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Not too long ago, on the day of the Crux's jubilee, a young-looking traveller sought the help of the fleet to cross the stormy sea.
Inazuma! —they said.
What a daring lot— I thought.
A commendable virtue or a foolish pursuit?
What possible reason for them to venture into that fettered land? Where did they gain the courage to brave the storms?
There were so many questions I wanted to ask. So many answers I needed to find.
Only a glance—was what I acquired.
Those beaming eyes told a tale—of an out worldly journey from past and treacherous roads ahead.
A gaze basked in the dusk sun, gleamed by the gloaming light.
Seeking truth within sight and answer from bygones.
—Or perhaps, the light was of dawn?
~♪
~♪ ♫
"Aether."
Kazuha stopped at the sight of a large oak tree in the distance. A vast verdant field with shrubs and flowers scattered alongside ivory roads and small streams. The harmonious breeze breathed upon the green land, leading those vibrant petals to one who sought serenity.
"Yes, Kazuha?" Aether and Paimon turned around.
"Excuse for my abrupt request. I wish to view the huge tree in that far plane. Do you mind?" Kazuha pointed his thumb towards the tree. "You both may continue your walk towards the city."
Kazuha could not express it in logical words. Mayhaps the feelings he felt when he saw the tree —It calls him.
A feeling of being summoned. Coincidence?
"Ooh? Kazuha wants to see Vennessa's tree?" The little fairy floated near the wanderer.
"Ah, the beauty has a name?"
"Uh, not really. But that's an ancient tree where it grew after a hero of Mondstadt—Vennessa ascended to Celestia," Paimon the reliable guide explained and nodded her head with pride.
"We can tag along if you want to go there, Kazuha," Aether smiled brightly. "We're not in a rush to head into the city anyway."
Kazuha gave a warm smile in return. Grateful for their company. "Alright. Thank you both."
The three of them took a turn in their path and headed towards the Windrise plain. Along the way, Kazuha listened to the story of Vennessa told by the little fairy. Aether loved the tale like any other Mondstadter, but he had a hard time believing the ascension to divinity. I will not believe it until I see it with my own eyes —was what the traveller said.
Kazuha found truth in those words. For all the time, he believed that was the highest reward a mortal man could achieve. But to what extent? For what purpose? He never questioned himself about godhood nor the reason why the Vision exists. However, he was thankful for the opportunity. Never did he imagine or wish to be granted a Vision.
To be blessed by God's favour, some may think Vision was an enhancement to one's martial prowess. Others may have used them as a convenience tool to seek unanswered mysteries of this world. But for Kazuha, Visions were proof of one's strength and not the source of it. It symbolised the mortal desire to always keep moving forward—goal, ambition and dreams.
Even how far-fetched the desire may be…
Kazuha glared at the clouds above. He meekly sighed.
Gift granted by the gods.
And to be taken away from God itself.
They finally arrived and stopped in front of the Statue of the Seven.
"We're here!" The white fairy seemed to be in high spirits. "Paimon presents you The Statue of the Anemo Archon, Ve—hahaha—Berbato—I mean Barbatos!"
Paimon flailed around her hands and her head while the traveller side-eyed at his little companion.
Kazuha pondered what they were hiding. "Yes, I have heard of Barbatos. Ever since I acquired my Anemo vision, I asked around and read a few tales about the Archon and Mondstadt."
He held out his palm as the flying petals danced towards his bandaged hand and a flow of breeze shyly twirled around his arm. "You may say, I am curious as to why I was bestowed with the wind element."
"Well, it certainly fits you, Kazuha," Aether grinned.
Kazuha blinked at such a simple answer. "Haha, yes. I am rather attached to it too," he chuckled.
"Aether!" Paimon suddenly yelled in excitement. "Look! Fisssshhhh!"
She pointed her fingers to the small stream behind the tree roots. Kazuha watched the traveller hop towards the fairy and they both gawked when they saw something worth a prize catch.
"Uwah! There are loads of Angelfish!"
