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Chapter Text

Venti was sitting on the veranda of the Dawn Winery Manor humming a melody no one but himself knew. “That melody sound nice Venti." Said Diluc from the couch behind him. He looked like he was working on some documents for Angel's Share.

Venti had recently begun living with the redhead seeing that he had no place to call home and because of the recent developments in their relationship which was certainly more than a relationship between friends and more than an immortal and a mortal should ever be.

“It does, doesn't it." Agreed Venti. " That song reminds me of times long gone,” said Venti. Speaking of times long gone, I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting something thought Venti. What could I be forgetting?

“Oh! How many years has it been since I became an Archon Diluc?” Asked Venti. “ I believe it's been 2600. Why is it your birthday soon?" Asked Diluc.

“Nope but it is time for the once in a millennia meeting for Archons.” Answered Venti. A meeting for Archons happens every millennia, I wonder what they talk about thought Diluc curiously. “Oh! I'm pretty sure the blockhead is hosting it this millennia. Oh I can't wait to see his face after he realizes all his efforts in faking his death are useless" said Venti while laughing

"Blockhead? And what do you mean by faking his death?” thought Diluc confused. “Oh blockhead is what I call Morax. Who is retired, not dead. Well, he won't be retired for long. During the last meeting some immortals in Celestia thought it would be better if these meetings were watched by the mortals and immortals. The Archons negotiated and I'm the end it was decided that only mortals would see it. He was really powerful and no one objected so it has to be public this year.

Well that was a lot of information thought Diluc. It seems that even the Archons have to listen to some immortals in Celestia. Diluc didn't know if he should be scared or relieved that there was something more powerful than Archons.

“The meeting should be happening in a few months. I can't wait to see how Morax is going to invite almost every human and Archon in Tevyat!"

...

Venti had still not realized that he was going to have to reveal himself.

Chapter Text

All the residents of Tevyat were feeling many things as the news of a meeting of the Archons was announced by adepti in every region of Tevyat. The meeting they were invited to. Some people were already packing their bags for the trip to Liyue, the region the meeting was being held at. Some people wanted to be as far away from Liyue as possible cough* Kaeya *cough.

The reactions of the meeting were most chaotic however in two regions Mondstat and Liyue. Mondstat's reaction was obviously happiness and nervousness at finally meeting their god. Liyue however was a different tale everyone was curious of course “Were they going to get a new god?” “Where exactly was the meeting being held?” and other such questions.

The reactions of the other regions, while chaotic less yes, was still very disorganized. The Adepti just said the date, time and that they should be at Liyue Harbour then and answers none of the numerous questions Tevyat citizens had.

…

The only one who had any chance of getting any answers was the people who knew Archons personally. Maybe that was why the traveler was knocking at the door of Dawn Winery Manor, Diluc thought.

“Venti isn't here Traveler but if you would like you can wait I'm sure he'll turn up before lunch.” said Diluc already walking away. Diluc was starting to get more and more used to people coming for Venti after all Venti was as free as a bird and the only place a bird returns to us is its nest.

The Traveler who he previously thought was alone started talking to Paimon who was already complaining about the Tone-Deaf Bard. Oh great, another headache.

…

Venti felt bad for leaving Diluc alone for lunch. He usually turns up by then but he did have official Archon business to do.

“Zhongli, my love how have you been!”

Smack*

“You're lucky I didn't throw a mountain at you. “said Zhongli who was calmly drinking tea while sitting at a table. “Gasp* This is domestic violence I tell you! “ said Venti teasingly while taking the seat next to him while asking Zhongli how he's been doing recently and if he needed any help.

“I can feel my dream of retirement running away but I'll manage as I always have. ” said Zhongli who looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Venti laughed at his husband's suffering before a thread of the thousands winds informed him that Diluc has been waiting for him since lunch.

“Zhongli I'm afraid I'll have to cut this chat short as my mortal lover is waiting for me. ” Venti didn't wait for a reply before leaving.

Mortal lover… Zhongli sighed. Venti always fell in love with mortals then came to him when they died. He wanted to stop his lover's heart from breaking but their marriage contract stated that Venti would be able to have as many mortal lovers as he wanted.

He looked at the bottle of osthamus wine which Venti must have planned to share with him fondly before pouring himself a cup.

