible you are to even think you deserve her." Her threat intimidated Albert and felt guilty. Helen promised she will help him have Barbara's affection and attention. She promised.

            Albert falls to his knees, realizing the betrayal and loss it took instead. Her words did sound true. Who would like a guy like him would catch Barbara's attention? The idol who was admired by everyone and shone anywhere she goes.   He lacks any talents, and to make matters worse, he undoubtedly made her feel uneasy the last time they encountered one another. The impact of his actions has only just hit him, and now he is overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and shame. Albert realized just now how blind he was enough to drive him to desperation to be noticed.

"Apart from the fan club, neither the idol you always looked up to would be there up on the stage anymore." Helen took one step behind as she piled those words while Albert was left stunned, his wrinkled forehead from the past reaction still prominent. 

Helen finally set foot at the edge of the warehouse and came to a stop just outside the doorstep. 

"I'll make sure the upcoming festival would be the last time she'd step on stage and let shame win over. And neither of you will be able to prevent such a predicament." Her words snapped Albert from his own tangled thoughts, he ran to catch up to her.

The lady bard hurriedly grabs the knob and closes it with the key that was along with the box she took.

♪♪♪

                         Bennett strolled up to the entrance of the Church of Favonius, to seek for Barbara. Yesterday she was no longer with Noelle and assumed she already went home. He asked a couple of nuns around if they have seen the idol.

"It's such a rare occurrence, Barbara didn't come in time today. If you're looking for her, I suggest you return later somewhere in the afternoon." The nun accommodated his question and the lucky adventurer expressed his gratification before setting off to leave. He met his friend outdoors and told him what he learned.

"I've already asked around. Oh, Razor can you smell her?" Razor takes a whiff of the air and grasps no familiar scent. He shook his head in response and Bennett felt his shoulder relax, sighing.

It was another bright morning the warm sunlight cuddled her skin.

The visible dark circles under the deaconess' eyes speak volumes about how much sleep she was only able to get. Barbara submerged herself in work, so she'd have no room to contemplate things she has no control over. Soon as consciousness reeled in as the sunlight greeted her, she stood up from trying to attain some sleep and took a bath. 

The deaconess prepared herself and wore her daily church white uniform, the thin navy blue around the rim of her white skirt and sleeves. Lastly, she grabs her book where her hydro vision lies. Barbara slings it on her shoulder, and the book bag falls precisely on her waist. Usually, she'd fix it presentably but today she was rather surprised for caring a lot for such a trivial matter before and how it felt like nothing now. 

She dragged herself out of her house and skipped breakfast.

She didn't realize she was late for their morning meeting with the other nuns until the church bell rang in the afternoon. Has it been that long she had been staring at her ceiling blankly?

Barbara slapped her cheeks with both hands and parted her blonde ponytail into two, pulling them apart to tighten her hair tie. She did both sides and was effortlessly neat. Despite her lack of energy, tying her hair is a skill she could do cleanly even with closed eyes. Spending lesser time on appearance this morning, the deaconess settled on her shoes and gave her room one last glance as she shut the door securely and headed to the church.

"Barbara, it's such a miracle your late." Rosaria grazed her thumb over the tip of her nails, her new nail polish was dark crimson and shiny; even the light coming from the doorway as she enters reflected on them.

"Sister Rosaria I'm sorry...I'll make it up to it with twice the work today. I promise." Barbara raises her hand to declare her oath. "Alright fine. But I'll fill you in regarding what was discussed this morning." The deaconess felt happy at her initiation. She hesitated to ask since she didn't want to bother anyone which was caused by her negligence and holds herself accountable.

"So starting today, us nuns gathered to prepare for the upcoming Windblume festival."

The Windlume Festival. 

"Ah, how could I forget such a huge event is nearly approaching?" Barbara scratches the back of her head, slightly disturbing the ponytail that she perfected. Her mind was completely elsewhere lately. The Windblume Festival offers various enjoyable activities for people to participate in and all denizens are where to celebrate. Music-related events are always present at such a huge festival and it is popular across their city to celebrate and dine with loved ones.

A deserving individual who has demonstrated exceptional selflessness in Mondstadt is chosen as the Windblume Star. During the festival, anyone can casually offer Windblumes to Barbatos at his grand statue.  Barbara has no plans to be the Windblume star for the approaching festival, like her old ones but certainly, she has to prepare a good song to serve the crowd.

Her duties around the church were tiresome, her capacity to work and clean around was doubled as she promised Rosaria. Barbara couldn't help but want to rest and go home.

She refused to listen to her own reaction and decided to take a little vacant before proceeding to another task to refresh herself.

Barbara decided to take a stroll around the plaza and as walks past the fountain, she saw a bard with a unique, beautiful-sounding lyre. She hummed it was too inviting to ignore, the way each string resonates amazingly. The quality is beyond compare to the kinds of lyre bought and sold by some nearby shops. The details were so intricate, its color slightly resembling the Holy lyre de Himmel as if it was crafted by the anemo archon himself. Aside from its excellence, what drew her particularly is her familiarity with it which Barbara couldn't put her finger exactly on.

Her fingers soon were fumbling for the right notes out of nervousness, losing composure upon noticing her presence. The bard stopped playing and offered the lyre to the idol in a friendly manner to play it off.

"Want to try it out?" Her hands slightly trembled.

Barbara’s attempt to recall where she last saw the lyre that resembles that one in her hand was interrupted at her invite.

Chapter Text

       As minutes turned into hours, Bennett's stomach growled loudly. Hunger gnawed at him, and he desperately wished he had brought a snack. Suddenly, an idea struck him like a bolt of lightning. He rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a handful of suspicious-looking berries he had foraged during his last adventure.

It was all wrinkly and old, since it was at the bottom Bennett seized the moment, his eyes wide with excitement only to be disappointed. He rehearsed and pretends the berry was Barbara instead.

"Barbara, I have something important to tell you!" But just as he opened his mouth, a sneeze came out instead and the dry fruit fell from his hand. The wolf boy watched it roll away from their feet, he could tell it was not a fresh fruit from the scent and knew better than chase the rolling berry. Bennett heaved up a sigh.

"I wonder Razor, how is Barbara right now?" Razor scratched his scalp through his stiff silver mane. From his natural forest scent alone, the unlucky adventurer knew his bath is more recent than his. Two days had passed since his last bath.

The deaconess wandered outside the cathedral to get some air.

A little time for leisure wouldn't hurt.

                     Barbara strolled around the plaza and as she walks past the fountain, her ears were invited by a sweet melody. A series of notes lured her into the certain direction it came from. There was a bard, strumming a lyre with such a unique intricate design yet quite the familiarity gave her a sense of irresistible mystery. She hums as it was too harmonious to ignore, the way each string resonates amazingly. The tune is beyond comparison to the lyres she has held before, the reverberation is heavenly. The details were nothing like the musical instruments sold in shops, its color slightly resembling the Holy lyre de Himmel as if it was crafted by hand by the anemo archon himself. She hopes to meet whoever the creator is and have one created for herself.

Her fingers soon fumbled for the strings the bard intents to strum next, losing composure as the idol's presence was brought to her notice. Barbara immediately shifts her eyes from observing the admirable lyre design to the bard's nervous face out of concern. She was visibly nervous, and the deaconess worried she was a disturbance. Before Barbara could utter an apology for possibly distracting her, the lady pauses and offers the instrument.

"Want to try it out? By the way, m-my name is Sansa." She smiles sheepishly and tilts her head. The idol stares at the beautiful lyre. Hesitating to take up on the offer, she waves her hand in defense.

"Please continue. I love it!" Barbara cheered and clapped her hand happily together.

"O-oh thank you...but I'm afraid I can't. I'm so scared...I might mess up the entire thing. Whenever someone's eyes lay on me, my hands just get so unstable and I ended up forgetting the chords." The mere thought of performing in front of an audience would make her heart race, and mind clouded with doubts. Sansa harbored a secret fear that crippled her whenever she stepped foot on a stage or performed. The trembling hands, unable to maintain eye contact, and loss of focus are symptoms the idol is well familiar with.

Stage fright.

           In fact, she too was yet to overcome it completely but the nerve-wracking feeling is something she could bear unlike before when it influences her performance. After months of training and constant exposure, she was finally able to handle it compared to her first days of stepping on stage. She knew the exact solution for it. "You're not alone! I often get this feeling too before I go on stage. I always tell myself that I just need to relax and have fun. What's important is that you focus on how much you like doing what you do! And I bet that the audience will sense your passion and enthusiasm for the stage!"

"Well, it'll be easier if I was an admired idol just like you, oh how I wish..." As Sansa poured out her fears to her, Barbara listened intently, her kind eyes filled with empathy.

"Oh Sansa," Barbara said, her voice gentle yet firm, "fear is a natural part of life. It shows that you care deeply about your craft. But it should never hold you back from sharing your gift with the world." She assures hoping to ease a part of her discomfort. Sansa gave a slow nod, finding a wonderful point in her words. However, she sighed as another reason came to her mind and her shoulders slumps with hopelessness. "But what if I freeze on stage? What if I make a mistake?" Barbara smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Mistakes are a part of every person mastering their own talents, I myself am no exception to these circumstances. I have stumbled a lot along the way but I was able to overcome it through everyday practice. Also, remember, the audience isn't there to judge you, they're there to appreciate the beauty of your music, like I am standing right here." She opens her arms and spun and twirled elegantly. Sansa couldn't help but smile, taking in Barbara's words. Her unwavering determination was inspiring and contagious. However, although she knew her words contained truth, her fear remained an obstacle. The idol saw it through her silence, taking it as a response she is yet convinced. Barbara pondered for a moment before her face lit up with an idea.

"Sansa, why don't we organize a small gathering right here? You can perform, and I'll be here to support you."

With the starlit idol Barbara? It would be anything but a small event.

"Oh...a performance? Well..." The thought of large crowds alone was intimidating for Sansa. Barbara taps her chin gathering in her head the perfect setting for their objective. "I think outside the city walls It'll be an intimate setting with just a handful of people. It'll be an intimate setting with just a handful of people."

A huge part of her wanted to relieve this feeling restraining her for a long time, perhaps fear could be only resolved through facing it.

"Don't forget to enjoy yourself out there! I believe in you. Come on...you can do it!" The idol took her time and words to convince Sansa and hope she would agree. The fidgeting bard hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage. The thought of a small, friendly audience felt less daunting than a grand stage. She finally approves.

♪♪♪

The rope snaps in half as a tiny blade with a soft green glow cuts through.

Ah. The classic taste of freedom.

Venti removes the suffocating fabric wrapped around his head, placed only a second behind the cries and tantrums bothering his eardrums erupting from the other side of the room. Albert cried to the door as he slammed his palm one last time.

"I am so so doomed. I am going to turn into bones and skulls in here...it's even worse with a drunk alcohol-smelling bard. Oh please archons! Spare me. I want to see my dear Barbara." He sobbed to his dirty shirt and leans away, feeling his back hit against something. His back immediately straightened.

"Aha, you see...being kind in the face of a predicament most fits the situation. But it has come to my senses, it's more about the people you're dealing with." Venti glares at him intensely through the curtain of his bangs.

"I do have questions...plenty of them." He scoots nearer, his face was too near to what he considers comfortable resulting in beads of sweat forming on Albert's forehead.

"Like w-what?!" He nervously looked away to be comfortable in his own personal space. It didn't help how his voice sounded light and friendly yet the tone it bears tells otherwise.

"Just answer honestly and we'll have no problem. What were you and Helen talking about, eh?" The bard narrows his eyes, firmly determined to gain answers from the fan. He's willing to lend his ears and understand Albert in case he was forced by Helen of some sort into doing misconduct.

"Oh about Barbara? I do see you're curious but I regret siding with HELEN I'M TELLING YOU."

"Why so?"  The anemo archon sternly interferes before he continues. His eagerness to learn the truth caused him to interrupt every time Albert reveals a piece of information. Perhaps being the god of freedom, outweighed his discipline.

"Because all this time I thought she'd help me gain Barbara's affection and be closer to her but turns out she wanted to bring her down! Tsk tsk, my dear precious Barbara." 

"No, not that. It's been clear to my face what Helen's intention was all along. What I want to hear is, what's that about that earlier? The box? That thing she plans to use against our dear Barbara?" Albert's eyes widened for a moment, only to hug his knees and look down.

"She plans to bring her down on I believe Windblume. The box contains a picture, that might threaten her career..."

Ruin her career? Venti's close to losing his composure however, he knew any violent reaction may rose suspicion with his concern for the deaconess. After all, he's not a member of the Fanclub.

"I'm sorry I can't go further...even I feel guilty to tell."

Venti taps his foot against the floor, crossing his arms from his thinning patience. Despite it all, he forces a smile.

"Why don't you do us both a favor and tell everything so we could prevent things from cascading down further. If you truly are concerned for the deaconess you would agree to cooperate and answer my questions." It felt like a threat but he was way too innocent looking for Albert to think of his answer in that manner. He won't budge. 

"As a vision holder, such is a tiny issue. I may grant you freedom although don't get too comfortable and think I won't be able to take it away just as easily." He crosses his arms, unimpressed at Albert.

"Alright, so this what happened...promise me you won't judge?"

"I promise." Venti lifts his chin and closes his eyes in anticipation. Slightly half-truth, if he dares do something to Barbara unforgivable.

"Phew okay...so here it goes. It all started with a deal. I was caught at a bad time when I was offered to in fact, Helen told me all about this "bard" who's seeing Barbara." Albert pauses, his voice filled with jealousy. A smile almost slipped to Venti's lips. 

"Uh-huh? Proceed." He smirked confidently.

"So I was tasked t-to...'sway' Barbara off her feet to be on track again and not let some loose bard get ahead of me. Turns out she plans to bring her down on I believe Windblume. The box contains a picture, that might threaten her career..."

Ruin her career? Venti's close to losing his composure however, he knew any violent reaction may rose suspicion with his concern for the deaconess. After all, he's not a member of the Fanclub. An idea was made in his head in an instant he heard those words.  

Interesting.

"So?" Venti's aura went dim and Albert stiffens upon noticing yet continued hesitantly.

"I may have...scared her off a little bit."

"Oh, a little?" Venti's question was simply curious but his mixed feelings were overbearing, Albert couldn't help but eventually spill under the pressure and guilt.

"Yes okay okay! Maybe not so little but enough to make her feel unsafe walking outdoors! I know even after all the bad things that happened, my admiration for Barbara remains constant. I do wish I could meet whoever that stupid bard is so I could show him how he's no match for such a guy as myself." 

His eyes lit up briefly through the curtain of his bangs, green with a hint of blue. 

"Is that so?" Venti's voice was barely audible as a strong gust of wind blew the door open behind him, the wooden door easily broke down and was torn down to pieces. Albert squeezed his eyes shut to shield them from receiving any blown dust and piece of wood reaching his sight.

"Here's the freedom that you wanted." Venti calmly offers him the way outdoors, strangely too calm for someone seemed to be impatient a while earlier but Albert was mindless of it now a new generous offer was presented before him. As the fan slowly flutters his eyes open, the moonlight was already pouring into the warehouse illuminating half of his face and the warehouse. His mouth was left hung open as he slowly stood. Albert was about to sprint to the outside, finally having a taste of freedom; until a hand stopped his shoulder.

"I have one more thing to say before we leave."

Albert faces his back to the door only to be met with Venti's piercing gaze in the dim.

"That stupid bard you speak of, you're looking right into his eyes."

"WHAT?!" Albert's eyes shot wide open unable to believe a word he said. As his hand lifts in an attempt to strangle him, a strong force of wind forces his arm behind his back. Soon both of his wrists touch, and a glowing green rope tightly secures his hands together. It weighed heavily, it drove him to kneel.

"Ugh--what did you just do?" He groans aggressively, still wriggling in resistance. Albert swallows, relieving the tense feeling that suddenly rushed his nerves. Just now, the bard had a different aura surrounding him. His constant friendliness past his reveal of what he did to Barbara felt quite insincere. He's not losing against him like this. The fan is beyond furious, if anything he'd make the bard disappear to have his chance with Barbara.

"How dare you steal my dear Barbara from me-" A peculiar sensation enveloped his hand, it's far different from an ordinary rope and possessed an undeniable strength as if intended to silence him. Albert widens his eyes in realization it's still manipulated by Venti.

"Serves you right. Now either you side with me and grant you the freedom that you so wanted..." Albert raised a brow creasing his forehead, silently contemplating the potential consequences of selecting the alternative option. He observed his attire, there was a dangling anemo vision on his waist. These dang vision wielders, so unfair, always ahead of them beings not granted such power. It made him doubt his ability to escape its grasp. He slowly succumbs to taking on his offer, despite his strong urge to decide on his own and take back Barbara's affection from him. Perhaps he could trick Venti into believing to take his side first and escape.

"Okay, then what is it for me?" He confidently asks, thinking his plan would work.

"I'll grant the lifetime freedom you want and let this remain a secret between us from the knights and especially the Acting Grandmaster Jean. Otherwise..."

The Acting Grandmaster herself, the older sister of Barbara learning what he did, his life would end in the dungeon cells. Away from the sunlight and Barbara's charming face. Albert shrugged such thoughts off and shook his head. Venti was satisfied his convincing indeed planted fear within his core.

"O-otherwise what?"

"I doubt you'd want to see it for yourself. Once you receive the inexplicable consequences, there will be regrets." Venti looks down at the kneeling figure before him. His eyes glowed for a moment, but Albert wasn't certain if his eyes were tricking him due to so much fear. Until this moment, the fan had never realized that the charismatic bard, typically radiating warmth, possessed the uncanny power to transform his charms into something intimidating and formidable.

"I-in exchange of?" His voice was shaky as Albert stuttered. He wants to leave this place soon and if agreeing with Venti would lead to such an outcome, then so be it.

Venti gently releases air as he summarizes his purpose in two words.

"Barbara's safety." Silence fills the air and therefore, a deal was sealed.

All to protect Barbara. His dear deaconess.

Chapter Text

"I doubt you'd want to see it for yourself. Once you receive the inexplicable consequences, there will be regrets." Venti gazed upon the figure before him, desperate for salvation. His eyes were bright burning viridescent and intense blue. To the eyes of the perceiver, Albert interpreted it as his own fear making him hallucinate into thinking the bard had inhumanly possible qualities as if he was a creature equivalent to the Four Winds.

 Well to him, the bard's appearance did no justice to his strength.  Until this moment, the fan had never realized that the charismatic bard, typically radiating warmth, possessed the uncanny power to transform his charms into something intimidating and formidable.

Albert turned his back on Venti and attempted to escape past the broken door in pieces.

A tiny black hole appeared outside the barn, warping the surroundings, and the grass outside was swaying along the force it was sucking everything in. It was slow yet terrifying to look at, even his clothes were wavy and had no resistance against the wind.

"I know an easier way out." His menacing tone tossed aside the fact it came from a young boy. Albert alertly twists his torso, surprised his foot already lead him this close to his source of fear aside from the black hole that was created out of thin air.

His brows knitted together as his feet slowly backs away.

Just what kind of person is this bard he was trapped with?

Albert swiftly turns and immediately returned to his former plead from the ground.

"I-in exchange of?" His voice was shaky as Albert stuttered. At the back of his mind despite hearing his own voice, he is all but confident. He wanted to flee away from this barn soon as if he was caged inside the cells he had the keys to. If agreeing with Venti would successfully lead him to such an escape, then so be it. The anemo archon releases a puff of air, summarizing his purpose in two words.

 "Cooperate with me, for Barbara's safety." Silence fills the air and therefore, a deal was sealed.

All to protect Barbara. His dear deaconess.

The fallen leaves dropped to the ground and were saved from being absorbed in the dark abyss. Albert's auburn hair came to a standstill as the wind subsided. His body leans sideways as his strength throughout his body was drained off of him. The fan swiftly catches himself, and his right palm slams on the wooden floor, holding his entire weight. "Alright come along with me to the city. I have the perfect task for you."

          Venti tilts his chin up in the sky as he soaked in the warm sunlight. He missed it. It felt as if he willingly went along a theater play of tyranny and had to act oppressed. It felt awful to be temporarily against his own principles as he would never let anyone be held captive or mistreated, stripped away from their right to live freely the way they want. It was unpleasant for two days but had to endure the whole setup. He had no regrets, after all. He did it for Barbara and to know their hidden agenda. 

He will know about it soon, but first, they must return to the city. 

He had the instinct to all of a sudden.

Whether it was a random instinct or a longing to see a specific face. 

♪♪♪

       Most of the children in the plaza were gathered by Barbara, her charm invitingly convinced them to tag along to a performance. The innocent children certainly won't be as critical as adults would be,  therefore Barbara thought how brilliant of an idea to bring them as Sansa's audience for a performance she set dedicated to her newly met bard. She saw her potential and had the urge to train Sansa to learn to be comfortable with people watching her play.

       The children had an attention span shorter than a pigeon's beak. Aside from her charms, Barbara offered the children a pretty fair deal. She promised to play tag with them tomorrow in exchange to watch the mini-performance set for Sansa. They were also easily convinced by their adoration for the idol in existence and how adorable her smile was which instantly brightened up their day.

"Hey, Sansa this is Nora and her friends. They're happy to meet you! Are you ready?"