Paimon quickly dug her tiny hands into their inventory bag and took out a slim yet durable retractable fishing rod. "Come on. Fish them all out, Aether! Let's borrow Good Hunter's kitchen to cook them tonight!"
Kazuha giggled at the pair. From the day they departed from Liyue, each travel day was filled with excitement and every moment was bright and never dull.
Travelling with someone certainly brings joy to my heart.
" ……"
Kazuha shook his head.
Now that his curious gaze was fixed upon the oak tree, queries filled his mind. Something about the tree fascinated Kazuha. Compared to the one he saw in Nantianmen on the land of Geo, this tree’s structure was smaller in size and common looking. However, such ordinary sight bewitched him even from a distance away.
Kazuha climbed the grass terrace and walked near the tree. He peered at the dancing leaves above as the sun flickered through—wishing those viridescent hues to turn red—Kazuha reminisced memories of his old abode.
Vermilion leaves,
A dance to one who believes.
Thus end to said dreams.
I wonder what’s with this nostalgic sensation.
A swirl of memories and emotions poured into his heart. Those transient moments, shards from the past, slowly recalled his days of youth.
The beginning of his wanderer's life. A departure away from home—Exhilaration, anxiousness as well as freedom.
Or perhaps, a long lost feeling from a decade ago. Like a parent howling for their child to come home—Anticipation, warmness and tenderness.
What mystery do you have for me, dear gallant tree?
Kazuha slowly closed his eyes. Listening to the wind's whistle, the buzzing of crickets and the flow of streams. A mystery that led to wonders and by chance, led to miracles. He should be able to find what was calling him.
~♪
~♪ ♫
Music…?
Kazuha fluttered his lashes from the melodious tune in the air. Serene notes echoed and a hum of voice reached his ears.
"Does this tree enthralled you so, o' wanderer from isle afar?"
"!?"
"Or could it be, a hymn of the wind is what you seek?"
Kazuha was surprised to see a young man dressed in teal garb leisurely sitting on one of the tree branches. His hand strung the wooden lyre and another tune filled the air.
…was he here before?
This person looked a lot younger than Kazuha. A fair face, eyes mixed of azurite green like the threads of his hair with the exceptional lighter in hue at the end of two braids. Perhaps, a devotee of the Anemo Archon—thought Kazuha as he peeked behind to see the statue's features.
"Oh!?"
He seemed to spot something on Kazuha and jumped off the tree branch. The wind gathered around him as the grass danced and the blooming petals twirled upwards. The bright teal mantle flowed and swayed down when he landed on the verdant grass. Kazuha was mesmerised by the sight before him. The breeze answered the person's call but for some reason, its presence felt natural. As if they were always with him.
"I see you're an Anemo user too. Just like me!" The young man exclaimed and pointed his thumb over his back, gesturing to the Vision tied behind his shoulder—Kazuha's shoulder. "I can see its pretty glow under the tree shade, hehe."
"Hello there," Kazuha greeted. "I believe this is our first meeting."
"But why—" a tune thrummed from the lyre's string, "such a fortuitous encounter stirred up one's familiar feeling?"
Kazuha mildly gaped in awe. A young stranger that appeared a moment ago. In a foreign land no less—spoke words that lay in his riddled heart.
"A new face in the land of Wind!" The young man grinned and bowed his head. "Hello! I am Ve—"
"Ah! It's Tone-Deaf Bard!"
A sudden squeaky voice interrupted them. Paimon floated from behind the tree with each of her hands carrying medium-sized fish.
"Tone-deaf…bard?" Kazuha lifted his brows. Bewildered by such rude claims from the little fairy. The traveller did mention one of her habits to give out ridiculous nicknames to their friends.
"Ahahaha. Pay no mind to that thing," the bard flailed his hand in reply.
"What thing!? Paimon is not a thing," she hissed.
"Venti is here?"
A voice was heard from behind the tree. A sweet mellow tone, comforting to ears, ideal for a hymn. Aether peeked his head and his face brightened to see the person he called Venti.
"Ah, Aether!" The bard quickly went to glomp the traveller. "Welcome back!"