…

“Diluc! I'm sorry I couldn't make it for lunch, were you waiting for me? ” asked Venti as he entered Dawn Winery Manor from the window of the living room.

“Finally! ” said the Traveler who was getting ready to leave with Paimon to basically any other Archon even though they would be less likely to share their knowledge.

Venti being who he is completely ignored the Traveler and went and hugged Diluc then kissed him on his cheek making Paimon and the traveler shocked by the PDA.

Diluc gently pushed away Venti’s hand while he admonished about acting like that in front of guests. “What guests?” asked Venti innocently, making the Traveler so angry he almost spat blood.

“Me and Paimon. “ Said the traveler calmly while doing breathing techniques Nahida taught him for situations like these. “We have a few questions we were hoping you could answer? “ said the Traveler who was finally calm.

“Is it about the meeting? “asked Venti as his previously disheartened face cough* because of Diluc pushing him away cough* became curious.

The Traveler nodded as he asked Venti “What were previous meetings like?”

“Oh… I thought you were going to ask something interesting.” Said Venti. The Traveler was ready to strangle Venti but stopped himself. Paimon however had no such reservations.

Diluc stopped Paimon before she even had a chance to choke him and told her to go to the corner of the room and be in timeout for the rest of the conversation.

Venti continued talking “We never really talked about much. We addressed things like Archons who died and Archons who took their place. Hmm… Maybe some gossip about what was going on in Tevyat.”

Diluc hummed; he thought it would be much more professional; it turned out it was just like a gathering of friends who are meeting each other after a long time.

“Oh! I almost forgot to say this! “ exclaimed Venti. “What? “ said the Traveler immediately thinking it was something important.

“We can bring one adviser which can be mortal or immortal and we can bring our lovers. “ said Venti.

“Oh…” said Aether feeling like the amount of anger he had to go through was not with this information and got Paimon or off the timeout corner and was starting to leave when he asked “Venti, who are you going to take?”

“Diluc and Jean! Oh I should probably ask them if they're OK with it” said Venti. Venti looked towards Diluc who nodded while looking touched at being picked by his Archon out of all the citizens of Mondstat.

The Traveler looked at the PDA and left while thinking about the most painless way to die.

…

Jean was working in her office. Ever since Varka left she had to do double the amount of work she did before. Speaking of work she wanted to know more about the meeting which the Archons were having.

Knock* Knock*

“Venti, is that you?” she asked even though she knew he was the only one who enters places through windows.

“Yep! But I'm here for Archon business today.” said Venti as she opens the window to let him in.

Archon business? Was Mondstat in trouble? Do they have to evacuate citizens and ready the knights? Her thoughts were broken with Venti saying “Would you like to be my adviser for the Archon meeting? “

Adviser her? “I would love to, Venti. “ she answered. “Is there anything important I need to know? “ she asked.

“Hmm… I don't think so. We usually just gossip about what's happening in our lives butttt we do talk about matters like New Archons and what happens to the old ones. I really only need you for those matters.” replied Venti.

“Oh, we do need to leave some guards here. I'm pretty sure almost all of Mondstat is going for a chance to see me. So if you could decide who is staying that would be nice. “ requested Venti.

“Of course. In fact I'll get that started now. “ replied Jean who was already beginning to get the papers needed.

“Well I'll leave you to that” said Venti as he left from the window.

Chapter Text

Today was the day of the meeting and all the adepti, even Yanfei, who was helping out with the guidance of Madame Ping who was surprisingly also an adepti.

The center of Liyue Harbour was also filled with residents of other regions like Mondstat (where every single citizen came except for some guards assigned by Jean) Inazuma, etc.

Hu Tao was the least surprised that Zhongli was helping the adepti. She wanted to say ‘I told you so’ to all the people who thought her theory about Zhongli being an adepti was wrong.

A large table was put in the middle of the harbour with 3 chairs on the left and right and one chair at the head of the table. The spaces between the chairs were also very big, almost as if some people were gonna stand there.

…

Venti was facing an existential crisis. He didn't realize he was going to have to reveal he was an Archon till now.

Zhongli looked through the crowd straight at him and the blockhead had the audacity to look amused. He was going to throw a mountain at him!