Sansa's eyes darted from one kid to another with a delightful smile on her lips. She counted possibly they were five or so but enough to form a circle and for their entire setup not to feel intended for practice and closer to the real thing.

"You can do it, Sansa!" Barbara initiated the cheer and the children exchanged glances as they look at what the idol did. They shrugged and imitated her act anyway, they gave a round of unsynced applauses.

Soon, the bard took a deep breath.

Sansa drew the lyre near to chest.

She glances at the lyre on her hand a bit more confident than before with a determined look.

"Alright. I can do this." Sansa raises her hand to finally strum, focusing on the strings trying to forget the fact she has everyone's gazes pierced on her. Her heart began to pick up its pace. She convinced herself to be oblivious to everyone's stare and began off with a few melodies. It went smoothly, although her heartbeat wasn't steady and her hands were getting sweaty, she persisted in focusing on the next notes to be hit. Barbara observed Sansa lacked the energy in the performance even if she was able to play correctly.

"Don't forget to smile!" Barbara happily stretched on each corner of her lips to mimic what she was trying to make her achieve.

Can she really look up and meet their eyes?

Sansa furrows her brows, her eyes remaining on the lyre avoiding their faces. She changes her mind.

She wanted to try.

Upon matching those children's eyes, she got distracted with her conscious attempt to smile and radiate happiness the same way the idol does. For her, truly nobody does it better than Barbara. She came to comprehend how difficult it must be to be an idol.

Her smile soon slowly wore off, and a sense of guilt began to creep into her heart.  

But Sansa set the feeling aside for now, and make up for it after the performance.

Her hand messed a note the moment her eyes matched with the crowd. Some passersby also joined in watching their tiny event without her early notice.

But then seeing Barbara with a hopeful look on her, reminded her of the words:

"Mistakes are a part of every person mastering their own talents, I myself am no exception to these circumstances. I have stumbled a lot along the way but I was able to overcome it through everyday practice "

Even if a mistake was made, she will carry on.

Being perfect on something she loves doing is beside the point, it's the persistence and sufficient strength that matters most to continue pressing on, and that is a part of a performance.

The crowd applauded, as her music came to an end. And soon her smile turned more natural, feeling herself soon become calmer than before. Her breathing also went normal as she slowly strummed the last notes of her melody.

She did it.

She finally did it!

It almost brought Sansa to tears, how she was finally able to play for the first time again in front of a crowd. She could remember the last time was from her childhood.
It only took one step and with Barbara's help.

It was an opportunity she would miss out on her entire life if it wasn't for Barbara.

She's a true inspiration to all. Now she understands better. Sansa doubts if it weren't for the encouraging words from the popular idol herself, she would have ever mustered enough courage to face a lot of people as such in her lifetime.

Turns out it was all in her mind.

The audience soon dispersed and Sansa sprinted to Barbara's direction and hugged her instantly.

Barbara's eyes widened at her unexpected gesture and soon felt her tensed body relax to return the embrace.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" The idol felt warm seeing how grateful Sansa was towards her. She too was beyond glad she was able to make another person happy despite not being at her current best situation.

"I don't know how to repay you! I'm so happy.."

"I believe...you don't have to." Barbara wipes a wet tear of delight away from the corner of her eye. Most would deny it due to their belief they are not as deserving. She truly meant her word and had no wish for her help to be reciprocated. Sansa knew, and her admiration for her grew even more. 

And now it's her turn to make up to the idol with her own will.

"Oh no definitely, I do have something to tell you, Barbara.." Her tone hit low all of a sudden. Barbara went along with Sansa after her initiation to sit by the edge of the fountain. To her surprise, the bard's cheery face faded. It clearly gave the idol a worry of how serious it must be bothering her. She's willing to help. No matter what.

"I can't take the guilt anymore Barbara, and I'll head straight to the point."

"W-what do you mean?" Barbara finds herself clueless yet still was all comforting. "You know Helen certainly...well, I know a thing or more about her—-no actually forget it we were childhood friends."

"Really? I didn't know...You two are so-" It was unbelievable for Barbara, as they were like night and day.

"Different? I do agree." Sansa sighed before continuing, "But here's the thing...our friendship is more one-sided. But today is the day when I'll no longer live under her shadows. I want to be free..."

.

.

.

.

.

Everyone has a talent unique to their own.
Or so my belief.

We were kids back then.

"Oh, I baked a chocolate chip cookie!" My friend, Solace proudly shows us a basket filled with freshly baked warm biscuits. The city was busy in the morning, and denizens were mostly actively outdoors to buy fresh ingredients to cook for the day or who knows go to their work.

"I made a vase out of carved wood!" Liz reveals the vase she had been hiding behind her back, excitingly as she was aware of how unique her accomplishment was.

"Well, I can play lyre...without looking?" My shaky voice made me wince from embarrassment. I expected it least to slip out of my lips sounding so uncertain. To my relief, they gave a slow nod.

"Alright not bad Sansa, what about you Helen?" Liz brought the vase to her hips, her other free hand gripping her tilted waist.

Beside me was a pair of fidgeting hands. Helen and her biting off her nails. We were nine. "Oh..well I can.."

"Can what?" Liz presses her question, already close enough to taste having the most impressive hobby; scrutinizing the hesitant look on her face. She had a sneaky smirk on her lips which I noticed. Out of all of us four, Helen and I were the closest.

"Well..like Sansa, I can also do it." Helen's jittery hands soon hid behind her back. I was surprised. I knew it was a lie. However, I helped her cover it up and pretended I was glad to finally find another girl my age with a mutual interest in music who can understand me for it and hopefully, convince them.

"You do too! That's amazing, since when did you start doing it?" Helen looked down, rubbing her elbow. Before she could speak she was interrupted.

"Oh it's better than nothing, but anyways...how about we show off our talents one by one?" With a bright look on her face, Solace suggests and Liz of course agreed.

Helen came up with an excuse her mother had left her a task to finish that time. She also asked me to come along which to I agreed.

She soon dragged me to a spot enough to be far from them. "I'm sorry..about earlier Sansa. I don't know how to do anything...I don't think I have a talent of my own."

"Everyone does Helen, don't worry. If you don't know it yet, then you may discover it within yourself along the way."

"I don't know...but I really do am scared they'd find out I was lying, Sansa please can you help me? Help me play lyre?" Helen plead with her eyes begging if they spoke she would be on her knees. From that then on, I accepted and taught her. In fact, she claims to not have time for herself, both her parents squeeze every little time she could have to discover something she was good at and give her countless household chores. If she did have free time, Helen would take it to rest herself or sleep.

Not being able to keep up with our group she plead more to have more practice, and she began to leave her house more often without asking her parents for permission. I felt bad however, she was too persistent and was concerned as well. Saying no felt like it would put a tear on our friendship.

Until one day, I lend her my lyre and an old man approaches us. He complimented the way she played the lyre and relaxing hums. I finally saw Helen smile ear to ear. I too, was happy.

Soon it became a routine and her parents caught us performing. Helen was embarrassed in front of everyone and was dragged out of the circle, receiving some harsh scolding by her mother. I froze in the middle uncertain of what to do. Should I defend her?

But why am I..so scared?

I saw Helen's teary eyes through the gaps in the crowd as if she was anticipating a word from me.
Nothing but air escaped my lips. Soon she was pulled by her mother and the crowd began to talk about how harshly the mother treated the child. I could hardly call her her own Mother. I wish I learned more about what happens in their household. 

Helen was always the silent type and was never vocal about her feelings.

A week later, I saw Helen with some bruises across her arms. The rest were I assume, under her clothes.
She then once more begged me to play with her but out of fear the same thing would happen, I declined. We argued and she told me I wasn't supportive.

I did it to protect Helen as I hoped. However, things turned upside down. I learned she continues mastering lyre every day in different parts of our city independently. And that's how she earned her money. Turns out, Helen left her home and finally rented somewhere nearby to the Adventurer's Guild.

Years later she did improve and is currently, at her own version of best. However, she was nothing like the Helen I knew before. Her heart is swollen with pride; as if we never met.

I visited her to apologize for the mistake I did in the past. I thought she would no longer hold a grudge as soon she agreed to revert our friendship once more. However, a once-severed relationship would never be the same. Helen treated me more like a rug. She began giving me conditions and kept bringing back the past and making me feel bad about myself every time I would disagree.

"So you'd turn me back down again?"

"Why don't you just trust my plans?"

And so on and so forth. A part of me wanted to keep the friendship for the guilt I've had with me throughout the years.

One of your performances became a hit which became an all-around talk in Mondstadt, Barbara. I was one of them to witness you shine up on the stage. You are amazing. I aspire to be as confident as you are and happy whenever singing to the people of Mondstadt. 

"Ah over here please, we want your autograph too."
Denizens ran up to you the next day, and news yet reached Helen about it. I couldn't forget about the blast performance you did back then, even I was humming it the next morning.

"La la lalala da~" Helen gave me a judging look, noticing I'd hummed it repeatedly for over half a day we spent now.

"Who is she?" Helen scrutinized, her eyes narrows.

"She's the new star...Barbara! Isn't she so adorable?"  I cupped my cheek to demonstrate her charms.

She remained silent and observed the idol.
I had no idea what was on her mind at that time until she spoke.

"Could you tell me more about her?"

"Oh she had a wonderful performance last night, I wish you were there to see it. And also she seems younger than us yet she's been so loved by denizens so much and even more skilled I think I might even become an admirer-" Helen interrupts with a dense look on her face.

"Let's focus on our own path, shall we? We'll recreate something worthy to write down in the history of Mondstadt."

"What?" I thought at first Helen spoke with no seriousness until her words were followed by a seemingly concrete plan. She eyes the huge anemo archon statue by the church, admiring Barbatos' own skillful ways.

"Well, Barbatos, the God of Wind is so far the greatest legendary Bard right? We don't know any other bard as infamous as our own archon. He's no longer present but we can rise to replace his presence and bring lively music to Mondstadt. If we'll..be able to reach his level of greatness, it will be easier for us to become successful." I could sense she felt pressured and threatened by her success.

"OH, CELESTIA THAT SOUNDS RIGHT! WORTHY OF MENTION FOR GENERATIONS TO COME AND BE INFAMOUS ACROSS MONDSTADT. DO YOU AGREE WITH ME SANSA?"

"No...I don't know." Helen's eyes were wide and filled with hope and all I could think was how nonsensical it was to try to reach the anemo archon's greatness in terms of music. 

"Well, alright first Helen...Barbatos is our archon and we should remain humble enough to acknowledge our limitations. Plus, Barbara doesn't rely that much on the traditional ways. That's why her music is so refreshing and captivating plus unique." 

Sparkles of hope were washed away from her eyes as Helen rolls them.

"What makes you think we aren't capable of changing things the way they are?" Ha, what an interesting obstacle in the way of reaching Barbatos' greatness. If I could make it past Barbara's peak then it means I'm closer to proving my gift as a talent that came from the archon himself."

♪♪♪

Barbara was left speechless, the entire time Sansa told her own story.

"And that's what happened. Ever since then, she began asking me favors which regretfully were to bring harm to your feelings. Helen threatens to end our friendship and stopped helping me earn if I won't. I no longer perform in crowds, I've always been nervous and so what I eat in a day comes from her. Also, I believe I became nervous because of the way she constantly criticized my own work...I feel so terrible..." A crack in her voice gave away Sansa was on the verge of tears. Barbara pats her shoulder in hopes to comfort the bard.

Everything felt clearer now. Her eyes were ruled with sympathy. Barbara continuously gave her a soft, gentle pat.

"Don't worry. I understand you and I forgive. But do promise me you'll never let Helen get a hold of you."

Barbara noticed her alikeness with Helen. Always trying her best, except their difference was

She never dragged anyone down and restricted herself from discovering new things.

"I will. By the way Barbara? Do you have any inspiration in music?" Sansa places an effort to change the topic into something more light.

A certain image of a bard appeared in her mind in a glimpse. It was no other than, Venti.

Nobody does it as he does. She saw how his handwork was amazingly done in private. Barbara did notice the techniques he uses when playing in private with her on Windrise are more complicated than the ones he does in a public setting. She wonders as to, or was it just her mind making it up?

"I do. I don't think you're familiar with his name but he's very versed in playing lyre. In fact, I do believe he'd love that if he sees that instrument...it's just that of quality.." Barbara points at the lyre, somewhat hoping she'd let her take a closer look.

"Oh, what's his name?" Sansa's smile grew wide, in return Barbara averted her gaze and travels down her lap. Her blonde bangs barely hid the intensifying hue of red on Barbara's pale cheeks.

She guesses, there will be no harm in admitting.

"It's just between us okay? He goes by the name Venti." She whispers in the wind, and it did earn a chuckle behind the wall close to them.

Behind one of the nearby houses, a verdant-attired bard was leaning against the wall, holding Albert captive.

Albert hissed at him, hearing who Barbara adored in the field of music pointing at him.

"Heh. Told you I am that bard." Venti grins ear to ear as he glances at his temporary captive emphasizing his identity. Albert grunts behind his gritted his teeth. If only his hands weren't bounded by a special rope made out of his powers, he would have strangled and shaken his shoulders. After all, he's taller than he is. Instead, he scoffed, "Whatever..."

"Shh!" Venti pressed a finger on his lips to shush him in case they will be caught hiding.

"Oh, so that's the name of the person who handcrafted this lyre. You're one lucky maiden, Barbara, his hands are beyond talented."

Barbara felt the urge to sink her face in anything just to conceal her face. The bard assumed they were possibly lovers by her statement implication, hence the fact she straightforwardly admitted the pretty instrument belonged to her was forgotten for a moment. 

"L-lucky?! I well maybe yes having him as a friend is lucky of me." She tilts her head with an awkward grin, scratching her head.

"Oh our dear Barbara, to receive such a gift which requires a great deal of time and effort to carve decorations inspired by you.." Sansa sighs as her eyes were in awe at the details on the lyre. Barbara clutched the big ribbon on her chest as she took a deep breath.

She knew it. Internally the scene in her head replayed that rainy day back at the bridge. Barbara caught a glimpse of it however thought it was disrespectful to ask to confirm if the item they were using belongs to her instead. She planned to be more subtle however things took a better turn.

Barbara was beyond happy it was retrieved from the lake. She was also able to pick up the pieces, and how Helen possibly took them. There were no other witnesses besides the three of them that afternoon.

"Well, one thing I could tell is that Venti you spoke of might've been the happiest with your company than anybody else or trusted you best." Sansa continues; "I doubt he's done the same thing for his other friends, or yet be sure. Ask him if he's ever done it for others. If he did then I might be wrong." Sansa gave Barbara a reaassuring wink.

'Ask...him?' The deaconess presses her knuckle against her lips. She was at a loss for words from the warm feeling she felt.

What would Venti say?

Her heart wonders, oh so much. There is a part of her that wanted him to say he's never done it for anyone. Barbara was persistent and denied to herself, randomly squinting her eyes shut as she combats the thoughts her head was portraying. Wherever he is, she prays to Barbatos her friend is 'more than safe.

"By the way Barbara?"

Barbara snapped out of her own imagination and slowly flutters her eyes open. "Oh-uh, yes?"

"I badly wish I could return this to the rightful owner. I really am beyond sorry Barbara but Helen entrusted this to me, she told me she'd tell my parents where I am now. If I wasn't able to give her the lyre by tomorrow, my life will get ruined. I also ran away from them since I owe them a lot of mora."

"When will Helen meet you? Please enlighten me. The lyre is important for me too.." The deaconess pleaded for her honesty.

"Alright, Helen will meet me later night to take this lyre from me. She will get it sold as a rare piece to Marjorie, in her jewelry store. As to what will happen to it, I believe you have to act swiftly before there could be something that will happen to it. As possible as you can don't let it last more than a day to stay in the shop, or else it would be possibly touched. Either Marjorie may have it sold to another buyer for such a high price or have its pieces be used to decorate other pieces of jewelry."

"Eek." Worry went all over the idol's face. She couldn't hide it well this time.

"And please remember this. Helen is plotting something bad for this upcoming festival. And she's insatiable. She won't stop at anything just to get you down from the spotlight.
Please promise me. Or every people in Mondstadt that you won't let her get you? I cut ties with her the other day, and this is the last deal I have with her. I've had enough of Helen and her wrongdoings. Now that's the downside, she no longer uses me and so stopped sharing her plans hence I no longer have information about what she'll do at the time the Windblume festival comes. Remain cautious, Barbara. I do believe, since we all know her objective well, it all trims down to one thing.

She'll do something to ruin your career to the point there's no point in return. Irreversibly."

Barbara flinches as Sansa takes her hand to plead. She swallows, as she was able to grasp the weight of the situation and came across as overly grave. Her heart began to thump louder, it began ringing in her ears. She held her head for a moment as felt lightheaded. She took leisure in hopes of relaxation however it ended up otherwise. Speaking of which, Sister Victoria might get too worried waiting for her. She wanted to withdraw for now to have some fresh air. It was time to head back to the cathedral, to her surprise she missed more than an hour in her duty. Worse, without Sister Victoria's permission. She could be looking for her right now.

"Alright thank you for everything, Sansa. I will never forget this. Can I ask you one more favor?"

"You'll never stop performing in front of others okay? Even if you don't earn anything, just do it as your heart desires."

Sansa gave her a determined nod. Again, she was grateful they met and showered the idol with praises.

"Alright, then I'll wait for it at the jewelry store. As much as I want to stay longer, I have a duty to return to. Thank you, Sansa it's been nice-" Barbara stood from the fountain and as she turns her head at the path before her, she bumps into the particular bard they mention awhile just now.

She rubbed her face from the impact. As their eyes met, her back ran cold.

Chapter Text

"Miss me?" As if she was invincible, Helen's gaze passed over her head. Such enormous of an obnoxious feeling oozing from her presence the idol could feel herself almost feel sick. No need to see for herself to whom it belonged yet she did either way for mistaking her statement to be thrown at her.  

How long has she been eavesdropping on their conversation?

Barbara immediately was on guard, with her accumulated experience encountering Helen was never good news.

"Sansa, I believe we have a deal?" Helen sternly offers her open hand to the hesitant bard. Barbara was on the brink of speaking her thoughts out loud to ask what she sought, instead her open palm pointed toward Sansa became the concern. Sansa visibly clung onto the lyre and hugged it to her chest to cope with her dread. Barbara couldn't help but have a look full of pity for Sansa, seeing how much intimidation Helen instilled in her. 

"Give it." The contrast in their faces lived up to Sansa's words on how terrible of a treatment she received from her childhood friend and those times her vulnerability was taken in advance. 

No matter what Barbara stands her ground, it doesn't equate to the way you should treat others.

Her change of posture to something more confident stole Helen's attention somewhere in the corner of her eyes. Helen thought it was worthy of comment.

"Oh, and you also made a new friend. Almost didn't see you there, hi deaconess." Her eyes crawled down, her head remained still stuck up high. Originally she would heed no attention to her presence and was more fixated on the lyre that would definitely benefit her. 

The lyre is worth something she could be known for. As for the idol, Helen has already decided the fate to befall her.

Her plan is all coming into place one by one. In her mind, she already pictured victory. She couldn't care less about Barbara's presence.

"Congratulations, that's bold of you. Anyways, you're in the way so move." Helen shoves Barbara to the side and approaches Sansa. Her eyes were filled with guilt and resistance as they swelled up in tears through her eyeglasses looking at Barbara. The fact the lyre would fall to some undeserving hands.

 Her sheer will urges her to hand it to Barbara however her debt would never be paid and she'd be hiding for the rest of her life, the decision to be made felt so selfish. Guilt never weighed this heavy after she was mentored by the idol herself.

Barbara meanwhile, knew she was desperate to escape her own despair and bore no grudge against Sansa. 

"Hand it. Now. Make me wait any longer and or find yourself in pieces in front of the idol you speak of so highly.

"Huh?" Barbara slowly shook her head with knitted blonde brows, implying she should resist her request to not let her comply with a request asked in such a manner. She won't ever see her in a condescending way and hoped Sansa knew. She hoped their encounter a while ago alone was enough to make her aware she sees her from a different point.

"I'm so sorry..." Sansa squeezed her eyes shut as a tear rolled down her cheek, Barbara's lips were left parted from awe as if her muscles all froze from resisting the fact of how could someone be so cruel.  

Sansa slowly detaches the lyre from her chest which earns a confident smirk from Helen. 

"And I'll take that thank you-" It was immediately wiped from her face, an interruption from making it completely hers. Barbara grabbed onto the other half of the lyre. She changed her mind about taking it from the jewelry store and letting Helen have it sold. 

Barbara decided would pay for Sansa's debts and she would redeem Venti's gift right out of her hands. A concert if not, the cash prize this upcoming 'Windblume Festival' would suffice. She redirected the instrument to be closer to her direction and Helen's eyes soon shifted from the lyre to the other holder.

"Barbara this is no longer yours if I remember? You were ingrateful and tossed it over the bridge."

The deaconess swallowed a lump in her throat. 

"It wasn't my intention at all!"

"And if it's because of Venti, stop making a fool out of yourself. When are you going to realize that Bard is a threat to you? You really don't care about having less audience don't you?"

"Their count is my least concern, I care for each one of them! I refuse to ever believe a word you say anymore. Venti's not like that at all!" Barbara cried out in protest which earned an interesting reaction from the lady bard. Her words somewhat strike an idea.