Kazuha was intrigued by their intimacy. He knew the traveller had many friends but the ones in Liyue didn't have such closeness. It could be a cultural way of greetings—thought Kazuha when he remembered the merchant foreigners from his homeland.
"Hey! You're gonna make Aether drop the fish!" Paimon yelled.
"The basket is still empty. Put them back in here, Paimon." Aether held out the wooden basket to her.
"Aww. Paimon wants to show off to Kazuha."
"Well, I am quite delighted by the catch. I look forward to it," the wanderer consoled Paimon as she proudly grinned.
"Oho~ so you go by the name Kazuha," the young man named Venti gleamed. "I was right then. Guessing from your maple themed garb."
The bard suddenly straightened his back, legs tightened in with chin tilted up. He cleared his throat and presented words of wonder to the audience.
"Two sole wanderers.
Land afar they came.
Fate crossed, together.
One brave throne, they claim."
Again, Kazuha was in awe. There was something about him. His words, like a small dandelion seed that longed to soar free—stories carried by the endless breeze.
"An eye for poetry," Kazuha clapped.
"So~ What relationship do you lads have? I gladly recited a love poem for a glass of wine!"
"Oh?" Kazuha seemed interested.
"Huh? Th—That won't be necessary," Aether had a slight flush upon his cheeks. He sighed and dropped the basket down to the ground. "I should introduce you both."
Aether glanced over the two poets and gestured his hand over to Kazuha while looking at the green dressed bard.
"Venti, this is Kaedehara Kazuha from Inazuma. We met in Liyue and he joined us to travel back to Mondstadt."
Kazuha sincerely bowed his head as Aether gestured his other hand towards Venti.
"Kazuha, this is Venti. He's a bard from Mondstadt—"
"A well known, three award winning bard of the year, ehe!" The bard chimed in, "nice to meet you, Kaedehara Kazuha from the land of Inazuma." Venti self-proclaimed himself with a proud grin and earned a mockery scowl from the little fairy.
"I see. Mondstadt, the land of wine and song. Love for poetry is no exception." Kazuha placed his palm over the chest, accepting the warm friendly greeting, "tis a pleasure to meet you, Venti. But please, address me by Kazuha."
Paimon suddenly floated in between them. "Two renowned poets standing to confront each other! Who will win? Contestant number one—Tone-Deaf Bard! Or contestant number two—The Wandering Samurai!? Ding ding ding!" She giggled and hyped.
"Anytime, anywhere. Venti the Bard is here!"
"To muse myself with poetry, do count me in."
Aether face-palmed over the scene "Paimon…"
~♪
~♪ ♫
The Windrise tree stood mighty still with loyal hills swore oath of glory. A gift to cherish the deeds as Kazuha hummed a tribute hymn. Down towards the shallow stream, Aether continued to lure the fish. Venti and Paimon waited with a count of three as they let out a cheery scream. The remaining fish swam away while Kazuha quietly laughed when the traveller tried to shoo the duo away.
The scent they gave off… almost familiar to one another.
A mix of wind and stars. Something which belonged and of the far distance. Kazuha wouldn't be surprised if the bard turned out to be one of the supernatural beings. A life prolonged by nature for their duty to watch over lives. Besides, back in Kazuha's home, things such as this were quite normal for him.
"So, Aether. What brings you back here to the land of Wind? Will you all be staying long?" Venti finally spoke.
"Only for a night. I came to deliver a commission's parcel and retrieve my journal book from Favonius Library."
"Yeah! Can't stay long. We're going to Inazuma in a few days!" Paimon clapped her hands with excitement.
Venti seemed a bit surprised about the news as Kazuha caught the sudden disquiet expression.
"Ah… the Land of Eternity," the bard softly breathed, "a traveller's journey will soon reach across the sea. What lies within the storm is for you to see."
"I'll… be okay, Venti. Thank you for worrying about me."
The gloom tense made Kazuha wonder how close their bond might be. To worry, to concern. A trait of a genuine friend. But how truthful he was when he spoke nothing of the clouded Levin.