Dilic, being the gentleman he is asked “Venti, are you okay? What's wrong?” Venti answered “I'm fine I just didn't realizeIwasgonnahavetorevealmyidentity!

Diluc also dared to look amused at his suffering. There was no one on his side. As he was thinking that threads of the thousand winds started touching his face in a comforting manner.

He cradled one of them in his hands as he said “Only you will always be on my side”

The touching moment is cut short when Zhongli, to the surprise of every single person in Liyue aside from a select few, sits at the head of the table.

Zhongli looks at himself and says “Hmm…” and suddenly he starts gaining draconic features like horns and his eyes get slanted and he gains fangs.

He looks exactly like the deceased Geo Archon. A few people realized who he actually was while some were relieved they didn't have to give money To Hu Tao.

Xiao quickly stands beside him and Zhongli says “The XX number of the archon meeting has begun.” and asks the Archons and their companions to take a seat.

…

Ei in her Archon form teleports to her seat as the first person on the right through purple lightning. Yae Miko walks towards her from the crowd and stands next to her.

…

Mavuika in her archon form rode her motorcycle over the crowd's head and skidded to a stop near the clearing where the table was.

She sat on the second seat to the right. She also had no one standing next to her.

…

Tsarista walked through the crowd, her harbingers making way for her. She was wearing a dress made of snow. Before sitting on her seat she freezes the seat. She sat alone as the third person on the right.

…

Zhongli looked at Venti who was still having his existential crisis and gave him a look.

“Fine! Fine… I'm coming” Said Venti as he beckoned Jean and Diluc to follow him.

He walked towards the first seat on the left, to the confusion of almost every citizen of Mondstat. The nuns were giving protests ahem* Victoria ahem.*

Venti sat on the seat with Diluc and Jean next to him. The citizens of Mondstat looked at Jean and Diluc with confusion. Jean and Diluc were not people who would play to the whims of a Bard. Were they?

Tsarista looked at Venti and said, “I didn't know we weren't wearing our Archon outfits Barbatos.”

Venti knew that he was supposed to wear his Archon outfit but he didn't want to expose himself. He could probably play it off if he just sat here but if he revealed his Archon outfit…

He can already see his carefree life slipping away. He looked at Zhongli the only other Archon who faced the end of their careless life.

“Yes my love, why aren't you wearing your Archon outfit?” Said the blockhead questioningly. He did it intentionally for Diluc too. Oh, I never did tell him I was married.

Venwo's Archon outfit materialized with a flurry of green and a hint of gold colours. He looked at Zhongli then Diluc and said in a very sweet and melodic voice “We should discuss our love affair after the official things… Now Furina will you please come and sit beside me.”

…

Furina came to this meeting only because she thought the Archons would have some big punishment for her and Fontaine and she wanted to protect Fontaine from getting the brunt of it. The official thing that Barbados was talking about must be her punishment. She went up to the table to the displeasure and boos of many Fontanians. As she was walking Neuvillettte came beside her.

As they reached the second seat to the left she was confused whether she should be the one sitting or should Neuvillette. Barbatos noticing her confusion said, “The Archon of Fontaine should sit on the seat.” She wasn't the Archon of Fontaine, was she? Barbatos answered her unasked question by saying “That means you Furina de Fontaine.”

The Fontanians were shocked, they didn't know the Anemo Archon as well as some of the other Archons like Morax but he couldn’t possibly be saying that Furina someone who had tricked them for 500 years was an Archon. Furina was just as shocked as her citizens but had grown used to masking her emotions and sat on the seat calmly.

Barbatos noticed her nervousness and whispered, “To not be nervous and that her citizens would not be harmed.” She sighed in relief and nodded. Neuvillette was wondering what they were talking about. He couldn't hear the conversation even with his dragon ears.

…

The Archon of Sumeru, Nahida was the last Archon to come with someone with a hat accompanying her. As they were walking to the seat the Sumeru Archon reminded the hat guy to “Ignore her.” and that “If you do not ignore her. I will ask Alhaitham to accompany me instead.” The hat guy nodded and Nahida sat on the third seat to the left.

…

Morax seeing that everyone had come announced “The xx number of the Archons had begun” and “the first matter they were going to discuss was Furina.”