Helen almost lost her composure to celebrate it even penetrated in her head in the last moment. Venti would serve the perfect purpose to lure Barbara into her impending fate. Even earlier than she imagined. 

Perhaps her original plan for the Windblume festival would now be a seal in her place of point of no return rather than the beginning.

"Is that so?" Barbara kept her silence yet her cerulean eyes were filled with unwavering hope despite Helen's provoke.

"I get it now. Oh well, if...Venti is your friend, he's one of your supporters?"

"What do you mean?" A crease forms between Barbara's blonde brows, her hand still tugging the other end of the handmade lyre but Helen is also persistent. 

"I'm giving you the time to shine and prove it..." A glint of malice sparked in one of her eyes behind her strands of hair. After all, the bard no longer serves her purpose anyway now she has a newfound plan that would sabotage them both. Even if they were together, it would be futile.

Simultaneously, Helen wanted to make sure they wouldn't have the chance to meet each other again. Just her payback for having the idol take away her lifetime chance to be successful. She won't let her be happy and feel miserable the same way she did.

Her eyes wandered around as if thinking of a substitute for the original location where she hid Venti. They lead to the perfect piece of land, a few miles away from the city. The cold, icy, skin-biting dragonspine mountain peak was visible from where they were. The idea was so perfect, too perfect, as it was also a perilous place filled with fatui secret agents which made Helen do an agreeing self-assured nod. She doubts the idol would be able to leave without a single scratch, that is, if she'd still have the capability to return.

"If you do care for him, show it. Venti would easily appreciate you back and you could easily save your friendship. Since you won't believe a word of mine anymore, I can't speak for him but who in Teyvat knows the poor bard is out there shivering in the cold, alone." Helen turns her head to the side and scoffs. 

"Cold?" It immediately sparked intrigue, Barbara resists to believe what she implied.

"Alright, you're right. I know where he is. And I'll take you there if you want to."

"No Barbara..." Sansa weakly uttered but Helen's deadly glare immediately silenced her. Barbara gave Sansa a worried look. She was close to biting on her offer thanks to Sansa's voice it slapped some sense into her. The idol shook her head, snapping out of the slight belief it undeniably arose. Somehow she feels skeptical and especially, more than once had Helen tricked her before.

"How did you know-" The lady bard lets go of the lyre out of nowhere. Barbara took a step behind to regain the balance she almost lost. She was surprised, Helen let go all of a sudden. But why?

"Well, you can have it. After all, it's not my own debt that would go unpaid." She briefly glares at Sansa before returning the focus to the idol.

"Don't trust me?" Helen shoves her hand in her pocket and reveals an anemo vision with feathers with a pale blue-green gradient at the end. She dangles it in front of Barbara's face.

"Here. I grabbed onto this when we decided to talk somewhere on Dragonspine but the fatuis were able to capture him when I last saw him. I'd admit I was wrong about him, he sacrificed himself for me. Now I understand why some have granted visions by gods and some were not." Helen for the first time displayed...tears?

Barbara could just hug her lyre, it was starting to make her frantic. She immediately grabbed it from Helen and scrutinized every detail. Her hands were quivering. She was suddenly panicking. 

"OH no! Oh no.." She flipped the vision upside down, the chain of green feathers was quite damaged. Barbara's breaths begin to become ragged and presses her fist holding the vision against her lips.

"Is he really..? Was he found? What did you talk about?"

"Shhh shh, it's okay Barbara...Look, it still glows. I believe he's still alive there somewhere." Helen grabs her fist and spreads her fingers open to reveal the vision. It caused a great deal of relief for Barbara but her worry for his well-being never ceased.

"But w-why...why didn't you save him?"

"I was terrified...you have no idea how tough it must be for us with visionless denizens to face huge monsters and fatuis there."

"I have to call for the knights! I-" Barbara was looking around her as if answers were nearby, but Helen kept her in place.

"Calm down... I called for the knights who were already specifically assigned to roam the foot of the mountain. I think they're enough. Although it's been days I know." Helen hoped the tiny scratches on the vision from further inspection were why it didn't work with her. She soon brought it to the alchemists, to discern its' legitness. 

Upon the results of the experiment, they discovered the material was artificial. The alchemists themselves who were vision wielders clarified how they aren't brittle and impossible to be damaged through just the pressure of intense heat; 

She almost blamed herself for being unworthy of one but oh well, she wouldn't mind a hydro vision. Even if unlikely of Barbatos' powers.

Helen assumes, that Venti kept his original vision from view and stuck it around his body under all the clothes. It aggravated her the fact she was outsmarted. Did the bard see through her? Or it was simply his gimmick?

Either way, good thing she didn't discard it out of frustration and served a purpose.

"But I'm happy now to know, he's still alive..." Barbara cupped the vision close to her face, seeing it still wasn't gray signifying he was still alive. She was so happy about the new information that partly washed away her worries. Hope quickly flourished within the deaconess to know she could still see him again.

"I'll look for him."

♬♬♬

Helen and Barbara took the icy cold mountains. They were both unprepared and wrapped their arms around themselves for warmth. The above-ankle-deep snow crunched under their shoes with each step they took ascending from the foot towards the inner bottom.

 "Where did you last see each other?"

"Up there, If I recall correctly." She sprints faster and Barbara catches up, her lips quivering from the cold.  She isn't fond of such temperature, but her urge to find Venti triumphs over. She hopes he is safe. 

'Oh archon Barbatos, please be safe !" Barbara sprints and Helen finally comes to a stop upon reaching a tent of fatuis. The lady bard was somewhat strangely brave as if they weren't heading to a place festered with agents. 

"Let's hide here." Helen crouched behind a huge rock and encouraged Barbara to do the same. She skidded to where she hid before one of the huge fatui agents spun to face where they stood. There were three of them precisely, a hydro, geo, and electro fatui. 

"I believe he's in that cage, you should toss him his vision so he could escape." 

"But where are the knights? Shouldn't they be roaming around here already?" Barbara whispers, her breath releasing a vapor. She looked around and saw a tent up ahead that had no other presence of a Favonius knight nor authority from the city.

"Oh dear, poor..naive Barbara." Helen finally sang behind her motive, as she slowly rose up from the snow. 

"Did you really think I would ask the knights to help someone who went against me before? Unbelievable." She shook her head, out of forced disappointment. 

"I'll hand you his vision so you can save Venti...but in ONLY ONE CONDITION." 

"What condition?"

"Give me your hydro vision, and I'll leave your friends alone, the bards and you and especially Venti after this...well if you both come out alive haha."

"But I thought-"

"You keep seeking kindness in others Barbara...just accept the fact some are more corrupted than others...like Dvalin who fought Durin and who as a result died in this mountain. If even one of the Four Winds isn't immune to such impurity, what makes you think humans won't be?"

"But Dvalin...he wasn't truly corrupted, he's one of us! He was simply manipulated into doing it! And you Helen, I see no difference. You were controlled by your selfish reasons into doing these... Just why...are you doing this?" Barbara stands, her voice cracked at the end of her expression.

"You stole every chance that I got! What else do you want me to say? Sorry, goodbye?! Did you really think I would side with you?"

"But-"

Helen believes and accepts it within herself she is beyond redemption. She won't give up on her dream when she is one situation away from achieving it. All of her hard work, she refuses to let go in vain. The lady bard felt ecstatic seeing Barbara in pain.

"No more dilly-dallies." Helen toyed with the anemo vision on her hand.

"Now choose. Venti or your career as an idol." 

"I see. So that's what you're all about..." Barbara had all of her hope crushed as if Celestia came crashing down from above. Her vision embodies her love for people and admiration for music, she grew up adored by people and it's where her strength mostly comes from. She has healed a lot of denizens and eased the pain of the people physically and emotionally. Her talents have granted her a chance to help others and nourish them.

She honed it for years, struggled, and soared high interchangeably, but she never gave up.

It pains Barbara, to have all of her hard work crumble into pieces. 

But she was never selfish, her care for Venti outweighs the consequences. Venti had guided her to master playing an instrument she had been interested in for years but couldn't get quite right. Shared tears of laughter with words of wisdom he gave her is unmatchable and she lost it.

Oh, why did she act so rashly? She regretfully failed to preserve their amazing bond like no other made her feel. Barbara couldn't even begin how she'd express gratitude and deepest apology for Venti and return his act of kindness. He was the first person to see through her, and the aspects she thought she lacked yet never made her feel as if any different or something to be ashamed.

Venti felt like a realm of peace Barbara could never imagine losing. She won't be able to live on with the fact, she lost a valuable friend of hers. 

It also defeats everything Barbara stands for. 

Her love for those who support her.

 There's no way to get out of this situation but decide, right?

"Well, then you have to promise me one thing...Once I hand you my vision...you'd say sorry to all the Fanclub members especially Nora, give Bennett a couple of bandaids, and seek Venti's forgiveness." 

"Oh real easy." Helen smirked, letting go of a promise with no intent of fulfilling it.

Barbara adjusted the strap to place her sling bag to the front where her vision was. She slowly strips it off of her book and slowly drops it into Helen's open palm.

A warm tear rolled down her cheek, as it all slipped away from her hand.

 In the reflection of her sad eyes, as her ambition was stripped away from her, as her fingertips slid off the touch from her vision her blue eyes lost their sparks and became a dull flat blue. Helen left her mouth agape, finally having a hold of a real vision. It felt heavier, and much more legit.

It's real. 

Her lips upturned sideways, and Helen began laughing in hysterics. 

"Oh...oh, I FINALLY.. HAVE IT! How amazing! It looks so divine this close. I can't wait to have it all to myself finally! You REALLY DO HELP OTHERS BARBARA." Helen went all giddy and uncontrollably excited, she could barely hold the vision still and kept spectating it. The malice that once existed behind her smile, is long gone. Triumph, at last, felt heavenly.

"Alright..." The deaconess heaved a sigh as she stepped forward to reach the dangling anemo vision Helen hung in the air. 

"Then come and get it.." Helen tosses the vision far up to the tent filled with fatuis.

"NO!" Barbara jumped, but it was too late. It already went flying across the cold air. The vision landed on the foot of the electro fatui and looked down. He followed the direction it flew from and its bright red eyes glowed. The members' attention was also grabbed.

"Oh no, Venti's vision!" Barbara's hand flew to her mouth as her knees weakly bent. She looks over her shoulder.

"Enjoy yourself." Helen spun her heel and came running down the snowy slope. But Barbara's foot remained still and refused to seek refuge. She saw the leader point at her, it made her legs weak a little from slight fear.

"Don't let fear hold you back, Barbara. I must save Venti." Her eyes concentrated on the anemo vision on the tent near the cage behind the tree. 

Time is running and they were fast approaching. Her height being smaller than the rest of them was beneficial she thought.

Barbara huffed a breath and saw an opening between the huge electro fatui and the geo one.

She sprinted as fast as she could, ensuring her steps didn't sink into the deep snow. The icy wind stung her cheeks and tousled her blonde hair, but she pushed her fearful thoughts aside.

 She sprinted as fast as she could and made sure every step she took didn't last long enough to dig through the thick snow. The cold freezing air winded past her cheeks and blonde hair and resisted her fearful thoughts from holding her back.

The deaconess dashes her feet and lowers her head for the fatui to have her hair far from reach and slides past the thinning snow. 

"Lord Barbatos, please keep me safe!" She squealed as she felt her arm brush against the leg of the fatui agent. Her plead to the anemo archon worked wonders as she almost slumped forward, but Barbara was able to safely land on the muddy part of their bonfire in the middle of their tent. She immediately grabbed the anemo vision and headed to the cage behind the tree.

She pants heavily, wiping her muddy hands on her white dress. 

Barbara despite the dire situation was able to give a relieved smile, finally happy to see him.

"Venti..." Her sweet voice danced around the cold wind and silence.

The cage held no friend she dears so, but a mountain boar.

Chapter Text

         Barbara excitedly dashed off the top of the slope to catch sight of Venti once again. Preparing herself to give the warmest embrace that could melt off the surrounding snow, her face full of hope drops almost immediately at the sight of a cage, containing an alive mountain boar where the captive she hoped to save was supposedly in. That hope she had was so shortly lived. The perfect reunion she created in her head was crushed by the bitter reality. 

At least or so the way she wishes how it went. This cruel, cruel world. 

Another expectation Barbara held high brought her down to her knees, the cold biting her skin. 

She let out a silent gasp as her eyes flew over her mouth, the loss of surging hope weakened her knees as they met the icy ground. The anemo vision landed around her knees.

"Venti...? N-no this can't be..it might be just the wrong cage I'll-" Her voice faltered as she gathered her strength to stand while her eyes scanned everywhere for perhaps a cage a little farther from the fatui tent and she will be reunited with Venti in that spot. Please, she desperately pleads with an unbearable heavy heart.

 A story she convinces herself to be real, oh please Barbatos as she repeatedly calls his name.

To think Venti was gone is something Barbara even refuses to touch her imagination for a second. For him, she must be strong. And for herself, she has to trust.

Barbara regained herself stably and grabbed the anemo vision to run off in a different direction to confuse the fatui, unfortunately, an assistant of his took hold of her wrists who was guarding the way she tried to trespass. She was outnumbered, there were three tall bulky figures towering over her head.

"No, PLEASE!" They dragged her near the tent, the deaconess thrashed around and pleas and cries echoed in the mountain yet it disturbed nothing but birds from afar. She was lifted off the snow and her shoes kicked in the air seeking to meet them again to seek freedom.

"Please, let me go...I did nothing wrong did I?" Barbara began to sniff as the electro officer bounded her wrists behind and left her lying down on the snow.

The harsh cold pricked her skin a million as if she were laid on tiny needles of ice of equal height rather than the pile of soft-appearing snow. 

She was tired. There's no use fighting against the current of the wind, where it took her. Perhaps this is fate. No matter how hard she tried, it never felt enough. As Barbara came to the realization that her life would possibly fade away from her moments later on this merciless cold mountain, and the hands of these fatui agents, it extinguished the dying flickering spark she had that stretched her way to reach this point. Upon her vision being stripped, the shine originating to herself was the only thing left. To her surprise, it was on the brink of becoming dim.

Is this what she truly felt deep inside all this time?

Tired, broken, and utterly disappointed.

All concealed underneath her smile, the adoration of other people became a distraction from what truly needed to be fixed, whenever she received this kind of assurance Barbara felt happy yet it was nothing but a fleeting moment. Soon once she slams the door behind her back, after a long day after a concert Barbara feels empty and lonely. The deaconess looks up to the shelves by her bed where a photo of her with her older sister lies. Back in the day they still bonded closely. Beside it, was a photograph of her mother, and she was held as a baby.

Why do they have to be away? She misses them so much.

But how come, she had all of these blessings and a sea of people gathering to love her works?

Lord Barbatos may think she's being ungrateful, and Barbara couldn't let herself be sad for more than five minutes. She ruled. To be sad despite all of it, she felt unintentionally greedy.

And to allow herself to feel sad would dull her sparks which is what people loved about her. Without it, Barbara feels incapable of making anyone happy if she herself, didn't feel such.

You can't fill from an empty cup. 

Barbara chuckles to herself.

Every time she would feel sad for a moment, Barbara refused to face her despair and embrace it as her own. Her strength is her happiness. Negative thoughts would simply make her incapable of fulfilling her purpose.

It seems today she reached past her limit, like an overflowing jar forced to keep it all in so there would be no mess to clean up.

Barbara never realized how exhausted her body, her mind, and her soul were until this breaking point; the remaining resistance to keep herself from feeling despair finally gave in which she had been repeatedly doing for the sake of others without rest.

A warm tear produced from her deepest sorrow, glides down past her ear. This was the farthest point Barbara had let a teardrop reach without clearing it from the sight of others.

And the warmth of it was the only thing that was able to comfort her through the cold.

The snow fell off from the cloudy grey sky, and it touched her cheek contrasting it.

The name of the person she strongly longs for to see spills from her quivering lips.

"Venti..." Her mind dozed off, the idol imagined the bard she calls was next to her. At least the burden Barbara feels in her heart will be released once all of this is over. Venti appears, smiling down at her.

"I'm so sorry if I mistrusted you...I'd admit it was naive of me...and back then when I asked for help to fix the lyre once more you were greeted with a slap as soon as you got out of the tavern..."

Barbara softly chuckles as she reminisces, her eyes forming a crescent moon and letting out another tear she has been holding back ever since her eyes met the cage. Soon her strong resistance let loose and, there was a sudden wave of peace as Barbara completely surrendered as she knew she held no chance against the circumstance present to her.

"You led me to discover the strengths within myself that I overlooked, which I have forgotten as I busily admired my sister. I always used to worry about how she needed to rest, yet forgot I did too. Whenever we rested by the Windrise tree, ate, and sang together...it felt amazing. I feel more relaxed than my body has ever been when you're around and my mind is light as a feather. I miss your voice, your presence..."

Barbara badly misses those times but aside from the experience itself, it was all about Venti she yearns for.

"I pray to the anemo archon you'll live a well-lived life. Even if...I would no longer be around to see." The numbness from her back began to travel around her body, her fingertips were the only part of her body she could move as the frostiness rendered her immobile. The dragonspine mountain shows no mercy on any visitors, the warnings at the entrance lived up to their words. Maybe the cold would catch up to her first before the Fatuis could finish her life. 

The deaconess strongly believes despite the deception, she has no regrets. Nothing is a waste if it is an effort made to try.

All of her life she never gave up trying, her resilience brought her to the place she wanted to be.

"And if anything, I have no regrets about sacrificing everything I had just to seek you. Hopefully through lord Barbatos, my heart contents' find its way to you."

Barbara gave a weak smile to a partition of Venti standing next to her, as tears blurred her sight. Her tensed body finally relaxed as the deaconess allowed her eyelids to close.  

The rest she finally needed.

"I hear and I forgive you, Barbara." The strong prayer was acquainted with such intense feelings he couldn't describe, that it felt as if it was being whispered over his ear. The anemo archon was used to being a listener except for this time, it was as if he lived in her body in a moment; if he didn't know better, he would mistake those feelings as originally his own.

The fatui officer raised his huge hammer infused with his electro over his head.

An arrow grazed across the side of the agent's leg and it punctures to the snow, precisely to the center of their circle. The fatui winced and accidentally let go of his giant weapon. It emitted a green glow, and the pyro fatui observed close as the glow became brighter and released a strong pulling force that swept all of them on their feet.

"What was that?" It all happened in a blink, the Fatuis themselves were left a little shaken and confused.

"I don't know boss...it's like a whirlpool appeared in thin air instead of water."

"Thought I'd only witness harsh weather conditions here in the mountain...well let's make it fair." Venti hopped off from a huge slob of rock, with a bow in his hand. The fatui could almost choke on the sight.

"A teenager yet past his puberty? Don't make us laugh." They immediately stood from the ground to save themselves the embarrassment and brushed off some leftover snow.

"I only ask of you a simple favor. Release that lady deaconess you held captive." Venti halts his steps, still maintaining a perfect distance enough for an arrow to come flying and also in a way to avoid the impression of having an approach that brushes way too friendly.

"And what's in it for us, huh?"

"We'll forget any of this ever happened...what do you say?~" Venti spread out his hand, voice filled with youthful cheerfulness ironically encasing a threat. The officer couldn't help but have his shoulder-shrugging laugh as he shared glances with the other two of his colleagues who also had smiles on their faces. The electro-fatui halts his sarcastic laugh and their laughs soon cease as his expression drops off to a serious one.

"Seize him."

Venti immediately backs away before being appeased as he stretches the bowstring. He aims it into thin air past their heads. The fatui widens his eyes for a moment, it was a close call.

"Bad aiming kid." He played cool as if he wasn't terrified moments back.

The arrow ripped a dimension into thin air, revealing a black galactic hole at the center as if it went through time and space. The surroundings became warped as a growing gust of wind blades circulated the abyssal sphere and it began sucking everything at the source.

"Uhh boss, this kid ain't normal..." He taps the leader on the shoulder. Upon looking over his shoulder as he felt himself becoming lighter the officer let out plead.

"No..no!" His feet slowly lifted off the ground and the three of them were being dragged along. They wriggled and tried to resist the force helplessly but the wind was too strong it was impossible to be freed from its grasp. Yet they observed with now fearful eyes, strangely the young bard was immune to such powers.

Venti's bored eyes, snapped out of the entertainment of serving the fatuis the taste of their own medicine as it was brought to his attention how Barbara's unconscious body was also slowly being dragged along the swirling snow around her.

"Caught you." He softly whispers as the bard gently catches Barbara by her waist before she can get too close to the sphere, too tightly to secure her in. Venti wishes she could speak to tell her what physically pains her. Instead, he scrutinizes her exposed skin from any scratches or injuries with worry. Venti's eyes stopped searching once they landed on an anemo vision, dangling on her fingers.

The chain on the end which he hooks on his waist with, slowly slides off of her finger as everything is actively sucked in. Using his free hand, Venti catches it on air by the extended decoration hanging below the anemo 'vision'. He knew it was his, as the feather he decorated it with was unique to his possession as it also came from a dragon friend millennia ago, Dvalin.

The anemo archon softens his gaze as they return to Barbara's peaceful slumber.

"You'll be okay." Venti gently brushes her blonde hair strands away from her poking her face and to his surprise, her skin was too cold to the touch. He hooked his arm under her knees to carefully carry her somewhere more warm. A round of footsteps and metal shields gathers in front of him.

