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'I’m so boooored!' Paimon wailed as she danced around Aether’s head, reaching an arm out to tug on his braid.
'It’s not like you actually do anything, anyway…' sighing, he ducked out of her (very short) reach. Unfortunately, this only seemed to fuel Paimon’s restless energy.
'Hey! Paimon does a lot! Paimon helps you remember important things and, and…!’ she trailed off, tapping a finger to her chin, gazing to the clouds above. Giggling as she thought of an idea, she drifted down in front of Aether’s face. ’Right! Paimon also eats all of your leftover food!’
Seeing her cheeky smile, Aether couldn’t help but chuckle. They were just climbing up the steps from the plaza, where a certain tone-deaf bard, as Paimon put it, was holding classes for… love poetry?
'Who would have thought that bard knew anything about love?' Paimon sniggered to herself, seemingly having the same thoughts Aether did. He just shrugged in response.
Reaching the final step, they found themselves in front of the majestic Mondstadt Cathedral, the stained glass windows gleaming in the golden sunlight. A cheerful organ melody floated in the air, though muted by the building’s ancient concrete.
Leaning on one of the stone balcony railings Aether released a slow breath. Draping his forearms over the cool stone, he looked out at the city; the glorious statue of the Anemo Archon surveyed the city, a protector to its people. There are a lot of people out today, almost twice the number he usually passes by on his rounds of the city. Some milled about, some engaged with an idle conversation with another, some just stood and appreciated the beautiful decorations.
When they first arrived, they noticed the garlands of greens, whites, and yellows draped over the main road, showering their sweet fragrance onto the streets below. Wreaths made of identical vine were hung everywhere in the city; from roofs, on doors, and even on staircase railings. There were little orange windmills pinned onto the potted shrubs, spinning slowly when pedestrians walked past. In the plaza, royal blue banners fluttered softly in the wind. The city had a completely new look, and Aether would be lying if he said it didn't lift his spirits even a little.
Everyone had smiles on their faces, their movements light and relaxed. Joyous laughter drifted up from below, and Aether couldn’t help but close his eyes, letting the gentle sunlight caress his face.
As subtle as a breeze, a lyre began to play its opening notes. Like the wind, it picked up, the melody clear and calm like a soothing stream, flowing through the air. Without needing to open his eyes, Aether already knew who it was.
Venti began to sing, voice as pure as the cloudless sky above them.
The city of freedom, the city of light,
Mondstadt, our home, ever so bright.
The people who smile, who cherish and love,
Our city, blessed by the Archons above.
Far, far away, lies a land of clay.
Whose Archon, above all, will leave them someday.
The mountains stand tall, a monument of war
A symbol of greatness, a symbol of yore.
In moonlight he stands, a warrior abandoned,
Lonely, surrendered, in slaughter, he stays.
Bound by his past, the darkness alike,
He fights, he protects, he slays, he slays.
Bearer of hope, the wind, brings my message.
Through valleys and rivers, it carves its way.
Pierce through the dark, the horrible wreckage,
Out of love, of despair, I call out his name.
Opening his eyes, Aether’s heart felt heavy. The wind had suddenly died down, and everything felt stagnant, frozen in place. It was dark, heavy clouds blocking the sun. He hadn’t even noticed the chill; all his senses were tuned to the haunting melody coming out of the bard’s lips. The town remains silent, even the tinkling of the wind chimes all around town was completely snuffed out.
Well, bards are known for their storytelling dramatics, aren’t they? Aether thought to himself. Initially starting out as a cheerful melody turned into something solemn, something so tragic. Suddenly, tumultuous applause erupted from the plaza, and everybody cheered for Venti. Looking closely, Aether noticed he wasn’t smiling, nor was he thanking the audience. He was staring past them, through the gates of Mondstadt, his mind miles away from where he is now.
'Say,' Paimon piped up. 'Doesn’t that sound a little familiar? Like a riddle or something… he must be singing about somebody,' Aether nodded, thinking back to the lyrics.
'Hmm… A land of clay with mountains… couldn’t that be-' Liyue! 'Liyue!' Paimon gasped at her own intellect. Clapping a fist to an open palm, she smiled, satisfied with herself. As she huffed happily beside Aether, he began to consider the rest of the lyrics.
A warrior… in Liyue. One who is always killing. Someone lonely… A lonely protector? Could it be…Xiao?
'Paimon, who’s a lonely protector of Liyue?' Aether asked, just to make sure he wasn’t jumping to conclusions. She snapped out of her gloating and began to think.
'Um… the vigilant Yaksha? Why are you asking me? Surely you would remember him…' She scratched her head, confused. Why would the traveler ask her such a simple question?
'Wait… are you testing my memory?! How dare you!!' She huffed, but Aether wasn’t listening. Searching the plaza, he sought out the bard dressed in green. Scanning the crowd, he was nowhere to be seen.
He was just there a minute ago! He couldn’t have gotten far…
'Let’s go, Paimon! To Angel’s Share!'
