Work Text:
You met a young man one day, or at least that’s what you thought he was.
In his dainty hands was a beautiful lyre, the strings attached to the instrument with a firm knot; dressed in green and white garments to represent the appearance of an innocent bard of Mondstadt; his eyes were a beautiful shade of turquoise, enrapturing you with its glow; his voice was as silly as it could be — goofy and playful yet kind and gentle.
He called himself Venti the Bard, a seemingly young boy who sings ballads to appease the crowd. And amongst that ten-person audience he’d gathered was you, a young eight-year old girl hugging a teddy bear close to your chest as you watched in awe at how sweet he sang to the lullaby. You were completely captivated.
By the time he’d finished, the crowd slowly dispersed to set off onto their own personal businesses. You were all that was left, still looking at him with a glimmer of hope thinking he was going to do another performance.
Venti spots you from afar and waves at you. You turned your head sideways, thinking he could be paying attention to someone else but no one was near you. With an awkward owlish blink, you give him a small wave in response. The bard smiles in response, legs beginning to take him over in your direction.
“Hi there,” it felt surreal to be standing in front of him now. You’ve gotten used to staring at him from a distance so for him to approach you himself was both an honor and a bit flustering, “I often see you loitering when I play—do you like my singing that much?”
It was also weird to hear him talk to you so close. You knew him as a rhymer and he wasn’t doing that right now.
You nodded, stiff and a bit embarrassed. “I… like your singing a lot. Lots and lots!” You confessed, cheeks turning red.
Venti smiled at you softly, “That’s an honor. You’re a good kid.” He finally gets down on one knee to meet you on eye level, winking. “It’d be an honor to know the name of my biggest fan, hehe~”
Fan? He saw you as his biggest fan? The thought genuinely made you happy; to be recognized as something as big as that.
You shuffled in your position, casting your stare downwards as pink tinted your face. Your fingers were intertwined as your feet sometimes tipped on their toes to rid yourself of any awkward motions (it only made you look worse though).
“(Y/n)…” You shyly reply, tucking a stray hair strand behind your ear.
“(Y/n), huh? That’s a beautiful name for such a beautiful girl like you,” Venti tested the name on his tongue, nodding in approval as he pet your head, noting your face dot a faint pink, “where are your parents? Surely you’re not lost, you seem to know where to find me almost every performance.” He chuckled.
You nodded, eyes sparkling as you beamed at him. “I like listening go you sing, Mr. Bard. My mommy allows me to come watch you every day.”
Venti chuckles, “My, I’m flattered. You can call me Venti, (Y/n), and it’s getting late so we should go look for your mommy.” He held his hand out for you to take. You stared at it with curiosity and hidden excitement — his hand looked so soft, emanating a warmth that invited you to hold.
Your gaze lingered on it for a few seconds before letting your small hand be embraced in his, feeling yourself lighter at how gentle his hand was.
“Let’s go.” Venti smiles at you, lips cursed into a soft grin.
You walked with him from the plaza to down town where many houses stood over you both. The people of Mondstadt were bustling with life, brimming with joy and ecstasy as they prance around the center court with giddy smiles. Light chatter was heard all over but you couldn’t find yourself covering your ears, all your attention on your model of inspiration next to you.
He asked you every now and then, “Is this your mom?” “Oh, what about her? She has the same color as your hair—no?” “That woman over there has the same facial structure as you, maybe—oh I’m wrong again.”
He was a bit funny, but Venti amused you in a lot of ways. His little giggle after making a mistake made you laugh too. Something about his giggle sounded like an angel’s twinkle too and it felt like flying with him.
Finally, nearby Wagner’s forging station, your eyes recognized the back of your mother’s head and you immediately let go of Venti’s hand to greet her a big hug as soon as you bumped into her. She toppled forward slightly but didn’t misstep, thankfully and was able to wrap her arms around you.
“(Y/n), you’re here!” Your mother smiles, nuzzling her nose with yours affectionately. “How was the bard?”
You grinned at her, “He was amazing! He even spoke to me and he brought me here to you, see? He’s prettier up close—”
You paused, your hand outstretched to refer to no one. Had he left? You didn’t even see him from the corner of your eye. Maybe he didn’t like goodbyes. But it wasn’t as if it was your last meeting, right? The bard seemed to like your company.
Your mother gently pats your head as she takes your small hand in hers. “I presume he must’ve left then. Let’s go home, hm? It’s getting late and your father must be hungry.”
You stood still for a moment, feeling Venti’s presence linger a bit more until it vanished completely. And eventually, you nodded at your mom. The sun dipped into the horizon and a beautiful palette of blue painted the night sky, evening strolling calmly as the city of Mondstadt fell asleep.
On the smooth slabs of stone atop the open palms of the statue of Barbatos, Venti sits in silence with his lovely instrument. A smile curled up on his lips as he hums yet another tune for his next performance.