Venti looks up, before fulfilling that plan the knight of Favonius and Acting GrandMaster Jean had his eyes on him. The wind slowly ceased blowing obeying Venti's will without a signal nor a hand gesture as if the control was in his body himself.

Jean narrows her wide eyes in shock, signaling Venti to keep it low that he is in fact capable of such. The Fatuis fell to the snow, unable to withstand spinning for too long up in the air and yet to see the teyvat stable. The group of knights behind the Acting Grandmaster by her own command apprehends the three Fatui agents

Venti furrows her eyes, somewhat displeased by the fact that Barbara's older sister worries more about hiding his powers than checking up on her dear sister in his arms. And Jean was able to read his expression between the lines.

"Don't give me that look, I simply just know that the safest place she could be is on her own archon. That's why it's least of my worries." She whispers to keep the other knights from hearing.

"Oh, I see..." Venti gave a relieved smug face. "Glad you're both safe. Let's get you both somewhere warm and talk. I learned everything that happened thanks to that bard." Jean gave an assuring smile, as she also observed Barbara was breathing properly without any injuries.

♪♪♪                 

Venti gently brings Barbara on a huge red velvety sofa in the knight's headquarters near the fireplace. The room was dim with the blazing fire only the source of visibility.

"I'll give you two some time alone, I'll wait for you in my office I need to share a word with you." Jean taps Venti's shoulder before heading to the door.

Venti approaches the sleeping Barbara, he kneels on the floor beside her. The bard places his arm by the edge of the cushion where he rests the right side of his face. Since the sofa wasn't as wide as a bed, Barbara was sleeping soundly sideways, her head resting on a soft pillow; unknowingly to the fact that Venti whom she last wished to see was currently up to her face.

  "Perhaps, I do miss hearing your voice..." His finger lightly trails her cheek, and Venti couldn't help but hold his breath at her angelic features. He couldn't help but be drawn closer to face. The bard realizes he closed their distance way too narrowly and pulled back.

"What in the barbatos was that just now?" Venti immediately straightens his back and points at himself, confused. He has never seen her beautiful face this still, and up close. It was a new feeling, which was quite strange. The bard refuses to acknowledge it resembles the same sensation the characters described feel in one of the romantic poems and literature he had read back in the old days while he was bored.

He shook his head and stood to quickly forget. A tiny table nearby grabbed his attention.

It was a table with a complete set necessary for making tea for visitors.

♪♪♪

The door slammed close behind Venti and took a gulp from Jean's intense aura emanating from her table. She is clearly upset, no doubt at how her meddled fingers hid her straight lips matching her eyes with an intense gaze towards a nonsense direction.

"W-what is it you want to say?" Venti initiates hopefully to break her off from such a trance.

"Well, I'm thankful a bard told us what happened back there. So there's this Helen.."

"Oh Helen, I know." Venti's hand magnetically went to his forehead by just hearing the name.

"You know her, again?" Jean crosses her arms, feeling as though the bard held significant information from her.

"Of course, ah I mean...I roam the city almost every day unless I'm not sober hehe." Venti kept his word about what he currently knew about Helen, after all, he wanted to take it to hand at his own pace. Plus he'd like to hear more than be the explainer if were to reveal what he knows.

"This bard refuses to reveal her name for confidentiality as she claims not wanting to ruin a deal she had made with Helen to keep her silence due to her own reasons. It was just a letter by our door but for the sender, I'm afraid we have no clue but just by the fact she's friends with Helen."

"Oh...okay so what happened?" Venti sternly listens with curiosity, playing the role of being clueless to avoid suspicion.

"Helen tricked Barbara, into finding something there that was important to her. It wasn't specified in the letter. Do you have a clue what that is?"

Venti glances down at his fake anemo vision on his hand. Behind his bangs were eyes struck with realization. The rough edges of the vision dug into his skin.

"Venti? Does it ring a bell?" Jean noticed he lowered his head.

The bard glances up. "Oh nothing, just my hair poking my eyes...hehe" He sways his head shortly, to let his bangs bounce off away from his eyes. The bard confidently placed a fist on the side of his hips afterward.

"Alright, so if it doesn't, I'll proceed to the next information."

"From the letter alone proven to be true, it sounds as if Barbara is currently associated with a suspicious person and a bunch of matters that only speak trouble."

"Uh-huh, I believe so too. It's concerning." Venti furrows his brows pondering at the corner of the room.

"So, I'm asking you a favor but only if you're willing so..."

"Be Barbara's guard for a week or two, and I'll contact Master Diluc I'll pay for the drinks for the amount of days you fulfill the job." His eyes lit up at the offer, it's been days since he had been propelled off from the tavern.

"Wait- WHAT?!" Venti's eyes grew wide at the generous offer. Free wine, and to spend more time with the deaconess with a dreamy voice.

"The report also said you are in possession of a lyre as a gift for Barbara, and that Helen sold it off to Marjorie in her jewelry shop. I let her know it wasn't a clean job how it got to her shop so she held off the impending bid for the instrument."

"Just how valuable that lyre is? Like...what is it made of exactly?" Jean narrowed her eyes which made Venti scratch his head nervously. The bard nervously thinks of a way to escape her question.

"Oh well...I don't think it's more on the 'materials' but more on its unique appearance.." He boasted hoping it would convince Jean however she was wise. Jean rubs her chin as her trail of theories continues.

"But Marjorie surely won't accept anything in her jewelry shop that isn't worth something...especially since she could easily clarify the value with some gadget-" The Acting Grandmaster noticed Venti for a wise archon he is, he spoke shallowly as if trying to fabricate something. She respects his decision to keep it to himself for now. She believes it's for their own good.

"But oh here, I really want to give it to Barbara can I have it back?" Venti placed his palms together, making sure he seemed pitiful.

"Marjorie told me she already had a different plan for the lyre...and I support it somewhat. Instead of setting it up for an auction, it will be the grand prize for the upcoming Windblume Festival."

"A reward?! Of what kind?" Venti heaves up a sigh, his shoulders lower.

"They'll display the posters for the events tomorrow. If you want further immediate details I suppose you approach Marjorie today since she's one of the biggest sponsors for the Windblume Festival." Venti ponders Jean's suggestion, silence fills the room momentarily. He owes the deaconess an apology as well, and the 'risk' he took to assemble the special lyre he crafted should serve its purpose in making Barbara happy. 

And Venti knows just the perfect way to lure her into joining.

A seemingly perfect plan mischievously crept into his mind, making Venti involuntary smile. He'll wait until Barbara wakes up and hopefully, it works.

The bard took his green beret off and bowed after bidding goodbye, pressing the hat over his chest before exiting Jean's office. The bard did one final glance at Barbara who remains to be sleeping soundly, to his relief, his lips curved. Once assured she was still in a good state, he took his leave and visited Marjorie's jewelry shop to discuss the event mechanics.

♪♪♪

     The next bright morning, the birds chirping by the nearby tree on the window greeted Barbara as her eyelids slowly fluttered open. She sat up on the sofa and stretched her back, reaching up in the air over her head. Barbara yawned, like a newborn baby yet the pain of yesterday to sink in. She looked next to the table with a cold sitting tea on a tiny plate. In a paper was written: 'Hope this makes you feel better.' A tiny heart was drawn next to the last word.

She grabbed the paper with the cup, and as she drank she flipped the paper in case there were more letters. It was blank.

Despite the tea already gone cold, it delighted her taste buds first thing in the morning. It also made her feel relaxed. Barbara closed her eyes to bask in the sunrise spilling from the windows, somewhat happy to feel alive again. She knew something changed, her body felt quite strange yet she paid no heed but to the joy of life, she was still alive to witness.

Is it emptiness, or just a sudden peace from the chaos that made her feel as if something was unusual?

Has she become so caught up in everyone's problems to help everyone to the point she forgot to live simply?

Her old routine was, a sense of urgency would greet Barbara to help around the cathedral and help others.

This was her first morning, she had peace instilled within herself. Barbara despises the feeling of being stagnant upon waking up, yet now she feels comfortable despite the underlying feeling as if a part of her is missing. Nonetheless, Barbara had the urge to look for her sister. She assumes a patrolling knight found her to land exactly at their headquarters.

"Miss Barbara, you're awake. Oh, I'm afraid Master Jean had some matters to attend to."

Barbara fiddled with her fingers, disappointed to not be able to bond with her sister again. "Still busy...I see. Uhm Mister Guard, may I know how I got here?"

"Oh, that. You passed out from the cold in the mountain and we found you, with a certain green-clothed young man seemingly around your age...we're glad we found you both not too late."

Certain green-clothed young man seemingly around my age?

Barbara squints her newly awakened eyes.

"Venti? He's alive? W-where is he?" She went frantic, looking everywhere desperately and the guard couldn't help but give an immediate answer to calm her down.

"Yes yes, if I recall correctly that's the name Master Jean called him by. I last saw him head out of the headquarters yesterday."

"Okay that'll do...thank you~" Barbara heading outdoors wearing pajamas was the least of her concerns, she kept running, wanting to see Venti. As if she was lost in her own city she grew up in, she began asking denizens around who would lead her to him.

"Have you seen a fully green-clothed bard miss?" Some gave her a nod, while some did mention some direction they last saw him. Slowly but surely Barbara was confident she would find him. She climbed the stairs towards the plaza where the huge anemo statue lies, nearby a line of wooden public benches the square's event announcements, a green beret pokes from behind the board and Barbara eyes the pair of feet below. White stockings and brown loafers.

Her eyes lit up and ran to the top of the stairs and walked past the board, revealing the one she had been looking for.

"Venti!" Barbara yells at the top of her lungs as her feet move by themselves, uncontrollably running towards the bard. It caught his attention and soon enough a pleased smile appeared on his face.

"Barbara...you're awake!" Venti was unbelievably delighted, he missed the sight of his deaconess for so long. Barbara in return, seeing him as happy as she was, amplified her excitement. Her speed increased as she spread her arms open.

"Woah woah slow down!" Venti didn't want her to catch any bruises and instinctively opened his arms to catch Barbara in a warm embrace. He did anticipate the impact and made sure his legs weren't too frail to fall behind.

"I finally found you..." She softly whispers before sobbing into his chest and the bard gently caressed her back to soothe her cries. And the world felt theirs for a moment. It was an unexplainable great feeling to feel to be in each other's arms.

Chapter Text

Barbara clung to her strings of blind faith that Venti isn’t that far from where she was. 

Her heart raced, with each every step she took near the Anemo archon statue. Barbara could feel him. She's certain.

She  has no explanation where this  feeling of certainty Venti is just around nearby was flowing from but it's not like she's searching for answers.  She lived in the moment, engulfing herself in the overwhelming joy continuously growing in her chest.

And there, that very eagerness to see the bard again made her hand clench on the ribbon on her chest.

Barbara sets her feet at the top flight of the stairs as the entire plaza was brought to sight.

Not long enough and Barbara's attention was magnetized to the bundled shades of green somewhere in the corner of her eyes.

Along the aisle of wooden public benches, in front of the square's event board announcements, a green beret pokes from behind the board and Barbara eyes the pair of feet below. White stockings and brown loafers.

Her eyes lit up and soon she walked past the aligned benches, finally, oh finally, revealing the one she had been searching for so long.

She was so near to letting out happy tears.

"Venti!" Barbara yells at the top of her lungs as her feet, uncontrollably ran towards the bard. The increasing pace caught his attention and soon enough a pleased smile appeared on Venti.

"Barbara...you're awake!"

Venti was unbelievably delighted, he missed the sight of his deaconess for so long, or by that he precisely meant, the sight of her being this happy. Barbara in return, seeing him as happy as she was became the fuel to her her fiery excitement. She accelerated her speed, squeezing her eyes shut with her arms spread wide open.

"Woah woah slow down!" Venti kept her from getting hurt and instinctively opened his arms to catch Barbara in a warm embrace. He did anticipate the impact and made sure his legs weren't too frail to fall behind.

"I finally found you..." She softly whispers before sobbing into his chest and the bard gently caressed her back to soothe her cries.

“Shhh weep no more, I won’t go anywhere." He softly whispers and the relief that was lifted off of her shoulders was too much. Too much, it didn't relieve her cries but made her tears of joy fall even harder. Barbara squeezed the bard with her embrace, never letting a single fingertip part away from him. 

And the world felt theirs for a moment.

It was an unexplainable great feeling to feel to be in each other's arms. The fear of losing Venti that Barbara didn’t knew what exactly caused her to be lethargic these days was lifted off of her shoulders.

She always mistook it as her grudge from his “past actions”.

"I-I k-knew it...I'd find you." Barbara sobbed on his chest in between sniffles and Venti's worried look in his eyes soon turned to a soft gaze. His hand slowly crept from her back towards her arms to pull away for a moment with an intent to wipe her tears.

Barbara felt air between them for a moment and hated the warmth that was lost for a second.

The anemo archon's eyes went wide;

Venti felt Barbara’s arms around his waist  so sudden, squeezing him tight, her forehead  hardly bumped against his chest making the curls in her hair bounce briefly. She refused for all of this to slip away, granted after everything that happened. He understands, as he too felt mutual. 

However,

for an archon like himself this was just. Giving the deaconess the relief she wanted, in other words through the gaze of an archon to his devout follower;

denying all the feelings the bard could already identify not so long ago.

Last night as he awaited Barbara's recovery, Venti wanted to be alone for a while. He headed to the Favonious library. He read poetries, and reread some books that were out of his mind longer than others. Certain books in the shelf he stood before were interesting but only the beginning chapters kept him going. 

He guesses he'd go for a short entertaining read instead.

Anything to buy time, anything to distract himself from worrying too much for Barbara,  too much, way too much to his liking. 

The last time he became this concerned with another being only resulted to immense pain of losing them.

That moment he arrived in dragonspine and saw Barbara’s limpless body on the snow caused his heart to ache so similarly manner to an event from the past.

As if that war where he lost his friend suddenly felt like yesterday. 

A kind of sensation where a millenia had to pass to forget how it exactly felt.

The last person he considered as his most trusted friend. They formed a bond that grew deep when the war broke and he lost his only good friend while they fought together, unfortunately for Venti he was the one who survived between them. It was a pain he no longer want to relieve in his memories only unless to bring back memory to pay respects to the ancestors that stood bravely against the tyrants.

Other than that, he was a numb archon.

Otherwise, forming attachments would feel too close like an another war he already foresees the ending.

Even gnosis was something he didn't worry about this bunch upon being taken away.

While with the same thought but changing the subject as Barbara made him falter?

Such a feeling is so persistent.

Constantly bothering him and weighing his heart despite doing  other mundane wordly matters. Venti had lived through a millenia long enough to know it was rather a peculiar feeling,  how memories worth hundred years just passed by as if it only happened for less than a century. Including joys, sorrows, and music notes with not a single wish for them to stay.

He had life-long practiced the art of forming no attachments to any sorrowful events, enjoy companies of people who lived through this city he had watched over for millennia, all calm with an acceptance that all is to pass.

Until cerulean eyes came to mind, that charming smile and curly pale blonde locks came to sight.

There was a sudden pang in his chest. Venti's eyes became filled with sorrow, disturbing the unchanging tranquil in his eyes that he had  guarded ever since the archon war.

Barbara made him realize he was still in slumber despite being physically awake.

Venti gazed upwards with an intense yearning and spoke her name, stirring the dormant essence within.
 

…that there’s more to himself than his friend’s physical entity that he borrowed.

“My sweet, sweet, Barbara…

Oh Celestia, can't this lone soul tarry a while longer?”

But oh, such a feeling of desperation is what he could barely tolerate the most.

Venti knew how cruel fate like Celestia is. 

He whispered the same prayer before as his friend died in the war to fight for the freedom this city has in the present.

This cruel fate. How can a god have no control over his fate? 

What makes archons worthy to be called as such? 

This is no good.

Never question Celestia. His trail of thoughts were already leading up to it. The bard forced his thoughts to come into halt. Venti perhaps underestimated how he was already too invested with this kind of longing. 

He would keep Barbara safe and him as well.

Even if she doesn’t understand how.

It would simply result in nothing but hurt if he pursues their growing connection.

Maybe the easiest way out would be

Before any tree could bear fruit,

you must cut its’ roots.

Miss out on seeing what comes next, as he knew it would be beautiful, too beautiful to let go.

Venti was awoken from his yesterday's reverie as Barbara further buried her face on his chest.

He held back from the words he wanted to comfort her with.

“I’m here…” He paused as coming into realization the whispers of letting it known his presence is around her continuously would no longer bear promises. Venti replaced the words he intended to give…

"It will be alright now." 

Venti gently pats her head and soon her cries ceased noticing the change in his tone. Barbara lifts her head to meet his eyes. All the burden she carries washes away at the sight of his face. Everything feels light again. 

"I owe you an apology I shouldn't have believed a word they said- I should've believed in you, I should've-"

"Shhh..it's all behind us now. How could I not upon seeing the sweet smile on your face?” Venti teases yet a casual calm look in his face, yet Barbara feels still as if her aplogies alone do not suffice. She knew he deserved more than that. Her mistake faced repercussions which certainly caused a strain in their bond.

Was he truly so forgiving?

The deaconess finds it hard to believe. If Venti were to stand next the Anemo Archon, his capacity for forgiveness would surely mirror that of the divine being.

However, she quickly dismissed the thought, realizing that it is inappropriate to compare any mortal to the revered archon she worships. May Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, grant her forgiveness.

"But how-" She was hushed, her eyes stretched wide when suddenly, out of nowhere, his open palm squeezed her cheeks as Venti twists her head to the side. 

"Dear deaconess, no ifs no buts, just look at this new event." 

Still embracing Venti, both of their heads turned at the poster. Barbara clears her throat, surprised Venti didn't initiate pulling away. She saw one of the crowd look in their direction, good thing the denizen was far enough to recognize her, and she was able to withdraw from his embrace immediately.

But before she could read the announcement, Barbara fixes herself and takes a deep breath in.

She prioritized in letting Venti know first what he needed to hear.

"I have something important to discuss with you. Two of them, precisely."

"Oh- ho? And that is?" Venti crossed his arms, unaware of the impending disappointment her news was to bring.

"So...I'm no longer a deaconess." 

He already heard it from that bard acquainted with Helen since childhood and Venti was confident until hearing such words spill past from Barbara’s lips herself, his favorite follower still was just as painful and if not, more. 

She fixed her blonde hair and brushed her pajamas smugly. Venti tries to maintain an unfazed facade.

"Because of Helen, is that so?"

"No not just that...my vision is gone.”

“And? Isn’t that because of her too?” Venti’s lids suddenly weigh heavy.

Barbara scratched the side of her head, unable to reason against his point. She was too fixated in trying to find a perfect reason against his words, overlooking the fact Venti  already gained hold of such information.

It made him chuckle briefly.

“I hope you don’t misunderstand my point Barbara, I don’t really put the blame on others but if they truly were the cause of such a loss then there shouldn't be any problem for you pointing fingers, and letting them be held accountable for their mistakes.”

Barbara finally realized what seemed wrong.

"Wait, wait, what do you mean? You knew!?" Barbara’s eyes went wide and Venti unfazed by her reaction slowly stepped back leading towards the announcement poster. 

"Hehe more than you know.” The bard continues

”We’re lucky someone chose to rise above  their fears and especially for telling the truth, not sparing a single teeny tiny detail. Whose sincere apology I anticipate to hear from, would be no other bards or musician in our city but that perpetrator you have in mind.

I believe there’s no need to mention that name since it would simply leave a bitter taste in my tongue. Although I firmly believe, it may be close to impossible since...I know her unkind kind, I've seen quite a bunch in my lifetime...and please mind not asking me why, I simply have traveled a lot since I was young, eh. So the better course of action, is teach them a lesson.” He confidently nodded.

Not a single part from Helen’s plan  was spared from his ears thanks to Sansa;

which immensely lead to Venti’s determination to convince her to join the said competition in the poster.

"R-really? Sansa's amazing! And I'm so sorry for not recovering early to tell you myself. I owe you a lot too." Barbara's face lit up, thankful for Sansa as well.

"So let me brief everything for you, you had lost your vision as Helen stole it back in the mountains where I found you out in the cold and brought you…to the headquarters.”

Barbara gives a sheepish smile as the heat climbs up her cheeks. There was slight consciousness left in her when the bard carried her, his words reverbrating from his chest to her ears while she snuggled close. Venti continues, quickly dismissing her adorable reaction he acknowledged for a split second.

"and then now you are experiencing this sense of losing one’s passion towards music. Well, I’m not surprised...as they say, losing one's vision is to be stripped of one's ambition." The bard playfully spoke and Barbara watches as he leans against the wooden board. 

She was amused, pink lips slightly parted. Venti is too knowledgable compared to his age despite his playful or mischievous acts. That’s what makes him so charming. Barbara couldn’t help but admire such traits of him and she almost had to act too hard to remain composed. She placed her hair behind her ear pressing her lips altogether.

On a serious note, so that’s why she’s feeling like her purpose was missing.

To her relief, she was still able to gather her thoughts to make out of his point.

"Thank you for reminding me. I may no longer be a deaconess or an Idol. But oh how I enjoy my life currently." Barbara was firm with her decision and the bard declined to surrender.

"What do you mean? No longer a deaconess and you enjoy it too? Oh, but do you still believe Lord Barbatos exists, don't you?" Venti visibly frowns as his shoulders hunch.