Venti suddenly turned his head with a grin. As if he knew Kazuha's assumption, falsely accusing him.
"Let's chit chat while they're still busy with fishing!" He approached Kazuha.
" …I am not particularly good at making conversation but I will indulge in hearing your chat."
"Come on, relax! I'm not here to interrogate you or anything," Venti reassured with a wink, "so, what made you come to Mondstadt?"
Kazuha dryly smiled. Didn't he just say not to interrogate? The bard broadened his grin. Oh well.
"To expand my horizon, travelling into foreign lands, broaden my views for poetry. And of course, a taste of Mondstadt renowned liquor—Dandelion wine."
"A very good answer. A+!" Venti gave a thumb up.
"But I also—" Kazuha paused his words with a slight gasp. Wondered why he felt like talking more to the fellow.
"Hmm?"
"This is mostly my wit's desire to know—why I was bestowed with a Vision. Anemo out of all the others."
"Hey, are you saying Anemo is no good?" Venti pouted.
Kazuha gently flailed his hand to shrug off the pouty glare. "Ah—I wasn't degrading the Anemo bearers. Apologies if it sounded rude. This is a mere quest of curiosity. I wish to understand more about… Visions."
Venti relaxed but the little frown he had was still plastered upon his profile. "You might be the first who is so curious about Visions after getting a Vision. Most people are content and continue with their ambitions after receiving God's recognition."
Ambitions?
"Is that so…" Kazuha pondered.
Are visions… really aligned with people's ambitions?
Venti crossed both his arms. "Seems there are more stories for pursuing these curiosities. Careful, my newly found friend," he apprised.
Bemused by the warning, Kazuha was both troubled and impressed with the bard before him. For a carefree spirit, the young man had quite a sharp intuition. Surely a simple minstrel was not fond of minding others' tribulation.
Would he?
Kazuha peered into those big marble eyes. A glint of light and a hint of shadow. Harbouring a truth from being known—was it an act of ignorance or an act of protection?
Kazuha couldn't tell.
How odd. Not too long ago, he was the one who warned Aether of the risks the traveller may face during the journey in Inazuma.
I was right then. Venti. There's something… peculiar about him.
"How so, if I may ask? Does not seeking an answer clear the troubled mind?" Kazuha carefully pried for the reason.
"Hmm," Venti tapped his fingers. Nose tightened with both brows entangled together. He held his chin up and down and groaned, "hmmmmm."
Kazuha slowly sighed, "...seems my inquiry troubles you. Don't worry about it."
"Really? You don't wanna know?"
"Do you… have the answer?"
"Nope! Maybe?"
" ……"
"I mean, don't you already know the answer? Surely there was a reason for why and how the gods bestow you with a Vision. Perhaps it's like winning an award for the greatest show!" Venti chortled with a nod.
"Then, the question is—what sort of show that took upon the gods' attention?" Kazuha asked again.
"Hmm~ that my lad, only you would know."
Kazuha was lost. The bard kept on tangling and repeating his words. Clearly, to divert Kazuha's curiosity.
Maybe, he is a normal street bard.
Seeking rumours and gossip of men and lovers. Hearing tales and stories of knights and heroes. Retelling through words of hum and songs. Rekindled spark of hope with joy in others. A wonder simply by reciting poems in verses.
Oh… Poems.
Kazuha eyed a falling stray leaf and swiftly caught it with his two fingers. Placing the leaf close to his lips, he softly blew the piece as a whistling chime echoed throughout the summer breeze.
~♪ ~♪ ♫
"Trials and perils are meant to be overcome.
Is it not a wanderer's desire to brave the unknown?"
A hum in between the breath, he continued.
"To give all, in concurrently to cherish all.
Surely, tis the greatest reward for a man alone."
~♫
Venti lovingly hummed the wanderer's tune. A smirky grin to return the mood. The wooden lyre readied on the hands as fingers began to strum the strings again.
~♪
"Tell me, dear o' wanderer.
Are you willing to lose to obtain?
Are you able to stand once you fall?"