The following morning smelled of fresh daisy dew, currently drying from a gentle drizzle of rain last night. You woke up from your slumber, waking up early to pay an early visit to the young bard.
After doing your morning routine, you ask permission from your mother to go outside and she allows you to without a second wasted. You bounced in joy as you skipped over to the plaza yet again, birds of a flick flying above the statue as you heard the beautiful melody of his lyre. You felt the excitement bubble in your stomach, a grin unable to resist itself from plastering itself onto your face before ending up in front of him.
This time, Venti had no audience, but he continued to strum his lyre as if he was playing for one. The more he did this, the more you were convinced that he genuinely did enjoy playing for Mondstadt in general, and not just its people. It made you feel a bit proud to be able to recognize this characteristic from him, even if you could be wrong.
You crouched in front of him, beaming as he finally finished the song. Marine eyes connect with yours and he feels his smile soften. “You’re here again.”
“Always! I don’t want to miss a performance from Mr. Venti!” You exclaim proudly.
“’Mr. Venti’?” He chuckles before ruffling your head. “Oh well, call me whatever you want.”
You grinned up at him. “Mr. Venti! I want to hang out with you today, is that okay?”
“My, your parents taught you good manners. That’s good,” he crouches down to meet you at eye level, a smile curled up on his lips as he pets your head, “asking for permission is always a manner of good conduct. Better keep that up, hm?” You nodded enthusiastically. He returns to his normal height and puts both hands on his hips. “Now, a play date with me? Why not? I’ve got all the time in the world. It’d be a shame to not entertain a princess too.”
You turned slightly red at the term of endearment, feeling butterflies flutter in your chest. “If I’m a princess, d-does that make you a knight, Mr. Venti?”
The young man hums with pursed lips in thought before giving you a gentle smile. “Of course. A lady has to have a warrior beside her, doesn’t she? I hope you won’t mind silly old me though—”
“Y-You’re not silly! You’re funny and nice… and really talented!” You immediately cut him off, pouting.
Venti chuckles, ruffling your hair. “Hehe~ glad you think so then. So, does the princess want to go anywhere in particular? I’ll do my best as your knight to protect you from danger.”
Your eyes sparkled in awe, flushing red as you fiddled with your sleeves. Your tiny hands grabbed onto the hem of his tucked in shirt shortly after, your eyes avoiding his as you mumble.
“C-Can we go to Windrise?”
Venti stared down at you, curious. “’Windrise’? Why Windrise?”
You shuffled in your position, coughing as you bat eyelashes at him. “I just think the big tree looks so pretty! There are a lot of crystal flies there too, they shine the prettiest when it’s dark so… can we stay there until night?”
The bard wanted to say no to the last request, but he didn’t want to disappoint a young child with a galaxy in their eyes. Your eyes teemed with life and joy, he didn’t want to shatter that innocence. Besides, it was Mondstadt’s slogan to find freedom and if this is what you wanted regardless of any curfew, then who was he to deny you of that desire?
With a reluctant grin that you didn’t seem to notice, Barbatos smiles and nods, holding his hand for yours to take.
The walk to Windrise was short. By the time you two had arrived, you immediately pranced around the field of grass, rolling over in your white floral dress with arms raised up in excitement as you scared off crystal flies. Thankfully, no slimes or hilichurls were nearby and he hoped it would stay that way until the end of your fun. He watched as you picked up windwheel asters and dandelions, plucking them up into a neat bouquet in your arms and skipping over to him.
Venti raises a brow as you push the flowers gently into his direction. Your smile was ever-so luminescent, your presence shining down a thousand stars on his parade.
He took the flowers, smiling softly. “Thank you. Although,” he picks out a random dandelion from the variety, smooth delicate hands placing it atop your ear, “I think one would look good on you. Look, now we’re matching~” he grins, referring to the cecelia flower decorating his beret.
The apple of your cheeks were red, wooed by his undeniable charisma. You were only a child, but you had an idea of what crushing on someone was like. And for Venti, you were aware that it wasn’t just admiration. To the bard, however, you are only a child. But if you grow up, you can court him then, right? Surely he’d wait for you to grow up into a big girl!
Oh! That reminds you…
You stayed in silence as you sat next to him, short legs stretched over the small porch nearby the Statue. The bard hums, “A penny for your thoughts?”
You tugged at your dress, staring at him with hopefulness. “Mr. Venti, I’m turning nine in a week! Can you please come to my birthday party?” Your voice got quieter and quieter the more you asked, growing shy. “I-I’ve never had anyone dance me in my birthday so…”
Venti raises a brow. “Your dad?”
“No…” You shake your head. “He doesn’t like me and my mom…”
Venti sighs in disappointment under his breath, clicking his tongue in annoyance; his upset look directed towards the father. However, his external expression remained passive to keep himself from scaring you.