"Of course I still do! I just simply don't think I can contribute much to our church as much as before since I lost my healing abilities. I would just simply go to church still as his loyal follower, I would still never forget him."

"Oh dear Barbara, why settle in the current circumstance you were put in? Dulling your spark is no darling sparkling deaconess~" 

Barbara felt her eyelids grow heavy at his quite cheesy tilly tally tone. Venti was taken aback and had to recollect.

“I now, encourage the smile to emerge back on your angelic face, as I am reminded of the deaconess I once encountered that night at the tavern demanding my presence."

His playful teasing worked, Barbara depised to admit therefore returning to the gravity of the situation.

"Am I truly letting myself down? I don't know anymore, let alone what I want next." Her voice was filled with worry.  She usually never lets herself get sad for more than five seconds but now, circumstances have changed. 

"I have something to tell you, Barbara. The reason why Helen is doing all of this is obvious. She’s envious of the way you shine across the city. She underestimates your hard work and thinks you had it easy due to reasons  you were the Acting Grandmaster’s younger sister, having a vision granted you advantage into stepping to the music spotlight. That’s why she wanted to earn a vision, reaching to the point her music’s sole purpose was to earn the favor of the gods which defeats the purpose. Perhaps somebody’s misery, you could learn something in it if she can’t.”

Also as the last act from me as your personal mentor, encourage you to accomplish things by your own. You can do this Barbara.

Venti had voiced in his mind.

Her cerulean eyes rested on the bulletin board, a huge poster in the middle was colorfully eye-captivating.

Barbara carefully approaches with a fist on her chest, she hesitantly approaches the said announcement, influencing her steps to slow as Venti spoke;

“For the sake of your own happiness, to mend a bent belief, and the peace of most denizens, would you take this musical competition as an opportunity to  prove Helen that your true success lies in your talent and goes beyond the blessings of a deity?”

Barbara read the message in announcement poster as her heart began to beat louder with every step she took.

Her head slowly rose to initiate reading at the top that got her best interest.

“Melody…Rivals?”

Chapter Text

The inviting upcoming musical competition on Windblume's 'Melody Rivals' poster burst in lively colors of pink, blue, and yellow. It was wonderfully painted by hand, engaging and inviting to any passersby except for a certain figure standing before it. Certainly, that art style was recognizable, and must have been painted by the Chief Alchemist, Albedo. Barbara gave it a nod of approval.

"It's a friendly competition where musicians or just any lovers of ballads are allowed to compete in exchange for the mystery reward." Venti described the mechanics as the idol eyed the poster from beginning to its end.

"Well, what kind of a reward will it be?" Barbara tilts her head to the bard with curiosity.

"Some say...it's a piece of artifact associated with the lord Barbatos himself." 

Lights glimmered in her eyes at the mention of the anemo archon's name, and hearing it nearly levitated her soul from excitement.

"I'm willing to help you practice if you want to, especially since they decided to stick with the instrument only evident in Mondstadt, lyres. Like the one we did back on Windrise, remember? hehe." Venti giggled at his joyful reminisce while Barbara, on the other hand, doubt got in the way of her heart as her pupils lost their shine. They were two things she loved so dearly.

It was almost too good to be true, and it's within reach.

Recalling their happy moments sounds inviting to rekindle their bond, but she has a hole in her heart that has dug deep, making no room for celebration. Her hope suddenly faded back to a dull shade of ocean. Her fragile smile collapsed as waves of memory crushed her.

She hadn’t truly noticed the burden she’d been carrying—until it all came crashing down. The realization that anyone associated with her was being put at risk simply for caring about her filled Barbara’s once-hopeful mind with fear. Her supporters were harassed and intimidated. Jean had been searching the mountains for her, and even Sansa, who was so kind and undeserving, had been dragged into the chaos for no reason at all.

The fan club crumbled apart, and she failed to save it: she failed to protect the people dearest to her.

She failed to live up to the Anemo Archon's willfully good acts. She wanted to follow his steps.

Barbatos, who protected the land of Mondstadtm from the greedy tyrants.

A twist occurred in her stomach, and simply imagining herself onstage again was enough to make her feel nauseous. She lowered her head, and her eyes were concealed behind her blonde hair strands. But to Venti, they didn't suffice to know the sorrow that befell them.

"Sorry, Venti...I may have to rest for now." She suddenly looked up, brimming with a forced smile and a tilted head.

"But I hope you join, well then I'm rooting for you." The bard refused to buy the sparks in her eyes that lie; his brows nearly met,

"Barbara...are you alright?" Venti immediately set his tone down upon seeing her frown.

One gentle question from him that felt like a hug let her know Venti could see through past her facade, and it was enough to make her feel like bursting at the seams.

All the emotions she set aside at times, she was busy with church matters and lifestyle as an idol came rushing like a tidal wave on the surface.

A quiet fury simmered deep within her, one she couldn’t quite trace or define—but Barbara couldn’t stop her emotions from pouring into her words, unfiltered and raw. 

"Say Venti, am I too naive for my good?"

Venti was taken aback briefly and blinked rapidly. 

"What a random question...why ask so?"

"Uhh..." Venti scratched the back of his head, somewhat careful not to say anything and hesitated.

Uh oh.

Unfortunately, it didn't make the situation better for Barbara. The idol had no time for his musings.  Barbara bit back her words before tears could spill out of her eyes. Covering her mouth, she ran to sprint past Venti with all her might. Her words died on her throat.

No longer having anyone to see her properly while she ran, Barbara carelessly let the warm tears roll down her cheeks as she squeezed her eyes shut. Some denizens saw her and waved.

"Hi, Barbara! Oh wait...is she crying?" Their voice dropped to a whisper after seeing that the idol wasn't in good spirits. It was a rare sight to witness, they paused in their steps.

These vulnerabilities made her feel exposed most terrifyingly. 

Then it broke down.

I used to think you were simply misled by your desire to shine. But now I realize — you enjoy breaking people. And I was stupid enough to let you.

Maybe I do hate you, Helen.

And I didn't even know I was capable of hating someone. Those voices felt surreal in her own mind. To own up to them felt like a betrayal of Barbara and what values she had believed for a long time.

Where's all this resentment coming from, rather than a place of understanding? 

Were they truly new thoughts? Or has it been around for a long time, but simply rested dormant on her supposedly pure heart? She felt like running to the Anemo Archon to repent and tell everything, so at least she could cleanse her mind and heart, and maybe she would find salvation.

How could someone deemed as a role model by others be so imperfect?

Once more, Barbara sobbed and sprinted faster than she did before.

She speculated on herself to fight against it since it's wrong, yet she reached a point where she couldn't find it in her heart to convince herself otherwise.

"Barbara, wait!" Venti watched her figure run away. He heaved a sigh and lowered his head only to look up once again to observe where Barbara was headed. She ran to the cathedral. Certainly, something ran through her mind.

Venti was convinced not to let her be alone again with her thoughts.

Has doubt truly replaced her faith in the Anemo Archon? She feared to sin greatly, yet she couldn't help but feel this way, hence her urge to confess to him.

She halted her steps from the farthest point from the altar, sinking low to her knees, feeling undeserving.

"Dear my lord, there is so much hurt in my heart that I could hardly bear and I hope to find relief in this mess soon, especially for people who were greatly affected."

"I'm sorry for letting hostility take its place in my heart. Some things just weigh so heavily that I have yet to tell anyone about." Tears and broken sobs echoed into her relief, currently an empty cathedral. Barbara's emotions began pouring down she couldn't control her hiccups.

"The guilt I contain is for I failed to protect others, the people who cherished me faced threats for being associated with me, my sister Jean got worried sick when I went missing, and had to involve so many knights."

"I was at fault for being too trusting, and Bennett's stomach went upset. How could someone be so terrible? Terrible for protecting others from being hurt. But all I can do is heal wounds, don't I? Once the harm's already done, yet never one to prevent it. Is there anything else I could do to piece everything back the way they were? My sister's peace, the affected fanclub members to be whole and happy again, Sansa finding her freedom, and Venti, he too was affected, he may not show it, but I feel like it."

Another wave of painful memories came crashing in like a tidal wave.

"And...Albert, no, did he really... no, I can't even say it here, it's inappropriate, but I hope you know what I'm talking about, dear Archon, 

"That he could simply be forced or told by someone to do such a thing, and not because Albert is not the kind of guy he is. I hope you can read my mind,  I hope you understood despite the limited use of words, but to tell you this way...I could breathe a little easier."

I feel...so lost.

"Venti, sorry for disappointing you...and everyone. There's still a lot of trail of mess left behind that I should fix, but what do I do? Is it wise to let go of my passion so all of this comes to a stop? Am I doing the right thing? Or is it the effects of my vision being stripped away?"

Barbara hugged herself, crying in desperation.

"Please...Anemo Archon." 

A breeze suddenly gushed its way towards the cathedral, and the direction of the wind felt quite forceful rather than natural, but Barbara was so absorbed in her thoughts, she cared so little.

A gentle hand was placed on her shoulder. It was light as a feather as a soft breeze brushed past her cheeks. It's as if the Anemo archon caressed her for solace. A shadowy figure stretched along the aisle beside her knees.

Barbara gradually opened her eyes while turning her head to her shoulders. 

That hat. The hat with a feather poking on the side.

To Venti’s astonishment, the deaconess instantly turned and, without lifting her head or revealing her face, clung tightly to his legs as if he were her second god. She didn’t hesitate to close the distance between them to hide the sorrow etched across her expression. She couldn’t let herself be seen like this.

The empty, deafening silence in the cathedral was filled with echoing, hopeless laments. 

"This is all my fault. I could've done better." Barbara uttered to the fabric of his white stockings, where dark, wet spots grew where her tears landed around his knee. Venti hesitated to pat her head until he eventually gave in.

"You've been strong, Barbara. More than you've realized." Her teary eyes slowly fluttered open and looked up to see Venti with a sympathetic soft smile. He placed both of his hands on either side of her arms and made her stand on her feet.

"It's never a mistake to place trust in others, but betraying one's trust is. Never give up on your beautiful aspirations. There may be challenges ahead, but they could be making you stronger, more than you realize."

"R-really?" Barbara clumsily wiped her tears with the back of her fists. To her surprise, she froze in any movements when the bard placed a hand on her cheek, and his thumb wiped her tears away. Her blue eyes lingered on his face, touched and speechless as she simply let Venti do it on her other cheek as his words continued.

I accept you entirely, even a portion of yourself you aren't proud of. Even especially the ones you feel like keeping to yourself.

Although I do hope you'll think of me in the same manner, I think of you.

"I'm certain the Anemo Archon is proud of you for always trying to capture hearts with your music. Not everything is past redemption unless you give up. Keep doing it, especially if it feels the most authentic to you." Venti pats her head, hoping her mood improves.

To Barbara, his words were a gentle caress to her exhausted mind that ran endlessly in circles. Her widened eyes at his wisdom and the unexpected side she saw of Venti to be this caring, and beyond his teasing. Like a lyre, he was able to tug on her heartstrings and move her soul with his strings. Once again, she could believe with her entire heart. Her truth comes in the form of a bard.

"This means so much, Venti. I just don't know what to say, but can I hug you?!" She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around Venti out of enthusiasm and squeezing him tightly.

"I feared that, with these kinds of thoughts, I am convinced Barbatos would loathe me by now."

"Who knows? Maybe Barbatos loathes her being too?" He narrows his eyes, but then suddenly notices Barbara giving him a scolding look, making him wave his hands to claim his words were merely for humorous intent. With a more serious tone, Venti cleared his throat to continue to speak his mind.

"I doubt it. I'm confident even the archon himself would prefer hearing flawed truths rather than performative lies. He'll know your heart, either way. And you did a great job at sharing your most sincere thoughts with him."

Sorry, Barbara, and how I left you to deal with it alone in ways you didn't understand, but I guess you've learned your lesson.

"And as a final seal of my apology...I'll let you not partake in the event this Windblume Festival because I have decided to have a better plan."

"I'll win it for you."

Barbara squealed as she hastily wiped her cheeks. "You will?!"

"But I do hope that you can forgive me after the misunderstandings we went through, and I sincerely apologize. Although I do understand as well if you're not able to fully trust but I simply hope for forgiveness." Venti's voice grew softer by the end of his sentence, and the deaconess couldn't help but blush.

"Hmm, but first you have to give a reasonable explanation before I decide. It must be truly reasonable, otherwise, " Barbara cheered along with a few happy claps before hugging him.

"Thank you, Venti! You've done so much for me. I don't know how to repay you."

"Oh, you don't have to. Although it may come with a few conditions."

"First, you have to attend on that day and support me from the bottom of your heart. Be early."

Barbara giggles, but is still in anticipation of the next one. "Okay...hehe next?"

"Second. If the lyre is yours, the monetary prize will be mine at least."

"And lastly, this one might be oddly specific, however..."

"However?"

"There's part of the show where I'll disappear."

Barbara parted her lips to speak in protest, but the bard hushed her lips, placing an index finger in the center of them.

"Uh-oh, I'm not done speaking yet. Yes, there's a segment of my performance it'll be where I'll disappear. But don't follow me or look for me right after so quickly.  Meet me by the foot of the anemo archon after waiting for all the sand to run down after I disappear. It's all done in 10 minutes."

"10 minutes?"

"Yes, it's part of my show like...like that of a magician! But listen, darling deaconess, out of all the conditions I gave, this one is the most important. SO please bear with me? The surprise will be sweet. I promise."

"I don't like promises. They're meant to be broken." Barbara narrowed her eyes at the bard and he immediately cleared his throat.

"Well then, I swear to you that a sweet surprise would be waiting for you by the end of your wait. 

Barbara smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll hold onto your words, so you better not disappoint me, okay? This will be your last chance."

"Just be patient, okay? And I assure you there would be no problem." 

A moment of silence occurred between the two as their eyes bore into one another. Barbara's eyes shone in the moonlight, and Venti couldn't help but get lost in them. She's astonishing, breathtaking. And he's never felt luckier than out of all the gods she worshipped, her faith was in him.

He would rather have a single follower, with it being only Barbara, rather than hear prayers by thousands in a country that carried nothing of her sweet voice.

The same thing goes for Barbara. His eyes glistened noticing the way he took a deep breath. Venti is the prettiest boy her eyes have ever seen.

She never thought she'd have a space in her heart for another savior aside from her Anemo Archon. Her space haven.

Has she been staring for too long? 

She broke away the contact they've been having and tucked away a strand behind her ear.

"Oh-uh..it's already getting late. Venti, rest for now. I'll be your loudest cheerer!"

"It'll be the happiest ending you'll ever witness." He kissed the back of her hand and grabbed his hat before bowing. Barbara clenched the ribbon at her chest.

"My pretty deaconess."

As if all the lights on the street turned on, the surrounding lights around the statue lit the entire place up. Her heart began beating loudly in her ears.

Barbara could feel as if she could soar high with Venti by her side, and no words can capture the moment.

Chapter Text

Ah, the city that captures the taste of wines and freedom.

Mondstadt.

The Windblume Festival buzzed with energy—laughter filled the air, music echoed through the streets, and dandelions danced on the breeze, weaving through crowds of joyful festivalgoers.

They tiptoed along the wind, lightly grazing the skin of denizens and other enthusiastic visitors from neighbouring homelands. The city was bustling with playful children chasing one another across the streets, laughter and conversations exchanged along the way, and mercenaries offering huge sales on their goods with colorful banners decorating their stalls.

Musicians of all ages fell in line, registering their attendance for the upcoming competition.

Melody Rivals.

In the comforts of Barbara's home, she twirled in front of her mirror while wearing a flowy blue dress. Noelle covered her mouth. 

"And done. How do I look, Noelle?" Barbara secured the ribbon after wrapping it around her hair. She decided to wear it in a half-updo with the lower up flowing freely past her shoulders, with wispy bangs remaining the same, just resting above her brows.

"You're so beautiful! Are you sure you're not going to perform with this dress?"

       Barbara rested her fists on her hips, leaned forward playfully, and gave the maid knight a teasing wink while pressing a finger to her lips.

"Oh." Noelle covered her mouth in surprise. 

In Angel's tavern, a bard slammed a bottle of Dandelion Wine down on the table. With such a small effort of an action, he prevented himself from a whole disaster ahead of this day, such as having a slurred speech and a sleepy performance.

"Alright, I decided that's enough. I'll check up on the competition and see what's up." 

"You'll join the competition? Isn't the reward known to be an artifact speculated to be related to you? " Diluc glared at him judgmentally as he wiped the insides of the wine glass. Venti scratched the back of his head, but before he could say anything, Diluc's conclusion reached his tongue.

"Oh. I get it now. You want it back, don't you?  I admire your sophisticated strategy for not being noticed."

"Ah, yes. Indeed." Venti agreed a little too fast, and it made Diluc narrow his eyes.

"So this is how I learn, that the artifact they offer as a prize is more than a speculation, as they claim to be. Interesting," The bartender pondered and it was a really good distraction away from his thoughts about how the bard had yet to make his payment.

"Anyway...speaking of which, I really should get going. The competition is about to begin." Venti smiled sheepishly as he slid off the stool and went outside.

"Alright, good luck. Or if luck even matters." The light narrowed down on his face and soon disappeared the moment Venti shut the door. His gaze drifted along the counter, pausing for a moment as if sensing something was missing, like he expected to see something there.

"Hey, about the—"

The rest of the words died on his lips as the mini hanging bell remained still from swinging at the door.

 Mondstadt feels livelier than before. A long line of bards lined up at a booth to sign up for the upcoming competition, accepting bards and musicians of all kinds. A long line of bards stretched before the booth, the crowd buzzing with excitement. Some eagerly pushed forward, trying to get a better spot, while others chattered animatedly about who might win the upcoming competition. The air was filled with snippets of laughter, impromptu melodies, and playful boasting as bards of every kind—lute players, and lyricists—gathered to claim their place in the spotlight.

However, to the event organizer's surprise, most competitors were bards who signed the paper.

"Registration shall close by the striking of the bell sharply at noon."

"Just to clarify, I still have my reservation there, right?" Venti squeezed in front of the table to clarify the status of her application from yesterday, and the denizen confirmed. He instructed him to wait backstage until the beginning of the performance."

"Make it tighter." Helen gritted her teeth as she sucked all her breath in for the corset to fit.

Sansa shakily tied the ribbon behind her back as Helen requested. Their heads turn at the opening of the curtain.

"Oh, guess who joined the competition. Hello there, Venti." 

"Oh, hello there, maiden. To what do I owe the pleasure? Winning... or just scavenging the spoils of someone's downfall?"

Sansa let out a quiet gasp that soon turned into stifling her laughter.

Helen felt her breath on the back of her neck, "Shut it, Sansa. Remember that you're getting paid just for being here." 

The lady lowered her gaze as her mood turned quite sour.

Venti hopped onto one of the boxes and lightly strummed his lyre once, but loudly.

"Looks might dazzle the crowd, but talent wins the crown. But oh, so unfortunate—by the end, you had nothing to call your own. Wait a minute, that sounded like a really good line for my performance later." Venti playfully continued plucking random strings, humming to himself as he gently bobbed his head sideways to feel the rhythm.

Helen rolls her eyes, not really wanting her mood to be thrown off before getting on the stage. She wanted to get away for now, not to waste any energy.

"Ugh, Sansa, can we move somewhere else? Somehow, there's this little bug just keeps bugging in my ears."

"But I thought we'd wait for Albert here?" Sansa hesitantly asked before following her trail, and Helen met eyes with Venti for a moment before sending a death glare on her way. Sansa cringed at her mistake, feeling like her guts were eating her from the inside.

The bard had parted lips for a moment as he watched the scene when the two fled, but he had so much reason to remain backstage and wait for the perfect moment.

Primarily, he planned to sneak an apple to keep himself out of boredom before the performance started.

The curtain slowly swung open, and as if the person in mind came to life before his very eyes.

Albert stepped into the backstage area, struggling with a towering stack of suitcases piled higher than his head. From one of the slightly ajar cases, a piece of paper peeked out, its lower half caught in the gap—quickly catching Venti’s attention. The luggage looked crammed and heavy, some not even fully closed, revealing teasing glimpses of paper silhouettes inside. The bard observed with interest, but a more mischievous idea came to him. Fortunately, Albert was too focused on balancing the stack to notice the pair of curious eyes watching him.

With a subtle flick of his fingers, Venti summoned a sharp breeze that whisked the paper clean out of the suitcase and delivered it straight into his hand.

And it's now to him Barbara's prayer was fully blown out with clarity. Soon, Albert was done placing the boxes on the side next to Helen's foot. 

"Is that all?"

"Yes. Satisfied?" Albert rolls his eyes as he spins to exit backstage, yet Venti couldn't help but not to let him slip away unnoticed.

"Oh, I recognize you. Barbara's frequent patient, right?" Albert stiffened on his spot, freezing his steps.

Is it his paranoia of being seen by Barbara, especially and anyone associated with her? It also weighed even heavier on his conscience that he was about to help do another menacing request of Helen, but was his mind playing tricks on him, or did he see his verdant tips of hair strikingly glow momentarily? He felt chills on the back of his head for a while, but why? He felt the tension and couldn't help but excuse himself quite so fast. The man withdrew his eyes to anywhere else quickly, feeling like it was suffocating there for a moment; he couldn't breathe. 