Kazuha felt the lyre strumming his heavy heart. Those words struck deep inside him. The bard continues to sing while eyes peered into vermilion leaves.
~♫
"Worry not, dear o' wanderer.
Such conquest is the strength of one's heart.
Such triumph is for those who walk after.
What lies engraved is a title of freedom."
~♪ ♫
Freedom.
Where I came from, freedom is no longer in practice. Eternity took place in an endless loop of oppression.
Was this somehow related to the Vision I own? Fighting my way to flee the land that might fetter these limbs of mine?
Kazuha's eyes strayed away as Venti let out a soft sigh. "Ever wonder how Aether got his Anemo blessing?"
The drifting eyes returned. It was an impulse. Always in the favour to learn about the ever mysterious outlander.
"I want my strength back. I need the power and my wings again. I have to find my sister." Venti smiled, "that's what Aether told me."
Kazuha stumped.
Power? Wings?
Yes, the traveller once mentioned he was travelling to search for someone and Kazuha knew the gist of it from scattering posters around the Liyue Harbour. Aether was on his quest to find his twin sister.
I never did ask the reason why he wanted to go to Inazuma. Aether seemed as if he was diverting the subject so I wished not to pry him.
Kazuha had always been curious about the traveller. If he could, he wanted to understand more. About Aether. About his abilities. His past travels. His family. His home…
…yes. This must be because of his otherworldly origin. Yes… I crave… answers.
Kazuha gripped his hands tight.
"Aether doesn't own a Vision. How was he able to obtain the god's favour?"
"Precisely!" The bard gave out a wink.
"?"
"It's a mystery! Ehe!"
"……"
Venti laughed, "Oh my dear, dear Kazuha. A fledgling you are still," he fluttered and breathed. Slowly turned his head to spy over the traveller.
"Each soul carries a different heart. Each heart carries a different wish. Maybe god just felt the need to gift Aether some of their blessings because he has the courage to go beyond self-limits.
"Like a newborn chick who wished to brave the thunderous plains. Like a featherless crow who craved for seraphic wings. Perseverance, dedication to pursue by any means.
"The ability to change ."
~♪
The dreamlike stare returned.
"Does this not count as overcoming trials?
Or one's desire to brave the unknown?
Might that be how you obtained yours?"
~♪
~♪ ♫
Kazuha's mind recalled the day he was granted a Vision. His sole heart roamed in the autumn moon. It wasn't long since he left his home, his nobility and his fortune. Wander and wonder about the path he took, did he truly choose.
Perhaps, the Anemo Archon favoured my will to change. The joy of being free from any binds. The wondrous mystery I shall one day find.
The path of a wanderer is what I devoted my life to. What I aspired to be. Ever since my youthful days.
Kazuha frowned.
But, the freedom I owned was shackled. That day. That glow…
My feet felt heavy. My limbs were numb. My heart… was torn.
Yet,
The swirling wind.
Yes.
That swirling wind—pushed me forward. That I may continue the legacy of freedom he was trying to achieve. That's why I ran. To escape.
To live.
And seek the truth.
"Well, it certainly fits you, Kazuha!"
He blinked. To think Aether's simple answer was filled with meaning. It had surely lifted his mood. Kazuha let out a soft chuckle.
"You are right, my friend. How did I overlook the most important moment of my life," a hand on the chest and a bow to his friend, "I thank you, Venti."
The bard broadened his grin. "You see, Anemo wind is handy sometimes, they can sweep away all your worries and troubles! No problemo! Hahaha!" Venti gave a thumbs up.
Kazuha sneered, "haha, I… can agree to that."
"I am proud Aether is an Anemo user, but ha~ he went to that brute land and got his blessing too. Hmph!"
"Brute land? You mean the land of Geo?" Kazuha was more intrigued to whom the bard referred.
Rex Lapis?
The twin braids flapped around from the harsh displeasure nods. Kazuha wasn't surprised Venti knew Aether was able to wield more than one element after their whole conversation.
"Know what Anemo user does best?" Venti rubbed his chin impatiently, waiting for the Inazuma wanderer to respond.
"?"