“I see.” The young man clad in green smiles in amusement. “I may be good at singing, but I’m not so good on my feet. Can I really be allowed to join a princess on such an important occasion?”
“You’re important to me…” You murmured; Venti heard it. He chose not to say anything.
“Well, I don’t see any harm in joining a friend for a party.” He smiles, his thoughts drifting to enjoying a keg of alcohol. “I’ll be there.”
“Do you promise?” You asked, shy.
Venti nodded, petting your head. “I’ll be there.” He repeats, reassuring you.
The tables were clothed with white, lined up and all holding palates and various food servings. The walls were looped with streamers and the floor was littered with confetti, a banner hanging from the wall hung with the tag line of proper birthday greetings written. Many people attended, although a majority of them were just a bunch of strangers.
You were in a frilly gown, dressed like a princess. It made you think about Venti, you wonder if he was going to dress up well and take off his braids to style it something else. Your heart jumps as you think of the bard taking your hand to give you the dance you wanted.
The lights dimmed, meaning the show was about to begin. The party hallway quieted down to a simmer, respecting the person speaking in front. Your mother was mostly the one who paid and organized the event, your father was sloppily dressed and drinking his heart away in a corner. It made you feel a bit sad, but what was new?
The birthday went by slow — gift giving and happy birthday greetings, wishes from strangers for you to grow healthy and enjoy your ninth year alive the best you could. Sweet as they all were, you were waiting for somebody else.
Where was he? Where was Venti?
Your heart was racing, it was already halfway into the arranged evening night-out. The party would be over in twenty minutes. It was already the dance of courtesy even! Where was he?
You were worried. It was already way past eleven in the evening, quarter to midnight.
You curtsied to a boy your age who offered to give you a waltz across the dance floor, but your eyes were still looking at the entrance — hoping, praying and wishing he arrives. He didn’t even have to be properly dressed, you just wanted him to come to greet you.
The clock struck twelve.
The party was over and everyone was ushered outside to get some rest, thanking the guests for their time.
Venti never arrived.
Your heart was crushed, but you never really should’ve put too much faith in the first place. Maybe he was busy? Or he forgot? You liked the former idea better than him forgetting about you.
Your parents were inside the banquet hall, cleaning up as they left you to wander outside. You hoped that your father wouldn’t cause an unnecessary ruckus. Seeing them fight made your heart sink to a pit, and them doing it on your birthday especially would just be heartbreaking.
You sniffled, wiping your palm on the corner of your eyes to dry off the tears. Your face was red as you cried in silence, missing the presence of a particular young bard.
Your hands covered your face, hiccupping. You hear a swift plush noise from your feet and you reluctantly take a peek. In front of you on the ground was a tiny Cecelia flower. As soon as you picked it up, wind breezed past you and you almost dropped the flower.
Happy birthday.
You heard it; a whisper in the winds. You couldn’t pinpoint whose voice it was, but it was familiar. You looked down at the flower, holding it close to your chest.
Perhaps, at the very least, you can dance alone with a single Cecelia flower.
It has been over ten years since you’d last seen him. He never came on your birthday and the Cecilia flower you tried so hard to preserve eventually wilted away until all that was left were withered remains. You were nineteen and your image of him has nearly completely disintegrated into dust. You forgot what he looked like.
Venti. A bard with a beautiful ocean for eyes. You wondered how he was — did he grow into a handsome young man? Was he still playing tunes? Did his personality change? Did he travel outside of Mondstadt?
The questions continuously stemmed from your inner thoughts and it was taking your energy even bothering to answer at least one of them. It made you feel annoyed that you didn’t even keep a diary, writing senseless entries about a ‘pretty young man who sings’. Any clue would’ve helped you, honestly.
You trek up the plaza, echoes of many civilians resonating across the area as they bounded over to dance to the music.
Ah, was there a new performer taking the audience in again? You felt a wave of déjà vu wash over you, but you ignored it. You walk over to the center of attention, taking notice of a young boy who strummed his lyre. He was dressed in green garments befit for a musician of his chosen instrument.
He gently hummed a tune, a sound so familiar to you yet couldn’t put a finger to it.
The audience he gathered clapped in applause, praising him for his obvious talent in music. You, with the crowd, clapped in praise. He had a knack for it, you think to yourself.
When he bowed to the crowd he’s garnered, his eyes met yours. Turquoise blue, as deep as the ocean — they were mesmerizing, and you almost fell in deep in those pools of his.
His lips parted slightly, no readable expression visible on his face. He seemed to have mumbled something but you couldn’t hear. And you couldn’t bother to stay and listen.
You broke eye contact first, your legs taking you to complete your business with the cathedral. You walked past him, and in that moment, you felt a shiver run down your spine.
And when you looked back, he was gone.