Venti really didn’t mean to sing like that.
Someone asked him to prove himself as an instructor, so he had no choice! Of course, he had to give proof that he was a (self) certified and reputable teacher. Not to mention, the guy said agreed to give Venti a bottle of Apple Cider.
But once his fingers touched the strings of his lyre, everything came pouring out.
'Heh… It can’t be that bad, right? No one can possibly tell who I was singing about…' he sighed, leaning against the solid tree trunk. Swinging his legs, he sat in the crook of the branch, staring at the statue of the Anemo Archon from behind. The glowing particles swirled lazily around the hood, glittering in the setting sun.
Really, it was prime time to get his drink on, with the setting sun setting everything aglow, the light breeze keeping him grounded, but when he reached for the bottle by his side, he found that he couldn’t bring himself to open it.
Sighing, he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he tasted the sweet scent of sweet flowers and something that didn't exist anymore.
Qinxin, huh?
Sighing once again, he resigned, allowing his mind to revel in the past.
Bathing in the moonlight, always watching from afar. Destroying demon after demon. Frozen in place, he was unable to help.
'Don’t get too close,' he growled, amber eyes aflame. Venti held his stare, unflinching. On the outside, he was prickly, detestable, but Venti knew him, knew his heart. He said it because he cared, he didn't see a trace of anger in those eyes; he drowned in their concern.
After centuries of watching, he found himself mesmerized by Xiao. The way he fought was so hypnotic, movements as graceful as wind and as powerful as a hurricane.
He had a purpose, something to fight for, a reason to keep living. Every breath he took had a cause, every step a reason.
In a way, Venti envied him.
He was only a yaksha, but his heart so noble, his soul so selfless. Protecting his land day and night, pushing himself to exhaustion. Every battle, he gave it his all, channeling all of his energy into a single goal.
His fingers itched for his flute, just like they always did when he thought of Xiao. Maybe he’ll indulge himself tonight, just tonight.
He hoped the wind would carry his voice all the way to Mount Tianheng.
'You know,' a voice said, 'we could always go visit him.' Venti snapped his eyes open, jerking forward, he straightened his back.
'W-what are you talking about?' twirling the flute in his hands, he glanced nervously down at the blonde traveler. It was dark, a little past sunset, but his hair remained as noticeable as ever. Eyes flicking back and forth, he searched for Aether’s ever-present floating friend.
'Don’t worry,' he said, like he could read minds. 'I left her with a meal at Angel’s Share, but she should be finishing up soon so let’s be quick, yeah?'
Hopping down from his perch, Venti floated down, cape billowing out behind him, to stand chest to chest with the traveler. Well, more like eyes-to-chest, but whatever.
'How did you know about Xiao?!' Venti whisper-screamed, arms flailing; one of his biggest secrets was revealed, and he was being very inconspicuous about it!
'Well now, I never said I knew it was Xiao…' Aether smirked mischievously, and Venti puffed his cheeks in anger and stepped back. Though there was a slight pink dusting on his cheeks. 'But, I kind of guessed already. I didn’t tell anyone, not even Paimon, so don’t worry.'
Huffing a defeated sigh, Venti stared at his grass-stained shoes. For a long time, he was silent, the only sounds coming from the rustling of the tree and the occasional flapping of crystalfly wings.
'It’s been a long time… he… is probably still bound by his cruel master. Or at least, his karma,' he chuckled, but it was hollow, devoid of any feeling. 'The winds told me, I know that much.'
Venti isn’t even sure what label to place on his emotions. Was it what humans describe as love? He had been harboring feelings for eons, it felt natural to think about. But, having to think of an explanation to Aether, a mortal, is proving difficult. It wasn’t that he was doubting himself, or that his feelings had changed but… this was the first time, ever, somebody knew who was on his mind.
'I love him, that’s for sure,' Venti looked up, a little surprised to see no reaction from the traveler, 'but I’m not sure you would be able to understand what it’s really like…' he trailed off, with an apologetic smile.
'It’s okay, really,' Aether paused, thinking over his next words. 'Your feelings are yours alone, and I can't help with that,' he stepped closer, hands over his heart, 'But, I can help you with what you’re going to do next,' he finished with a soft smile, eyes filled with kindness.
Venti was stunned, to say the least. After all, this was the first time a mortal wasn’t asking something of him, but rather offering himself to help with his own personal problems. Understanding that some problems are outside of their control is something mortals struggle to grasp, but Aether is handling this very smoothly. Maybe there's more to him than meets the eye. Honestly, Venti didn't think he could be any more impressed by him.
'Thank you, traveler,' Venti said after a few heartbeats, sincerity shining through his emerald eyes.
'It is my pleasure. It is the Windblume festival, after all. Love, happiness, and the whole package, right?' he replied.
Venti could only smile in response.
'Let’s go,' Aether called over his shoulder, walking back to the gates of Mondstadt. 'I’m sure he will be expecting us.'