"Meddling into people's business! We swirl our way through. Hahaha!" He burst out laughing but afterwards, he groaned, "that, or troubles always find our way. Ugh~"
"Right…" Kazuha wasn't sure if he wanted to agree or not.
"Ah, we chat a lot, don't we!? Time flies, what a surprise!" Venti's grin was wider than the last, certainly pleased with the conversation.
Was Kazuha pleased? The answer he received was just another inquiry. However, it was enough. The chat he had with this strange fellow bard from Mondstadt—opened his view to another perspective. He could see what he missed.
To even learn Aether's wish...
His eyes searched for the traveller. Not too long ago, they boarded The Alcor, daringly asked for a passage to cross the sea. All of the crew was surprised, Captain Beidou was fascinated—while he was expecting. The wind which blew from the spearhead hill in Guyun Stone Forest carried an unfamiliar scent. A scent which piqued his interest even till now.
Kazuha dimmed his stare. It was a fond memory of their first meeting.
Aether has a reason worth fighting for.
Haha.
I… am a little envious.
"Done fishing?"
Venti howled from the upper terrace. Aether nodded and showed a basket full of fresh fish. Peach-coloured and Aizen Medaka along with a few rare Tea-coloured Shirakodai. Tasty to grill with pepper and onions or gingered-steam with Matsutake and Dragonsnap Flowers—thought Aether and Paimon agreed with the recipe.
They tidied up the area and dusted off their clothes. Checking the inventory and commission's parcel before continuing their walk into the city. Aether carefully climbed up the terrace slope as Kazuha offered his hand to pull him up.
"So, what did you both talk about?"
Curious, Aether stood near them while Paimon floated a bit too close to the fish basket he was carrying.
"Oh, I was about to tell Kazuha the Windblume's hide and seek event and how smart you are by dressing as a mai—ommfh!"
Aether suddenly yanked Venti away from Kazuha while covering the blabbering mouth, dropping and spilling some of the fishes out from the basket. Paimon gasped when the fish flapped around to escape as she quickly caught them. Venti muffled something about Aether's hands smelling like wet cheese.
"You hear nothing, Kazuha. Nothing. "
"I want to hear it," Kazuha insisted.
"Paimon can tell if Kazuha gives Paimon a nice dessert after dinner!"
"Deal."
"No bribing!!!" Aether yanked Paimon along with the fishes in her arms. One of the small Medaka slipped and landed on the bard's face. Venti yelped in disgust.
"Surely you weren't ashamed to share the event's victory?" The curious wanderer leered at the traveller.
"Aaaaaa—I said nothing!!!" Aether's cheeks flushed like a beetroot while shaking Venti and Paimon in embarrassment. Kazuha laughed.
~♪
~♪ ♫
The sun would soon descend and doves flew to return, for the day nearing the end. Emerald field now turned amber as the wind brought the evening cold summer. Trees and flowers gracefully waved knowing their visitor would soon leave.
They stood beside the Archon statue, basking themselves in the god's warm light and Venti suggested the traveller bring Kazuha to Barbatos' statue at the cathedral plaza for sightseeing. Paimon busied herself with the basket and finally finished tying the basket lid with a proud smug, whispering to the fish to stay still and be good.
"Yay! Ready to go!"
"You sure you don't want to come with us, Venti?" Aether frowned while picking up the wooden basket.
"I like to stay here for a while longer," Venti pouted, "even though I wanted to, I promised Dvalin I'll sing a song for him tonight."
"Aww, Dvalin needs a lullaby song to sleep~" the fairy laughed.
"Ehe. I can sing a baby's lullaby for you too, Paimon," Venti sniggered.
"What!? Paimon is not a baby! Hmph!" She stomped her little feet and flew away.
"I swear, you both…" Aether sighed with an oopsie from the bard. "Okay, we're off to Mondstadt now."
A wide joyful smile—a smile worth a flaming star, a smile worth a reason for—beamed on the traveller's face as he waved.
"See you later, Venti!"