It's like the air around him began to drown him. And it hurt to breathe.

Never mind, I need to get out of here.

Albert convinced himself ot be okay once he gets out of the walls of these suffocating curtains. It's probably because it's mainly quite cramped with little ventilation inside.

Maybe it was the breath he was probably holding out of fear to be tracked down by Barbara or anyone close to her, where it would reach the Acting Grandmasters' ears.

Deeply unfortunate for him, it may not have, but has reached before the Anemo Archon's eyes.

"Y-yeah..." Albert blinked rapidly, standing in front of him but he couldn't stand being around that bard for a moment like a moth getting too close to the flames. He shook his head after pondering for a moment for the right words to say to seem less suspicious but he couldn't bear any more second he lets it go and left.

Venti smirked and gave a smug tilt of his head, tossing his glowing braids over his shoulder as he lounged atop a stack of backstage boxes.

"What an interesting sidekick you got there." A hint of sarcasm laced in his voice, referring to Albert, and Helen knew how to play along with it.

"Bet you had one too?" Helen gave a phony smile.

Barbara hastily walked past the line of musicians who stared at her in awe. Their fatigue from the striking heat of the sun was eased as they saw the refreshing idol walk past. Her tiny glittery blue sequins at the hem of her skirt stood up in the crowd. Noelle carried her necessities, water jug, a mirror and her fur white jacket to wear onstage once the moment comes. She also carried a bag of make up to retouch the idol's appearance and a few extra hair pins.

"Oh, I hope I'm not too late!" Said Barbara with a shaky voice as they continued to run like a princess past curfew. Her hair bounced along her steps, and so did Noelle.

"Don't worry, we'll make it in time." She assured hoping her words would soon rang true. Soon they arrive at the spot nearby the stall.

Her presence alone lit up the entire place. 

"Woah, is that Barbara? And with even dear strong Noelle!"

"Move away and let me see, none of them lied, she's lovely!"

"Even I would vote for her myself, I won't be upset!"

"Is it just me or she look different this time around since she went missing. She became better."

Barbara went a bit shy regarding what they were saying, but remained composed and muttered soft thank yous and brief waves before heading to the stall. Noelle also smiled at them and blushed as she was dragged by the idol along, holding her hand.

Before they could form one step closer the bell from the cathedral struck before they could reach the stall where they accepted participants.

The two shared glances.

"Oh no." Noelle gasps.

Barbara frowned for a moment but a random idea was sparked in her. She has prepared her outfits, her air and her makeup. For the first time too, she was late. 

She's never late to any shows.

She slowly blinked and could feel her heel hurting from giving up the weight of her upper body as she exhaled. 

"Let's continue." She pulled Noelle along and grabbed her by her arm.

"Barbara, you look astonishing! However, you should have been here a little earlier but unfortunately, the bell has rang and our acceptance for participation has ended."

"Regards, is there a bard named Venti that's registered on the list?"

"Oh, it's you, Barbara. Him? Seriously? I don't get why he even bothered. Sure, he used to be a record-breaker and all that, but he's been out of the game for ages. No way he's a real threat to you now." The denizen enthusiastically eyed her up and down, but Barbara wasn't having any of it. 

"Good. I'm glad you recognize him and now, place my name next to his and tell me where he is?"

"Oh...uh apologies Miss Barbara I didn't mean t-"

"Uh-oh, no time to waste."

"He's now backstage." The denizen answered.

"If you truly mean your apology, I kindly ask that you place my name beside his, that I may perform alongside him. Should you decline, I fear my sister—being one of the patrons supporting this event—may find cause to withdraw her favor. She holds some influence with the organizers, as you well know."

"Ooh. I like this new attitude." Noelle leaned forward to her ear from behind to whisper with a smirk on her face lifting her brows twice. 

"Oh...uhm right, as you wish." Barbara smiles as she grabs the candidate ticket from his hand after waiting for him to finish writing her name next to his.

"And thank you." 

"And of course still kind as ever." Noelle proudly cheered for her friend. 

On stage, the host has began some introductions and some pleasantries. The crowd were enthusiastic and cheers blaring loudly on each others' ears as they applaused. Some were patiently waiting while some has brought their banners to support their favorites. Supporting friends and family of other candidates chanted the named of their loved one.

"And now, gracing our stage with unwavering confidence and a heart that beats to the rhythm of tradition — she believes that true artistry lies not in fleeting fame, but in the timeless elegance of Mondstadt's classical roots. Let's welcome the ever-passionate Helen!"

Helen reveals herself into a crowd and waved.

"Thank you so much, I feel delighted to enter the stage. Grateful if I say so myself." She did a little curtsy and threw a rose from her pocket to the audience.

"Allow me to bless your ears with my piece: 'Echoes of the Anemo Ballad'." 

Barbara enters the backstage all out of breath with tiny bits of sweat rolling onto her forehead which she swiftly wiped away with the back of her arm.

"I hope I'm not too late, my dear partner in rhymes."

She giggles.

Venti straightened from his almost slumber and that sweet voice jolted him awake.

"Barbara! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be amongst the crowds?"

"Hehe I know! But it gets a bit lonesome waiting for your turn don't you think? This is more fun. Performing with you to be specific~"

 "Oh." Venti's eyes lit up.

"I'll agree with you this time. I like this one better." 

They shared a brief moment of giggles and Noelle looked at both of them smiling. 

"I'm cheering for you two! Do your best out there." The maid knight formed two hands into fist and raised them for the two as she slowly stepped away.

"Leaving already Noelle?"

"Yes, I'll simply watch along with the audiences. I'll tag Bennett along as well."

"Okay, bye bye." The curtain closed and the idol lets out an exhale. She dragged her steps towards Venti and sat on a lower level stack of boxes beside his.

"So how are you feeling?" Asked Venti whom watched the silhouette of the performer behind the curtains in front of them.

"Well, I'm doing fine. It's just crazy to think this could be my last performance."

"Woah wait- But why?"

"Well, I don't know, it just felt the right thing to do. You know, to put an end to all of this-"

Venti's face soon turned sour as he recalls her prayers last time word by word.

"So Helen would soon leave you and the ones that concern you alone, isn't it?"

Barbara's eyes widens at him in surprise, like he was able to read her mind and continue the thought she planned to keep to herself.

"I'm afraid I'll hold myself back from agreeing, although I won't oppose you from doing what you think is right."

"Letting go is not only the answer to achieving peace. Freedom itself could be earned too."

"Yes I know it Venti, but I just think this is the easier way." He hops off the boxes and faces her to look in her eyes filled with determination.

"Don't give in to what Helen wants Barbara-" Light spilled in the backstage as the curtain swung open and his words paused. Barbara straightens her back and looks past his shoulder where the voice came from.

"Oh, I may have not won yet but I already feel like it. Gods do I even have to wait for the awarding phase?" She removes her coat and slings it on the chair, and began combing her hair. Barbara's awkward smile soon turned into a determined one.

"Have you gone that desperate your delusions make you hallucinate?"

"Oh, look who't talking back now. Your words ring hollow, just accept it Barbara. No matter how the results come in at the end of the day, I've taken down your precious fanclub have broken down. I've won."

Barbara knitted her brows and tried gathering herself together before exhaling. She won't let this woman provoke her so much to the point it will make her say words she'll regret.

"I've got a proposal for you. If you win, I'll quit making music, forever."

"Oh really?"

"And what's in it for me if it's the other way around?" A hint of hesitation sneaked into the cracks of her wavering voice.

"Ooh, scared?" Venti cooed.

"Shut up bard. Just to let myself know what I'm getting myself into and what Barbara has got here." 

"You'll do one good favor for every person you've hurt."

A moment of silence filled the backstage then Helen erupted to a mocking fit of laughter.

"Ahahahaha."

It was a menacing laugh, and nobody else in the room dared to laugh with her and rather felt uncomfortable. Helen faked wiping a tear and Barbara watched with deadly glare on her face.

"You, already have a hold of my neck if that happens yet you chose to have somebody else do my punishment? I mean, if that ever happens so. Hahaha!"

"Simply, I don't do vengeance."

"Oh you self-righteous deaconess. Alright. And your still stupid enough to think I'll comply to their requests? Let alone yours."

"Well, if you don't mind leaving Mondstadt that is."

"What?"

"All it takes is one report away from the knights and your...out."

"What do you mean? As if you'd dare."

"Do what you want with this information but, Acting Grandmaster Jean, is her biological sister." Venti leans in and whispers then gives a slow nod before looking away. Helen blinks rapidly as she backed away for a bit.

"You're just saying that. Your last names are different." In disbelief still, but quite faltered. She can't deny they had the similar eye and hair color but she never really thought of it more than just a coincidence.

"But that doesn't matter. Venti and I will win by our names today, anyway."

One of the audience organizer approached the two, and was informed their performance is about to start.

"Contestants #2, Venti and Barbara? Your turn's up the stage."

They shared glances before hurrying up to the stage curtains.  Barbara grabbed her fur coat and slung it around her arm. It complemented her skin so well, Venti slipped in a compliment before heading out.

"You look ravishing."

"Oh, why, thank you." She blushed.

Helen returned with a confident smile on her face. She says as she purposely bumps shoulders against Barbara.

"Good luck onstage, they liked-"  She felt her foot stumble on something and almost tripped. Looking behind her shoulders as the two walked past her, Venti let out a soft giggle then poking his tongue out with a wink before closing the curtains.

Helen grunts with gritted teeth; "Ughh, that bard!"

Once the applause came to halt, the host didn't waste any more second into introducing them to the stage. "Our dear idol deaconess, Miss Barbara makes a remarkable entrance today with an excellent lyre playing skills gentleman whose face we recognize as the former award-winning bard each year, Venti the bard!"

"Thank you!" Barbara waved to the audience and blew some kisses.

Some of the male audience whispered to one another, speculating the reason for the idol's appearance with another male. Their excitement was replaced by curiousity and Barbara's smile began fading as her eyes went all over the stage in confusion.

Oh no. She never really thought of what kind of reaction she might receive but then she realized, do what they think matter?

Will it make her voice less appealing?

 It won't.

She take a deep breath and examined each one of her faces and returned a smile.

"Greetings, everyone! That's right — this year, I've chosen to collaborate with a certain bard whose musical gift is truly remarkable. I have full confidence in his talent, and I know his enchanting melodies are sure to bring a smile to your face. We hope our performance and harmonized tunes bring joy to your ears!"

Barbara grabs the opportunity to sent a glare to Venti, whispering what they will perform as she returns the microphone to the host.

They haven't talked about it yet.

"Just follow my lead."

Venti began strumming the lyre with confidence, soft melodies were initiated and Barbara immediately recognized the tune.

It was the one they usually ppracticed under the tree in Windrise. 

A captivating duet where tradition meets charm — their melodies blend seamlessly, weaving a tale of harmony and contrast. With every note exchanged, the audience is swept into a dance between soulful strings and playful rhythms, leaving behind an unforgettable musical impression.

Barbara sung with all her might from the bottom of her heart, and her voice melted the audience's resistance to dance away. The idol the mood has entirely been lifted and she felt the urge to take advantage of the euphoric situation. 

"Everyone, let's dance!"

Venti picked up the pace by raising the notes to a happier bundle of melodies and the audience were swept away by their feet. They began to dance and linked arms spinning and laughing together. The once aligned idly standing denizens were now in a frenzy having fun dancing alone.

The first performers so far who knows it well how to interact with their listeners and keep them engaged from first notes up until the last.

Like a connection has been formed from the performers and their listeners and it's the strings of lyre that tied them altogether despite the gap from the levitated stage.

Venti joined in from idly sitting on a stool to also tapping his feet on the wood and swaying along with the idol,

"Care to switch roles?" Venti smiles and Barbara thought for herself for awhile. 

"Sure!"

"Then catch!" Venti tossed the lyre towards Barbara's hands and the audiences were amazed for awhile, they stopped and watched. Barbara giggled as the entire experience was tickling her happily, and they were all singing together and dancing as if the world had faded into nothing but their happy music.

"Woah, Barbara will play the lyre this time!" One denizen yelled out of excitement and the audience ceased the noises briefly.

"Follow me!" Venti yelled to the audience and sprinted down the stage and grabs a random denizen who grabbed another and another so he ended up with a trail of denizens behind him.

He stepped forward then backward, while their hands were on the hips of the one in front then vice versa. The audience laughed and also copied the position Venti and the rest were in. Barbara were playfully giggling, enjoying the sight of Venti being playful on the stage and dancing.

As if everyone faded into nothing, but just Venti.

His smile, his charming burst of energy.

She couldn't help but giggle a little harder than she should, drunk on bliss and his charms.

Performing on stage already brings her joy, but with Venti beside her, that joy overflowed her laughter erupting with a rawness that felt real, not just a performance to convince others she was having fun or help lift spirits, but a true reflection of how she felt in that moment.

His braids sway, his cute feather on the beret waved as he did some tap dancing onstage.

Her eyes were glistening. 

Venti spun and noticed how Barbara was looking at her with eyes full of happiness,

Words always worked as his way of expression, but this time, not a single word would suffice to convey this moment joy and striking passion.

He couldn't help but relish in the sight of a happy, genuine Barbara.

 But what makes it better? He caught her looking too.

He never imagined he could reach another level of happiness in his life—he didn't think it was possible anymore. And yet, somehow, even more found its way to him.

The sounds of the world softened, the cheers of spectators, and the instruments faded into the background.

The moment their eyes met and exchanged brimming smiles on their lips, that sealed away feelings that couldn't be spoken but felt.

And for a moment, he could feel it wanting to spill out of his lips despite the noise surrounding them.

Would Barbara accept him the way he is?

Who he is?

His past?

His entire being?

"Barbara..." A gentle, soft voice spills past Venti's lips like his own prayer to the one he devotes himself to.

A glimpse of sorrow blossomed in the irises of his eyes despite the booming joy surrounding them. But nothing would stop him. Barbara noticed and a bit of worry grew making her drop her almost drop her smile but not fully.

"What is it?" She mouthed, still a bit teary-eyed from tears of happiness, tilting her head to communicate she finds it's difficult to hear to prompt him to repeat it again.

He will tell her the truth. Now.

"Barbara...I-" 

A white ringing noise filled her ears and the moment seemed the slow down in time.

A caped hooded figure sprints past Venti and bumps his shoulder, interrupting his plans of confession. He spun his heel to look behind his shoulder only to lose balance as the figure shoves him once more and he fell on his rear. 

He knew this would happen.

But what he didn't expect is for it to happen this soon.

"Venti!" Barbara called desperately to him without a doubt, drops the lyre and ran to Venti who immediately got back on his feet before she could help him. 

"I'm sorry Barbara..." The bard whispered even if he knew those words would be heard by nobody but him and it felt more like an expression of his guilt to himself. He looked away from  and ran further away towards the edge of the center of stage. 

 The anemo archon gathered a sphere at the back of his hand with his other free arm holding onto his other wrist as a support from the strong force he was gathering. 

The caped figure flings the suitcase open up in the air, letting all the papers it held in be thrown up in the air. He was racing against time and gravity and he had to act. Fast!

The papers flew onto the air and the audiences left their mouths agape at the sight in fascination.

"Their performance is something else! Are they giving out free stuffs?"

Among the paper that flew across the air, the closest one within the reach of the denizens, suddenly flew away from the tips of his finger.

"What is happening!?"

"Like the anemo archon's here!"

A  glowing sphere of a blackhole, rotating with a mist of glowing green stripes that glowed way too brightly, the denizens couldn't look properly at the sky at it, with strong winds that everyone's hair and clothes were blowing everywhere and anywhere.

Barbara squinted her eyes shut, her dress and hair were also being blown towards the direction of the sphere.

"Venti where are you? Oh, please be safe!" She yelled, hoping for a response, braving the light and sneaking a look past her hands she used to shield her eyes.

Her eyes went wide for a moment,

Venti stood in the middle of the stage, unfazed, without trying to resist the suction of the sphere.

But how?

She couldn't tell if her eyes were playing tricks on her since she couldn't see properly anyway, with both of her eyes couldn't be opened wide and chunks of dust being everywhere. Everyone was scared and screaming.

"We're all gonna die!"

Venti watched carefully, heard that from a denizen and swallowed but remained focus on keeping the sphere at bay from growing larger, he kept a stance ready to fight to prepare his different hand to do a layer of protection to his people in case the sphere went out of place.

Above all that while the situation has no need for it and he wishes it keeps that way, he kept watch of all the papers that flew to be sucked in to the dark sphere one by one and landed on nobody's hand nor eyes.

They were torn as they went inside the destructive sphere, and Venti waited for the final paper and urged it to hurry with a strong wind to get sucked in, being in a haste to close the destructive sphere of void that can't tarry any second longer, otherwise, the entire place will be destroyed in seconds.

Venti forcefully closed his open palm and the sphere went smaller, ceasing to exist the moment.

He breathes in and out so deeply, as if it drained him a huge amount of energy from both exhaustion from the force and the overall worry he carried at the moment at the back of his head while he did such a dangerous taunt. He fixed his posture as his shoulders gave up.

His eyes relaxed but only for such a short moment when his eyes met with the hooded figure.

Again, Barbara lowered her arms from shielding herself and she was so sure that this time she could get to Venti's spot but she noticed his eyes were intensely with rage on someone. She followed the direction of his head. It was the hooded figure that bumped against him before it all went down. It was looking at Venti, and it brought a finger on its lips.

Barbara froze in spot and watched the two. Barbara hesitated to interfere as she still had little understanding of the bigger picture and it seemed Venti wasn't in the mood to explain. An expression she has seen for the first time for the always composed bard.

Venti grits his teeth. His business isn't done yet.

"Hey, you..." His pace quickened and Barbara's heartbeat rose in anticipation at the scene. 

He grabs the hooded figure's wrist and a huge glow of light erupts and when it exploded after expanding, they both disappeared. 

"Venti!" Barbara screamed as the mysterious figure burst into glowing green feathers alongside Venti. Panic began rising in her chest.

Their existence ceased before her very eyes, leaving a trail of mist.

Chapter Text

The tips of her fingers grazed past nothing but soft feathers and bare wind. Venti and the mysterious person disappeared before her very eyes.

Instincts relentlessly poked in her conscience to look for them as soon as Barbara could, and a couple of places popped into her frantic mind.

♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.

A dome of green, windy barrier encapsulated the two figures that appeared out of thin air beside Mondstadt Cathedral.

The hooded figure turned its back on the bard to conceal its identity and panicked, running headfirst to escape the light translucent green dome that surrounded them. It shrank in size, restricting any bigger movements. 

"Uh-uh, you're not going anywhere. I built this wind barrier to capture you for a while." Venti remarked, watching as the hooded figure glanced around, clearly disoriented while searching for a gap in the swirling winds surrounding them. Unfortunately, the massive translucent sphere was formed entirely from continuously rotating, turbulent, strong winds that leave no space to escape. Upon a brief contact with the culprit's finger, it burned from friction.

Venti watched as they rubbed their hurt finger. There's no more time to waste on dropped names.

"Fancy to escape Albert? But first, you have to beseech for mercy." He crossed his arms as he awaited the slow turn of the caped man, only to reveal a person he expected to see secondly. Venti wasn't fazed at all but was disappointed.

"Oh, if it isn't Helen herself. I thought you had Albert carry the plan?"

The lady bard spun and slowly backed away.

Hundreds of questions and pieces of puzzles flash through Helen's mind.

'I knew it. At first, I was incredulous, like how could a silly bard like you be our god? But then, now it makes sense. Once I'm out here, I'll make sure everyone knows, but first let me catch the fish by its tongue.'

"Y-you can manipulate winds without a vision?" She trembled, pointing down at his hip.

All along, the one thing Helen had been denying was the truth. She had always believed in her judgments, but the possibility that this bard was their god was quite ridiculous for her to accept.

And she wished she had foreseen it rather than turned away at it entirely.

Venti looks down, and to his slight surprise, his vision no longer hangs around his waist. Helen's widened eyes soon slowly relaxed into a menacing, confident smirk. He was slightly flabbergasted as he looked down to tell a convincing lie with the false vision around his waist, but to his surprise, it no longer dangled around his waist.

Helen erupts into her laughter.

"Silly, because I'm the one who took it!"

"Oh no." Helen mocks a fearful stance, holding onto her head. Then she continued;

"I tested the one you possess with the help of the chief alchemist and his assistant. Thanks to the funds from the fan club, I was able to afford their time to have it done for me. It cracked under pressure and intense heat. Hence, you possess a false one, like your reputation. How else would you manipulate it, bard? Or should I say, Lord Barbatos?"

"Oh? No one would believe you anyway." With no other way of lying without making a fool out of himself, Venti confidently crossed his arms.

♪♪♪

Panic arose among the crowd after witnessing the unexpected appearance of a huge vortex of wind out of thin air and the disappearance of one of the performers from the crowd.

Barbara looked around and swallowed a lump in her throat. She needs to think of a way to calm everybody down despite dealing with her own fright upon their sudden disappearance, and who that figure was. Tracking them down is the first thing she thought to do.

"Everybody, please calm down! My partner...just pulled a magic trick and I'm afraid his supposed effects may have gone a little out of hand! I apologize on his behalf. We'll meet again later, and I hope you enjoyed our performance. Bye!"

