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"To peace, and new companions!" Kokomi smiles, raising her mug high above the small crowd gathered in my teapot home. A happy cheer floats up around the lawn, followed by the sound of music thanks to Xinyan and Barbara.
The Inazumans, though still tense, seemed to be getting along fairly well considering what had happened recently. Luckily, they were in company of a handful of friends from Liyue and Mondstadt. Colourful personalities (plus Diluc, who was assisting in making the beverages) melding together for a steady get-together.
I smile at the sight, happy to see everyone getting along as best as they could. That does not stop me from sneaking away from the crowd once Paimon occupies herself with the pot luck tables.
The air is pleasant, and the flow of waterfalls is unnaturally silent, allowing for quiet reflection. Though my friends are enjoying themselves, i cannot seem to partake in their joy. Making my way up the mountain, i find my painting tools- stagnant, untouched since my last trip. The smiling face of Lumine is sketched onto the working canvas, unfinished.
I take a deep breath, watching the party unfold below me. The moment does not last however, for a guest arrives, perched on a fell tree.
"You still miss her," Venti states, a soft-stringed melody completely, magically, covering the sound of Xinyan's guitar. "It must be hard on you."
"Yes, it is." I breathe, closing my eyes. "I just want to..."
I glance at venti, who has ditched his over-the-top getup in favour of his normal white shirt accompanied by dark dress pants. His eyes sing for me to keep talking.
"I want to give her a hug, or brush her hair, mend the rips the puts in her dresses. I want her to punch my shoulder after she tells a joke, and laugh because my scarf looks like it's slapping my butt in the breeze." I vent to the wind. "I miss her company."
"...I could pretend just for tonight, if you want." He offers. I shake my head.
"It wouldn't feel right."
I watched as Itto and Amber load their plates to the brim with a little of everything. The soft curl of a smile found its way back to my lips.
"I wouldn't feel right, because I wouldn't have you." I said, looking up to the sky. The constellations filled the area as far as the eye could see. "You're special to me, Venti. You all are. I can't possibly trade you in for something I've lost for the time being."
I prepare myself for a glide back down the mountain, ruffling my feathers. Venti's eyes are closed, though his braids hold a gentle teal glow. He continues playing the lyre.
"I need you like a bird needs wind to fly." I tell him, leaning forward into the breeze. "Let's both remember those who are lost and wandering tonight, even if we're just thinking of ourselves."
I do not hear his reply.
The ride down is smooth, as is the transition from outcast to insider. Despite all the chaos I catch sight of Xingqiu, who managed to find a small space behind a tree to bury his nose in a book. I'll have to ask where he gets his concentration skills from.
I continue walking by my friends with a grin painted on my cheeks.
"Aether," Jean nods upon finding me in the crowd. "It's been a while." She holds out a glass of water, which i accept graciously. From my view of the mountain, Venti no longer rests on the tree trunk, nor does his voice carry through the wind like it usually does.
He's gone.