~♪
"Down he walked the blooming aisle,
With gold threads adorned with chamomile,
Veil fluttered as he turned and smiled,
Dishearten shall not, for this is not goodbye.
"Aah~ I haven't been blessed like this for a while!" Venti obviously was smitten by the traveller's smile.
"You sounded like a father sending their daughter to the wedding aisle," Kazuha commented.
Venti gasped in realisation but he laughed afterwards. "You don't have to say that out loud. Boo~"
"Uh, I didn't mean to offend—"
"I was kidding!"
The bard slapped Kazuha's back in jest and it reminded him of the sailors' habit to slap his rear when they were overly happy or drunk.
"Alright," he tightened the ties of his wrapped luggage, "it was nice meeting you, Venti. Truly, I am in debt. For your words have enlightened me and your poems entertained me."
"Aww, shucks. No problem." Venti scratched the back of his hair, flustered.
"Then, we will be on our way." Kazuha bowed his head with a smile and walked down the pavement steps.
"Oh, Kazuha. Hold up," the bard suddenly took out his wooden lyre and struck a tune. The wanderer's heart loudly thumped by the sound that serenaded together with the wind.
"Before we part, allow me to fare you well with another verse of mine."
Venti calmly plucked the strings as wovens of tune filled the air. Kazuha's breath stopped for a moment, enchanted by the melodious flare. A sense of love, passion and devotion, severed from ill despair. He gazed into the eyes and teal orbs glowed from the shadow of the hair. A soft chuckle was heard as the bard hummed. Tender lips parted as words of blessing from god to their beloved child.
As dawn breaks the night,
And dusk free the light.
May this bless clear thy fear,
And thou find what is dear. ~♫
The melody ended. Kazuha was perplexed.
"Consider yourself lucky for I sang these for free! Hehe!"
"...oh." Kazuha was still dazzled.
He wasn't sure what happened. The flow of air gusted like a storm yet it felt pleasant and warm. The falling leaves and petals danced and twirled but they sparkled like the stars above. The world felt distant as if his feet float on ghostly lanterns. It would be bizarre to say as if time had frozen for a brief moment and that moment felt like he was with a g—
…
……
Kazuha quickly shook his head from his mindless thoughts and bowed again. "I thanked you for the wonderful song. I… shall keep it at heart. Your words."
Venti grinned, "now off you go. Aether is waiting, and oops! That gluttony fairy is mad at me for keeping you. Hahaha."
Kazuha nodded and turned as he continued his walk. His eyes were still in a daze and his mind refused to think straight.
Just now…
"Kazuha!"
He looked to his front and saw Aether was waiting for him near the uphill road.
"Aether, about Venti. Is he—" Kazuha paused.
He stopped his pace not too far from the traveller as he gazed upon the lad who stood slightly above him. Smiling and waiting for the ronin's words.
The traveller tilted his head in worry, "what is it, Kazuha? Is… everything okay?"
Aether viewed the scene behind him. The sun glared and mirrored his eyes. Evening rays basked the land and Mondstadt city reigned ever so glorious from afar. Paimon had been flying around in a circle, impatiently waiting for the two.
"The sun is almost set, we better hurry or we'll miss the chance to borrow the kitchen stove—"
Kazuha suddenly let out a loud laugh.
"!!!?"
Even though the laugh did not last long, Aether was baffled by the outburst as Kazuha bowed his head in apology. Curious of the reason, the traveller kept pestering him though the wandering samurai could only smile and mumbled a soft reply, "heh, never mind."
His momentary travel to the Land of Wind was indeed worthwhile.
The wayward wind foretold him of an outlander he sought.
The stormy wind brought him the courage to leap.
The gentle wind blessed him with a grace of serenity.
Kazuha's journey had yet to see the end. Even with a burdened heart, he vowed to return to his homeland. Who knows, if the traveller might be able to pull his hands. Soaring and lifting, wings spread as threads of fate had certainly laid out their grand plan.
However, before their journey began anew, a task they had must be seen through. Kazuha glanced at the flustered traveller.
His mind was calm and his sight was clear.
"Let's head to our next stop, shall we?"
~The End.