Barbara quickly dismissed, refusing to add more lies to her words. In fact, the first few words already hurt her conscience.

The audience shared glances, confused, but then some simply didn't care enough to comment and were simply there for enjoyment. Others sympathized, while others refused to believe and whispered questions to those they were next to. 

Noelle watched as worry almost overcame Barbara as she went silent and came in to support.

"That's okay! We understand. I witnessed him practice that trick for days, and I, too, feel bad. Either way, I say he did his best." She waved, and the others were convinced by the agreement of their respected maid knight in the city, and some of the crowd soon nodded.

To top it all off, Barbara knew she had to compensate;

"Here! Have a nice day, everyone!" With one swish of her hand, colorful bubbles that were hit by sunlight and rainbows rained down on the crowd, and they began to sympathize with the poor bard, and soon the weak, hesitant claps grew loud once again to celebrate the fun they brought either way.

Barbara's smile dropped the moment she hid behind the curtains.

To her surprise, Sansa came up to her.

"Did you see Helen?"

"Well, I was about to ask about Venti-" It all clicked together and they both looked into each other's eyes, pausing for a moment.

"Sorry, Sansa, but I have to go." The female bard understood and let her be.

"If you ever need help, let me know!" She yells before the deaconess disappears from her sight.

Barbara hurried through the crowd to find Noelle, and the maid knight was taken aback at the frightened look on her face.

"Oh, what happened!"

"Let's go somewhere else, Noelle!" She dragged the maid knight by her arm and went away from the crowd. Barbara continued the rest of what she needed to say: "Venti has gone missing, and I have no idea where. Could you please summon the knights and look everywhere beyond the walls of Mondstadt? I'll take responsibility for the rest within."

Noelle covers her mouth. As much as she's curious about other things that didn't make sense, her friend's visible panic is enough to make her act immediately.

"Okay, I will. Although after this, I might ask a lot of questions."

"Thanks, Noelle! I knew I could count on you." Barbara jumped and hugged Noelle, who soon melted into her embrace, but then pulled away to carry on with her task by the idol. They gave each other a determined nod before going in different directions.

Barbara wondered where Venti could have possibly gone.

By what she last witnessed, it's the green colored glow that swallowed them both before disappearing out of thin air. Anemo. 

Barbara presumed Venti teleported themselves away to keep any ruckus from arising in the crowd and provoke panic. The green sphere that appeared by the stage moments ago also added another mystery. Venti must have been desperate to stop those papers from raining down on people; he resorted to creating a force so massive and risky of sucking everything in. She recalls how the culprit tossed the suitcase open to distribute those papers in case she missed any clues that would give away their identity in plain sight. Nothing particularly stood out.

What could that person intend to do?

Asking such a question led Barbara to a name whose damaging behavior she easily recognized elsewhere and every time. No doubt, it was Helen who had been plotting her downfall for the longest time. But where could Venti have brought themselves? Hopefully, he's safe on top of it all. Those questions lingered repeatedly on her mind as she wandered on the streets of Mondstadt.

What's that one spot where it won't disturb anyone?

Where's that one spot if I were Venti?

His words rang once again, just when they were needed.

That one unforgettable night, Venti asked her a favor. His beautiful, green eyes shone under the moonlight, staring into her undeserving oceanic ones.

"...There's a segment of my performance where I'll disappear. But don't follow me or look for me right afterwards. Meet me by the foot of the anemo archon after waiting for all the sand to run down after I disappear. It's all done after this." 

Her hand reached her pocket. An ancient-looking hourglass he gave.

She was too engaged with the performance that she had almost forgotten about the hourglass Venti had handed her before.

Barbara pondered, does she turn it upside down and wait?

She was, in fact, too worried to remain still. What if something bad happened to Venti?

Such worry influenced her pace of running, and Barbara had the gut feeling to head towards the Anemo Archon statue as soon as possible, praying and begging the heavenly principles above: 'Please be there. Please be there and safe.' She threw her fur coat away on the side of a random spot along the way to cool down and keep it from slowing her down while running.

The moment she had set a step by the foot of the huge Anemo Archon statue in the middle of the park, she held onto her knees, panting and a bit worn out, with strands of her hair sticking out of her once neatly tied half ponytail.

Far behind the statue, a dome of light that rested beside the elevated cathedral from where she stood caught her eye.

"What's that?" Barbara gasped and stared in awe.

♪♪♪

"H-how?! You don't have your vision, don't you?"

Venti was slightly flabbergasted as he looked down to tell a convincing lie with the false vision around his waist.

"What do you mean? I have it- Wait...where is it?" He looked down, and to his slight surprise, it was no longer dangling around his waist. Helen's widened eyes soon slowly relaxed into a menacing, confident smirk.

"Oh no." She mocked. "It's no use either way. That one's also a fake, I know."

No, it can't be.

Is she implying...Venti is the anemo archon?

Has Helen gone too far into her hysterics?

"You sound so sure of yourself. Oh, you have no proof." Venti smirked, crossing his arms. Barbara gathered her strength to carry on and approach the sphere with a color that resembled his anemo powers.

Her eyes went wide, seeing Venti and Helen within the sphere talking rather terribly against one another. However, her calls to Venti's name go unheard.

"Venti!" She called with her voice raspy from exhaustion, but they fell on deaf ears. Barbara made her way towards the sphere hesitantly but still poked it with her finger to see if she could penetrate it.

"It's impossible..." She glanced down at her hurt finger and returned her gaze towards the bards within the sphere.

"I tested the one you possess with the help of the chief alchemist and his assistant. By the way, thanks to the funds from the fan club, I was able to afford them. It cracked under pressure and intense heat. Hence, you possess a false one, like your reputation. How else would you manipulate it, bard? Or should I say, Lord Barbatos?"

"Oh? No one would believe you anyway." With no other way of lying without making a fool out of himself, Barbatos confidently crossed his arms.

Her cerulean eyes shot wide open and her heart dropped.

All this time, her god and Venti have been the same entity?

That combination of words didn't make sense at all. It was too much to handle. This is all just a dream; it has to be.

They spoke her language, yet their conversation was incomprehensible. Barbara froze in her spot as her mind went blank. The possibility that it was true rendered her speechless and heart racing.

"Well then, I'll wreak havoc across this city. You have no choice but to step in and reveal your immense power to everyone, even if you didn't want to." Helen brought a delusion out of her pocket and raised it to Venti. The bard inhales, doing his best to keep his patience at bay. No doubt, she also took it from one of the harbingers that endangered Barbara's life back in Dragonspine.

"I stole it from those fatuis back in dragonspine when I left Barbara dying in the mountains." And he wasn't wrong.

Her words drove Barbatos' brows to meet and scrutinize her.

In fact, that event struck a nerve he didn't know could be hit. Helen was already digging her grave at such a point. Quite the preparation for a divine punishment. 

His hair glowed, the sparks in his eyes disappearing, and it stirred an uneasy feeling that Helen couldn't put into words. All of a sudden, the bard looked human yet his presence spoke otherwise.

After all, he's a divine being she was facing. Mostly, a part of herself wanted to witness it with her own eyes, the kind of power he beheld. If she were to be the only person across Mondstadt to see his true power, then she would deem herself more knowing among the rest who still assume their archon has fallen into a deep slumber.

Barbatos could feel her intention.

"Oh-ho ho, it takes beyond such to make me unleash even an ounce of my true capabilities. The rest of the four winds will gladly deal with your petty interference long before I ever have to."

Barbatos dragged slow, calculating steps closer to Helen with a daunting, lifeless stare to test how far her courage and confidence could go.

"That is, if such a trivial crisis you could make would require any of them in the first place, when the strongest descendants of the powerful clans will deal with you first. Either way, I dare you. Show me how far up in the sky you are, then perhaps...I'll consider gifting you a vision."

Archons cannot simply select and distribute a vision which Barbatos knows completely well; he knew the real process, but that's between him and the heavenly principles. It was the perfect bait, he could demonstrate her the consequences of how tricking others could lead to their own demise.

Helen's confidence appeared to waver as Barbatos moved closer. She swallowed thickly as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead.

"I'll give you the freedom to do as you please. After all, I'm the god of freedom." He chuckles. Helen remained silent as the winds slowed and dissipated. She swore the atmosphere was unlike anything she had experienced back in dragonspine. Quiet, but there's nothing peaceful about it.

She never knew freedom could be so terrifying. Barbatos dared her to do anything she wanted in exchange for a vision?

What lay beyond were countless possibilities.

What if she makes a wrong move in one of those chances she could take? The endless possibilities rendered her motionless, with clenched fists as Venti approached, which gave a sense of impending doom.

Helen's mind spiraled into a dilemma, making her question her next move. It consumed the fire for any of the desires she had. Is it because Barbatos commanded her to "do anything as she pleases", and now that freedom feels nothing but an illusion?"

A command to “do anything” was no freedom. It was a chain disguised as choice, pushing her into action that could never be her own. Each path would bear his hand, not hers. And she refused to let his will wear the mask of her own.

No, she wouldn't give in to such a request. But what else course of action would be left for her to take? 

Barbatos was merely tricking her into doing it, and she had a hunch she wouldn't want to know the reason why.

"You're absurd..." She mouthed breathlessly, no longer finding strength in her original plan.

Helen took a step back, frail as if she had lost her bones. His aura changed, his eyes held a vast emptiness of space in them, the unknown being so menacing. The cheerful bard was no longer there, but the wise god that silently proved all her knowledge to be only of the surface of what she knows.

"Oh, am I?" Barbatos chuckles.

"How about something more realistic? Oh, how about...I grant the recognition you wish to have?" Barbatos tempted her with another opportunity. 

Awaiting to serve consequence by the hands of the anemo archon himself.

Barbara's kind heart truly didn't deserve such cruelty on the receiving end and she could use some lesson.

"Recognition?" Helen covers her mouth, her voice shaking from the possibility and with a mix of amusement.

The answer is not exactly. But that's entirely between him and Celestia.

Barbatos darted a tempting gaze at Helen. He sucked in a breath in confidence as he watched her slowly succumb to her own greed. Letting her ambition drive her to do things she knows aren't right. If Helen succumbs to the temptation then she loses.

His self-assured composure shatters upon hearing that soft, familiar voice from a distance.

"Venti...enough! I can't believe it...you're the- No, I can't even say it!" 

The glow on Venti's braids soon dulled to its natural color.

"Hey Barbara, you see..." Venti chuckled, scratching the back of his head to scramble for some answers, yet he couldn't afford to bring up another lie to defend himself with. He couldn't afford to ruin her views of the anemo archon further than it already had taken the moment she knew it was him.

"Look me in the eyes, and tell me the truth, Venti. Is what I heard true?" Barbara asked with her voice unsteady, feeling a lump slowly rise in her throat.

He couldn't lie. He wouldn't want to strain their connection.

A melancholic look spread across his face as he lowered his head.

"I'm so sorry, Barbara." 

"I can't believe it..." Her shaky voice uttered such an unbelievable combination of words. How could the bard she adores turn out to be the god she had worshipped? How could the anemo archon whom acts she adored turned out to be in the body of a random drunkard bard? It just doesn't make sense.

Barbara felt numb after it all. Hundreds of questions ran over her mind but it overwhelmed her senses so much her mind doesn't pick out one single thing to focus on. Her head felt light, it just couldn't sink in for her to process anything at the moment.

Barbara weakly stumbled a step backward, her hand swung to cover her mouth.

Venti displayed a soft worried gaze toward Barbara. The surprised, terrified look on her face was enough to make him fragile. He intended to take a single step closer but hesitation weighed on him. For the first time, he didn't know what to do with his hands despite moving them well whenever he plays the lyre. All Venti wanted was to provide comfort yet seeing the look Barbara gave, he felt every right he had, slip away.

"No, NO! I don't want to hear it!" She cried, pressing her blonde curls towards her ear. She ran and for some reason wanted some convincing right in front of the anemo archon.

Barbara ran to the altar with tears uncontrollably rolling down her face. Her weeping sorrow echoed, and Venti felt an unexplainable ache with every step he hesitantly took as an effort to close their distance.

"Out of everyone why did it have to be you..." Barbara shivered as her knees gave up at the altar. Her body slumped forward on the table and soon enough she slowly slid down to the floor.

"Why did it have to be you!" She yelled onto the table that came out muffled by her arms wrapped around her head. Barbara refused for anyone to hear her thoughts, so she secretly told the archon through a prayer.

'All of it was a lie, right? Venti simply had to protect me to say that right? Please tell me, oh dear anemo archon this is all just a dream.' She whispers in her mind, hoping her cries won't be heard anywhere else. Strong winds blew from outside and slams the cathedral doors shut which loudly echoed in the empty aisle but Barbara whose mind fixated on bridging reality and her own reality she wanted to believe in she heed no mind.

"Barbara...this is not a dream."

That voice...really is Venti's.

Barbara slowly flutters her wet eyelashes open.

Venti had the ability heard her inner thoughts and all reasons she had in her head to deny his entire being collapsed. 

He heard her exact words she chanted in her mind and he replied accordingly.

"I sincerely apologize for not telling you any sooner Barbara. Well the reason is, the timing is not right yet. I planned to tell you today myself either way however, things didn't go as planned."

"What do you mean by the time isn't right?"

"Well, it's complicated. If I have told you so early, I might...lose you as both as a follower and as a...friend."

Silence dominated between their space and Barbara held her breath.

"Anyways, my point being, for the first time in a while I felt terrified. It's strange for an archon to say such things I know. I was afraid I'd lose you either way at church and...our moments under the tree. I haven't felt such a strong bond for such a long time. At the time, I feared I wasn't ready to take such a risk to lose you that way and so soon. Well, but now is the time to decide. Would you take me as I am?"

Barbara stared at Venti in awe and shock. No words registered her mind to make it past her lips.

"But if it were to happen either way after we had this conversation, just know I'll always be here to support you, and I'll let you do so as you please. After all, you had all the right to avoid me."

Barbara contemplated both in sadness and pity on Venti. A part of her understood him, for some reason since of course, he did live with us as mortals and has begun to live like one and probably longer than she has. And mortals have one think in common don't they?

Making mistakes at the time they didn't know better.

But Barbara needed more time to process it.

"I just need some time to be alone." She answers with a shaky voice, looking anywhere but his eyes. Venti felt a pang in his heart, yet a part of him understood. He watched helplessly as the deaconess went farther at the end of the aisle until she was no longer within plain sight

For Barbara, it was just so much to process and has changed the way she saw things entirely, even her beliefs have been altered quite a bit. There was no room for thoughts when the cathedral door blasted open, and the light spilled in as a silhouette grew on its path.

Noelle came rushing in with a frantic look on her face. The moment she stepped in, Barbara was on her way out, crying. She paused herself from bringing the bad news when her friend walked past so quickly, without saying a word.

"Oh!" A hand goes over her mouth and her eyes wandered around the cathedral and she sees Venti hanging his head low by the altar. She turned to Barbara's direction but she had already run too far away.

"What happened between you two?" Noelle returned her eyes on Venti hoping to hear some clarification. Today has been a weird day.

"Noelle, uh...don't worry. We'll talk things out." That is, if this can be redeemed by just talking. Venti scratches the back of his head with sorry eyes, speaking in a manner unsure. She felt there was something more beneath the surface, but Noelle knew it wasn't her place to pry. She paused to absorb his words; perhaps she does hope they get to fix whatever may have gotten between them.

"Come claim your prize and return to the event; you both have a surprise waiting for you there."

Venti sighed and looked down at the floor. Well, he had to force a smile to claim the prize. He breathes in and gathered himself to hype the crowd.

"So our darling deaconess was rather busy, so she couldn't claim the prize. Either way, I'm grateful for all the heartfelt support of her fans. I had fun being on stage with you. Until then."

Venti did his best to sound enthusiastic in delivering this speech but not having Barbara by his side made producing a single word weigh heavily. He waved with a weak smile before bowing at the audience and leaving with the gift he had reserved for Barbara.

The lyre he carved for her.

Venti learned they found it at the bottom of the lake under the bridge, and the patterns in it had the denizens theorize it could be related to the anemo archon of some sort. It was supposed to be protected in a museum; however, after having recently proven the material used to create it was from newer materials, they decided to use it as a precious prize on this huge competition for Windblume Festival.

His hands held the present dedicated for her, but she was no longer around.

A few days later, the idol was nowhere to be found.

Venti decided to live his life normally, having fun, although consuming more alcohol than he normally did. There would be times he would pass out or hallucinate about a darling deaconess taking care of him while drunk.

"I'm sorry..." His speech slurred as he slumped forward the counter.

Diluc found Venti way too far gone now, more recently. He's used to seeing Venti drink a lot but this time felt different. Like hurt different. As a man who owns a tavern and despite not a drinker himself a good observer of the drunkards passing by his place and brother of an actual drunkard, he knows what drinking your feelings away looks like. On the other hand, he was hesitant to accuse Venti of being hurt. What would an anemo archon like him be so hurtful about?

Either way, he did his best to play it off.

"Venti...you really drank away your cash prize? Was that competition really worth celebrating for days?"

Venti groans in response without lifting his head. He felt way too sleepy to exert energy to utter a single word. A part of him refused to lie. He no longer wanted to.

Then another day, he had already run out of mora, he decided to grab apples, talked to different people he came across, and continued to entertain in exchange of some apples and gather mora. No longer for some wine bottles but for a different hobby. He simply felt called to be a more admirable figure instead of being a questionable one compared to the Anemo Archon.

Perhaps the kind Barbara would have worshipped. What she envisions of her god to be when she's singing for him at church.

Venti held well, not giving in to his habits until nightfall hits. Once the sun hid, he finds himself getting wasted at the tavern. Once again, like the rest of his other days previously. No changes, Barbara is still refusing to talk, and he is moving through motions, drowning his feelings and thoughts away with alcohol these past couple of days.

Scurrying the streets with a bottle in his hand, he sat on a bench in the park where the mighty huge anemo archon statue stood with its wings spread wide. Barbara saw him as Mondstadt's savior, an honorable god and worthy figure to dedicate her time and deep devotion everyday.

I ruined it, didn't I?

Again, Venti took another sip and stood from the bench to rant over the statue.

"To have her faith and trust laid upon you must be incredible..." His sight doubled, but it didn't stop him from letting everything out.

"Should I be more like you? But no, I did all of those things you do, I can do everything you do... but still-"

She left.

None of his words made sense, nothing about him and Barbara made sense. That's what. She didn't accept him, and who he is. What's the point in grieving? Everyone he knows comes and goes anyway. Why would this be a surprise for someone with a lifespan like Barbara's?

Oh no, he can't think like that. He can't consider loathing the individual he admired as an indication of moving on. But did he loathe Barbara? Not exactly, except that a part of him was hurt that she held high expectations of him. Why can't she just accept him the way he is?

That statue? That's him, no other than the anemo archon Barbatos. Don't she dare make him feel as if he's not worthy of anything, not even her heart.

Venti's sight went blurry, but his eagerness to throw the bottle on the statue's feet simply grew.

Right after stumbling upon a rock, a pair of arms caught him in an embrace before he fell onto the pavement.

"Barbatos..." That soft angelic voice with a hint of sadness.

Is this a denizen or a fragment of his imagination? Either way, he felt lucky someone caught him on time before he stupidly hit his head.

"How did you find me?" Venti asks which she explains;

"I was on my way home from the cathedral and saw you looking tipsy."

"Aw, so you do care." The bard did a cheeky smile, the fact a tiny hint of concern from someone who sounded like Barbara eased a dull ache he'd been feeling the past few couple of days. The deaconess rolls her eyes, she couldn't deny the truth so she ignored his drunk teasing.

"Why are you doing this?" The voice asked sternly. Weird, it's Barbara's voice, but he doesn't hear her spirits in them. Who even is this person pretending to be Barbara?

Venti squints his eyes, trying to adjust them properly to see the person speaking, but drowsiness prevails over him. His hand lazily rested on his stomach, filled with nothing but apples and alcohol. He had been jumping around and running all day, all over the city to make no space for thoughts of Barbara to take.

"I just long to see a certain pretty face. It's been a while." His speech slurred, eyes drooping low. The back of his head lay comfortably in a place that felt familiar.

Did this girl call him Barbatos?

Venti flutters his eyes open, fighting every cell in his body to prolong being awake.

The night stars, her cerulean eyes that looked down upon him. Sad, yet there was a hint of longing. It was enough to keep Venti believing in them. He still has the chance to have their spark back.

"I know I'm unlike how you imagined the anemo archon, and you no longer worship him the way you used to, but you're the one whom the anemo archon could only worship and adore."

Venti gave a weak smile as he once again closed his eyes. He was blessed with her gaze once again and it's enough to make him feel contempt. After all, it's been a while since they shared a word.

"You are out of it." Barbara scoffed and looked away to hide a slight hint of pink on the temples of her cheeks.

"Oh dear Barbara, what makes your beauty defeat all the stars that make up the constellations in the skies?"

"Please, Venti, enough with the sweet nothings. We wouldn't be okay even if we bonded as we used to, even if I wanted to. What if our differences get in the way of us?" Barbara gently moves a strand of his hair poking his lids. He wriggled around to snuggle further onto her lap. There was nothing in Teyvat that would provide this much comfort and solace for him aside from her gentle voice and soft lap.

"Oh...and what if I have decided, I won't let it get in between us? So that's what it is...you think the anemo archon can no longer overcome impossible things for you, doesn't he? I didn't expect you'd lose faith in him at such a point." Venti exhales as her word sank in.

"May not be entirely but a part of it is true when I can't always have this certain deaconess by my side, even if I wanted to, when she doesn't want to be."

Silence filled the air, and soon Venti felt a wet drop on his cheek. Is it raining? His eyes shot wide open upon realizing. The bard immediately sat up and searched for her face.

"Barbara, are you okay?"

Their eyes met for the first time again, in the longest time. Venti felt a part of him die, yet the parts left were so alive.

"Hey Barbara..." Venti scanned her face with worry, his hands slowly reaching to tuck a hair behind her ear.

"I really wanted to be with you!" Barbara couldn't help the tears that flowed down as she squeezed her eyes shut. Her fists dug into her lap, lowering her head to avoid Venti's gaze that may tug on his heart further by exposing her own hurt.

Venti pulls the sobbing deaconess in for a warm embrace. Barbara was soaked up in the moment for a while and so was the bard, but after her cries had soon come down, she pulls away to speak.

"But I'm scared...I know this is wrong! We can't be together."

Venti loosens his hold on her and decides to lean away for now.

"We can but only if you accept me for who I am, Barbara. After all, I could only do so much, but allow you the freedom to choose. But as for what I stand, I won't let our difference set a wall between our bond. I've decided you, darling deaconess is the one my heart solely belongs to you, waiting to be received by your loving hands. As long as you allow yourself to be found, I will always seek your beautiful soul no matter what form it takes, even if it means turning Teyvat upside down."

Barbara was beyond moved by his words. They bore deep in her heart like an etched prayer carved into stone. Immovable and unyielding. Through his verdant eyes, Barbara saw past his physical vessel and witnessed the divine that rested within. It eliminated all of her fears of anything impossible, emphasizing that their connection is stronger than that of the mundane worldly realm. It was a brief feeling she felt while looking into his eyes. It was convincing; everything suddenly feels easy, and problems in her daily life are small.

Only to feel the earth beneath her feet that grounded her back to reality.

But with that short glimpse through Venti's eyes, she realized, it was indeed possible to rise above fears.

She found her solace.

This time, it was the anemo archon who promised and made a vow before her, and not just Venti the bard. There's something authentic about how Venti spoke to her tonight. It was an evident shift from the ordinary bard she was once friends with.

"You don't always have to choose the path to take ahead by yourself, Barbara. I hope that despite spending the time apart, you find your own truth. No matter what your answer will be, I'll always be here for you."

Her heart raced as Venti lightly traced the bridge of her nose, and it dripped down to her lips.

"My dear darling deaconess." He whispers like a sweet lullaby in her ears.

Barbara blinks after seeing the bard pass out on her shoulder, a tear being squeezed out of his eyes once they closed them. A realization washed over her.

He shed a tear.

She never knew the Anemo Archon himself could depict his vulnerability, and having him slumped weakly in her arms made her realize the weight of carrying Mondstadt by himself over the years. Barbara, in that moment, wanted nothing more than to take care of Barbatos.

"Sorry, Venti. I truly am sorry." She caresses the bard's head, whispering those words.

Barbara thought he couldn't just sleep here outside. She decided to bring him to the convent and hung his arm around her shoulder.

"I can walk..." Venti struggled to keep a smile from appearing on his face after hearing her apologetic words. They swung side by side, taking turns whose weight would drag the other along on the way. Sometimes, Venti would briefly get carried away on the edge of slumber and their imbalance would almost lead them to crash into a wall, but Barbara didn't give up.

"You could barely even keep both of your eyes open." Barbara's forehead creased, finding Venti's stubbornness quite the trouble.

No doubt, this bard certainly reeks of alcohol. She shook his head, he will definitely get his scolding tomorrow morning and have him bathed. Soon they reached the convent, thankfully, it was a silent and smooth entrance. She brought him to her own room in the convent, where she usually prepares before a church related event.

Venti savored the sheets beneath him, which had Barbara's scent, and it wasn't long before he fell asleep. He held on too long after all to make sure Barbara wasn't entirely carrying his weight.

The deaconess hesitates as she relishes his wonderful features. It so happens that the deaconess has a reserved similar amount of adoration for his beauty in the way she was yet to realize when they were hanging out under the Windrise tree.

His pretty face, unwavering determination, and quick and witty banter are balanced by his wisdom. It's just one of the things she adores, but perhaps she fell in love with his essence. How could Barbara turn away from that exact thing she fell for?

Although a lot of things still hold her back from understanding the scattered contents of her heart.

"Find your own truth." His voice echoed in her mind.

"Thank you, Venti. For now, I'll take my time." Barbara takes off his beret and plants a kiss on it, before placing it on the bedside table. Hopefully, she could find the courage to seek the truth within and face it, whatever it may be and discover more about herself.

Chapter Text

"Find your own truth."

Those words anchored Barbara from drifting away from purpose, even if she went through this current season alone. In the last few days, she has been more transparent about her inner voice when dealing with certain situations with others. Barbara has become more initiative with her ideas rather than following the nun's orders on how they prefer the events to be executed. Words flowed from her easily, unlike before, where constraints put up walls around her actions based on how her fans and nuns expect to see her.

Barbara never realized how unlike herself she had been acting until she checked up on herself.

By being more open, she connected better with fans and boosted ticket sales, making her feel magnetic in a genuine way. It made room for her ideas to be valued wherever needed and gain more charge over how the arrangements would go.

Her schedule has become busier with responsibilities as an idol and partly deaconess duties. Though she refused to pray for a while to keep Venti from hearing any of her thoughts, she remained present in church to help the older nuns and sang for the choir.

By the end of her tiring day, whenever she stepped out, there were different gifts each day by the doorstep for her. The possibility that it could be from a secret admirer made her smile, only to drop abruptly as her mind drifted off to a certain face. It couldn't have come from Venti, so she presumed they were from fans, as there were too many and extravagant to be organized by a single person, but she wished they were. 

There were different things; sometimes they were a box of sweets, hand-plucked cecilia flowers, and then some composed notes and poetry in those gifts. Barbara wanted to catch whoever was giving these gifts to express her utmost gratitude, but they should only send them on special occasions for the sake of their own budget and save them the trouble. Apart from it, they might soon pile up at home, yet she knew she had to be careful with words for sounding dismissive of the efforts that had been put into them. 

Today was different; she received a huge mystery box that piqued her interest. It was unusual that the gift was not delivered in plain sight. Could it be from a different sender?

"Barbara, I think I finally caught your sender." Victoria approached her as soon as she saw Barbara holding the gift.

"Do I know them...?" She waits for Victoria to spill what she thinks of it until a distant voice calls out her name.

"Barbara, I need your help!" Nora came rushing in, tugging on the hem of her dress. It caught her attention, interrupting her talk to another deacon. 

"Nora...what happened?" She held onto Nora's shoulder as the little girl panted, holding on to both of her knees, struggling to regulate her ragged breath.

"Just come along with me, I can't describe it, I'll just show you!" Nora pulled Barbara by her hand and dragged her along. What an odd day filled with unexplainable things. She led her outside the city walls, and Barbara couldn't help but be bothered to know what was so urgent.

"Is somebody hurt?" She looks at Nora, who persists in running ahead. The little girl nodded and she assured the deaconess that they were reaching closer to the location.

The mansion Dawn Winery soon came into sight after running past a village. It was a property belonging to Diluc and his residence. The well-known tavern owner was a close childhood friend of her big sister Jean.

"Dawn Winery?"

"Yes, Mr. Diluc needs your help." 

"You could've told me sooner, Nora. I would have run faster. Let's rush in." Barbara knits her brows, prepared herself mentally for whatever crisis she might face. After all, Diluc has never asked for anyone's help, so it gave her a sense of foreboding that the matter wouldn't be trivial.

There was not a single maid in sight around the mansion. Could all of them surround Diluc?

It would be a terrible case to be surrounded by a lot of people while injured. Barbara barges in swiftly, panting with sweat rolling down her face, and a blaring loud horn echoes in the place. Confetti exploded from the ceiling, and there were so many faces waiting for her.

But that one face that mattered the most had her eyes focused on, the one who held a cake.

The Acting Grandmaster, her big sister, Jean. It's been a while since they last bonded closely, as they were mutually overburdened with duties in their respective fields. She was happy to see her again. Then there was also Diluc next to her, and to her surprise, her friends Noelle, Bennett, and Fischl were holding gifts and other foods. What could the occasion be?

What a turn of events.

"Happiest birthday to our amazing starlet Barbara! I hope you liked our surprise." Noelle greets enthusiastically, approaching her with another cake in her hands with gold stars poking at the top. The letter on the cake was covered in white frosting in cursive blue.

Wait, it's her birthday? 

Barbara almost flinched; she totally forgot about her own birthday after being too occupied the past few days. She didn't realize it was today. The deaconess was touched by the unexpected celebration held in her honor.

The idol approaches them with a smile. 

"Thank you, I appreciate it a lot! It's wonderful." Barbara was delighted to see all the smiles from the ones dearest to her. Despite it all, deep down she yearned to see a certain someone.

Come on, Barbara! Now's not the time. She shakes her thoughts away from that specific bard as if it were a plague. What's past belongs in the past. It's time to celebrate and eat cake.

To Barbara's surprise, Nora tapped on her back, giggling.

"Hehehe, look, Miss Barbara, your fan club has been restored, thanks to this certain someone who rebuilt it with a better system under his management. We found someone who can lead better. Also, way too generous, he even brought in free food while we worked on the preparation of balloons and decorations for this surprise party."

"That sounds like a wonderful individual, that's amazing, Nora."

"But there's one more thing...for it to be considered as the actual 'Official' fan club, we'll need your signature as a seal of approval of its new leader and added members."

"I don't mind at all! Tell them I could have it signed and oh, how I wish to meet them soon." Barbara clapped her hands together out of excitement, her eyes narrowing like an upturned crescent moon. Her back perked up, sensing the presence of a cheerful energy she knows too well that lifts her spirits. Barbara turned, and she ended up seeing the greatest surprise of all.

"Your wish is my command." Venti squeezes in through the crowd between Diluc and Jean with a scroll in his hand. He wore a deep green vest with a black tie and a black long-sleeve tuxedo. To say Venti looked marvelous is an understatement.

"May I have the autograph of the great, sweet darling idol of Mondstadt, Barbara?" He curtsied, holding his beret and bringing it down to his stomach before kneeling. He raised the scroll and allowed the rest of the paper to roll down and reveal its contents.

The list was longer than before, with additional members included. To her surprise, Sansa also joined in among the other newer members. Her heart felt so overwhelmingly warm seeing the amount of supporters she has.

Oh dear, she might faint.

Barbara gripped Venti on either side of his arms to make him stand from kneeling.

"Oh-" Venti was confused for a bit until Barbara did little jumps upon seeing him and pulled him in for a hug. "I missed you! Oh-" Barbara suddenly became conscious of the sweat rolling down her face from running. He looked too lovely, handsome, and she barged in, all sweaty with flyaway hairs.

"Oops, never mind, I'm too sweaty right now hehe." Before she could pull away, Venti drew her back in.

"Uh-huh, I don't mind." He hummed against her shoulder, and when he opened his eyes upon feeling a distant, menacing stare, Diluc had his arms crossed. The two were a little too close for comfort for the tavern owner.

"Ehem, bard." His finger taps on his arm, indicating he had been waiting for him to move away now.

Oops.

The celebration carried on until nightfall, its warmth lingering even as the sky darkened. Jean excused herself early, duty tugging her back to the Knights of Favonius, a reminder that she and her younger sister shared the same reliable nature. The fun trio Noelle, Bennett, and Fischl filled the evening with laughter and chatter, sharing food and joy with Barbara and Venti. Yet, one by one, guests began to depart, slipping away before the last glow of the sun faded behind the mansion.

In the quiet hours that followed, only Barbara and Venti remained, seated within the serene stillness of the winery, accompanied by Diluc.

"Want to go for a walk?" Venti offers a hand to Barbara, and he has an idea that he hopes she'll be open to.

"Where could we be going?"

"We won't stay too long outside since it won't be long until midnight, but you'll see." Venti offers his arm, which Barbara gladly clung to. 

"Promise?"

"Not really." He giggled as he whispered, knowing he intended those words for Master Diluc, who stood nearby to hear. But one thing's for sure, he'll make it worth her time.

"Uh, Master Diluc, will you allow me and Miss Barbara to stay in your manor for tonight? We'll also explore the vineyards outside and return before midnight."

Diluc contemplated Venti's words. Having the bard under the same roof as him would be insufferable, but at the same time, at least Barbara would be around to keep his endless ramblings entertained. Either way, he was more worried Jean might look for her.

"Hey Barbara, won't anyone be looking for you?"

"There are times I sleep at the convent, Master Diluc. Hehe, and I'm most of the time alone at home."

"I see. Keep an eye on her bard." He knows that with Venti, Barbara is beyond safe and protected. After all, he's the anemo archon who's equipped with the strength to slice mountains in half and move terrains without exaggeration.

He reminded Venti since he knew how unserious he could get at times, especially when he had a drink or two. Fortunately, he didn't move any of his displayed bottles inside the mansion. Soon, the two walked down the grape vineyard, giggling and sharing silly stories while they spent the time apart. 

Venti leads the way and keeps her close as they navigate away from the manor. He was alert the entire time in case a few monsters suddenly appeared their way, which thankfully, was a smooth journey.

A huge abandoned tower came into sight, with three blue plates of seals circling it serving as its' floors. 

"Barbara, this is the place where it all happened. The crisis that befell the old Mondstadt. Back in the Archon War, I had a friend who sacrificed his life for the freedom of Mondstadt. We were completely good friends and fought side by side until fate had other plans. I took in his vessel to remember and honor his courage and sacrifices."

"So...the you now...that's how he looked?" Barbara was surprised, holding a finger up to his face and then poking his cheek. She was stunned, realizing that all along she had been face-to-face with a forgotten historical figure, one unknown to the world yet deeply significant to Venti. That aside, she sympathized with how hurt Venti must have been to lose a great friend.

"I can't believe it. I'm glad you told me, Barbatos, and I'm sorry it must have been terrible to lose a great friend such as him."

"It's alright...after all, we take some losses and gain some along the way. But what matters is you look ahead, what's in front of you and continue to press on."

"That's a great perspective." Barbara nods. Then she had a lot more questions now, and she feels incredibly fortunate to hear them from the very figure who experienced them. She would be able to skip some hearsay and rumors about the history itself. The deaconess is thrilled to hear more about his stories from the past he's never told her before, back at a time when he was still not ready to reveal all of it.

Barbara heard the main events in his life and there were more times he was an incredible individual and even more now. Somewhat, she grew this understanding of Venti for not telling everything right away. After all, it would be too much information for her to handle back then.

"But, if that's his body you're in...how did you look like before?"

Venti let out a soft chuckle to himself, reminiscing about the old times. His figure was way more indescribable; it made him hesitate to tell her.

"C'mon, Venti." And Barbara held back her chuckle this time. Either way, no matter what form he would have taken, she would always feel a sense of belonging and adoration for him.

Even in his god form, Barbatos, she feels as though they have a strong connection. She prayed, and her prayers had always been answered. And while they were not, they were simply a redirection from a path not meant for her, which still proved his protection.

"Well...I was tiny, like a small fairy with a little cape. I could land on your palm and fit right in. Truly light as a feather." He lifts an open palm in the air, demonstrating how his old friend used to summon him in such a manner.

"How adorable. I could imagine you bothering your friend like a fly." Barbara giggles, and Venti was quick to dismiss her comparison of him to a pesky little fly.

"Heh, at least I looked adorable, unlike those flies." He proudly hums to himself, looking up at the moon. 

"Hehe I doubt, I wonder how wonderful you'd look with wings."

"I can show you." Venti smiles mischievously, a strand of his hair falling right on his nose. Barbara widens her eyes at the realization of his words.

"Ehhh?!" Venti soon covers her eyes.

"Are you ready?" Her sight went completely dark and then a soft, gentle feather pressed on her lips.

"I am."

 The tips of his hair glowed teal in contrast to the moonlight behind him.
A truly divine sight before her eyes. She fell on her knees, looking up at him. Seeing his beauty on such a form, Barbara held onto her chest with her eyes gleaming and with pure admiration for him. It took her breath away.

No words would perfectly capture the beauty of his appearance.

Faint, glowing markings surfaced across his pale skin, harmonizing with the striking green of his eyes. The wind swept through his hair, letting strands fall neatly against the bridge of his small nose. His lashes trembled lightly, and the moonlight caught in his gaze, turning it into a mirror of blue and green. To her, he seemed radiant, otherworldly, almost ethereal.

"What? Cat got your tongue?" Venti teased and Barbara suddenly felt her jaw hang open way wider than intended.

"Barbatos did. Oh my. You look glamorous, handsome even. Oh, archons, what am I even saying?" Barbara heats up at her own words that overspilled past her mind. And she couldn't help but stutter throughout.

"Forget it, don't let it get to your head, okay?" She purses her lips, crossing her arms before looking away, which earned a giggle from him.

"Just so you know, you're the most beautiful maiden in my eyes, dear Barbara." Venti drifts a bit closer to cup her cheek.

"Anyways, hold on tight. You'll like this scenery." He flew around to position himself behind her back.

"Try not to disturb anyone from sleep, okay? There are monsters in slumber around. I can guarantee you'll have my protection, but I'd rather we spend our night peacefully."

"Promise. By the way, why would I even disturb anyone from sleep?" Barbara’s eyes fluttered open, only to be met with the startling sight of Venti rising themselves to the air. From his back unfurled immense, luminous wings of bluish-green light, spreading wide as they carried him upward. His arms remained firmly around her waist, and she stifled the scream rising in her throat by pressing a hand over her mouth.

"W-woah!" Barbara squealed as the anemo archon suddenly launched her towards the skies. She soared high and felt the wind, screaming her lungs out.

"It's so beautiful up here!" She screamed louder than in any of the concerts she's sung in. Venti chuckled, seeing this coming. He loved it anyway. Seeing her enthusiasm was also a wonderful sight to behold.

"See. I knew you'd like it. Let me take you higher."

"Ventiii, that would be too high-" Barbara squealed on top of her lungs, but despite it all, she felt at peace knowing it's him by her side. Ironically, she felt safer in his arms than anywhere else in the city when she was walking by herself.

She knew if she fell, he would catch her.
But Barbara knows Venti knows better than to let her go.

"Woo hoo!" She spread her arms open, feeling the gust of wind, and Venti couldn't help but giggle with her. He's happy seeing her happy.

He brings her to the highest part of the tower in the center of the lair.

"B-Barbatos, why here!" Strong winds blew on her face on the top of the tower and standing on her feet at the dome, so high up off the ground, made her knees wobbly. Venti swiftly offered both of his arms for her to hold onto to steady herself.

"Why here? Well, look around."

Barbara slowly gathered the strength to lift her gaze, and to her amazement, the sweeping expanse of Mondstadt stretched out before her.

It was the very land he had watched over for centuries. From this vantage point, every corner lay within sight, and the sheer vastness sent shivers down her spine.

"Barbara,"  Venti’s voice carried with both softness and weight. "If time itself should stand between us, I will remain here, searching across these lands until I find you again. Even if you take another form, I will know you—so long as you allow yourself to be found. Tell me, Barbara… will you accept me as I am?"

His hands found hers, fingers gently interlacing. Standing atop the tower, with his earnest words echoing in her chest, Barbara’s heart pounded with a mix of awe, fear, and overwhelming affection.

In that moment, no other in the Teyvat could compare to the sound of his voice, the warmth of his touch, or the very presence of the Anemo Archon before her.

"Barbatos..."

Her eyes looked around in realization, from where every city, village, and unseen place in Mondstadt was entirely visible. Venti didn't tell her those words figuratively. And it made her shiver how Venti wholeheartedly meant the words by showing her a point where it was truly possible to see each corner across Mondstadt.

Barbara pulled her intertwined hands closer to her chest and stood on her toes. She couldn't find the right word that perfectly captures her feelings. What should she say? 

Barbara's mind scrambled for words, but her mind was way too high up in the clouds; she didn't know what had gotten into her

She swiftly captures his lips in a soft, gentle kiss.

Venti was taken aback and his eyes suddenly went wide open, but then, realizing what was happening, he melted into the kiss. His slim, cold fingers made their way on the side of her cheek, and Barbara placed hers on top to warm him up.

Finally, she gathered the right words she wanted to say that were caged in her heart.

She found her truth.

And so, she lets it free.

"From your most devoted follower, I swear to love you...now and then, Venti the bard. My number one archon, Barbatos!" Barbara couldn't help but be drunk off of happiness; it was difficult to contain, and it made her giggle against his lips. Saying those words she always wanted to say made the weight on her shoulders disappear and she could breathe again.

"From your biggest and number one supporter and fan, I love you, my darling deaconess...my brightest and dearest star, Barbara." Venti basked in her beauty and savored every second they stared into each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity.

The sun peered between the mountains unnoticed, touching their cheeks the moment it rises from the east. Daybreak comes;

A new beginning arose as the beats in their hearts were synchronized harmoniously.

In that moment, no melody in the world could rival the sound of each other's voice, the comfort of their connection, or the very presence of one another. Two hearts jumped in endless joy as they merged into one.