Furina was scared out of her wits but she remembered that Barbatos told her that no harm would come to her citizens and calmed herself, at least on the outside. The Fontanian citizens were also scared similarly to Furina and waited with bated breath for what the Geo Archon was going to say next.

The Geo Archon, Morax to the surprise of every Fontanie and Mondstat citizen turned to Barbatos and asked “How long have you known about this Venti?”

…

Venti said “Ehe.”

Chapter Text

“I… knew from the start” Venti says as he makes the threads of the thousands winds materialize as Focalors talking to Furina and saying “I need you to play a role.”

Furina was shocked she didn't know anyone was watching her and Mirror-me at that time. But this also meant that Barbatos had never said anything… and at the start of the meeting he also considered her an Archon while knowing this. Furina didn't know how to feel about this.

Venti dispersed the threads of winds with a burst of Anemo energy and looked at Zhongli. Zhongli sighed and said “Why did you not tell us Barbatos?”

Venti pouted and said “It isn't my fault Morax… I was asleep but the thousand winds love gossip and kept me informed on everything.” Venti thought for a moment and said “It is similar to the Akasha system which Nahida uses… we can't control the information we get.”

Nahida perks up at her name being mentioned and nods and replies with “That is true Barbatos but as much as it is a curse it is also a blessing… we would not have been able to survive the Archon War without it.”

The mention of the Archon War caused a lot of curiosity among the scholars… as there is little to no information on it as it was so long ago.

Morax's voice stopped everyone from continuing their curiosity as he said “I understand you were asleep Barbatos but you woke up recently and even came to visit us a few times…Why did you not tell us this information then?”

Venti said “Ehe… I forgot” this caused a few people to facepalm. Venti giggled at the look on Diluc's face and said “It doesn't matter whether I knew or not… as we aren't going to punish Furina or her nation in any way.”

His comment caused a lot of people to let out breaths they weren't aware they were holding. It also caused some people to tense as they waited for what Rex Lapis would say next.

Morax nodded and said “You're right Barbatos… yet why do I get the feeling you hid it from us for shits and giggles?”

The casual use of profanity from the Geo Archon caused many people to gasp. The Anemo Archon just laughed and said “What if I did? What are you going to do about it… throw a mountain at me?”

His comment caused a lot of people in Mondstat especially Jean and Diluc to look at him in concern… Venti smiled at them to calm them. And looked at the Archons.

Ei scoffed… Nahida stayed calm used to our bickering and threats… Mavuika and Tsarista both looked disinterested… Furina had her face etched in concern.

Morax looked at him… His eyes glowing with amber in dissatisfaction and said “No… The last time I did that you almost destroyed a part of Tevyat while throwing it back…”

This caused a lot of people to gasp they knew the Geo Archon was strong but the Anemo Archon who was known to be gentle and weak was strong enough to compete with him… was a fact that no one, not even the scholars knew.

Venti giggled and said “ Remember that time I threw Pilos peak… It changed the whole terrain” he sighed wistfully.

Zhongli laughed and said “When you first became an Archon you were such a headache… cutting off mountains and creating oceans… but in the end you transformed Old Mondstat into such a beautiful place”

This caused many people in Mondsat, especially the people in the church to think about how great and strong Barbatos actually is. The scholars from the Academia were writing down everything they heard in amazement and wonder.

Ei, having had enough of this atmosphere, spoke out “Stop acting like an old married couple reminiscing about the past!”

Nahida giggled and responded to Ei with “Ei… Don't tell me you forgot they are married.”

Diluc looked at Venti with a glare and a look that spoke volumes about how he felt about this information.

The scholars and people in general were shocked at this new information… The scholars were immediately making theories. You could hear them muttering “Mondstat And Liyue next to each other” “Oldest Archon teaching new one develops into love” and other such things.

Venti said “Ehe… Don't look at me like that Diluc… I just forgot to tell you I was married.” Venti looked at Zhongli then Diluc and said “My marriage contract with Morax lets me be in a relationship with other mortals… And I don't love you any less.”

The ‘I don't love you any less’ comment by Venti addressed to Diluc caused a lot of mixed reactions… Some people were thinking along the lines of ‘Humans can have a relationship with gods… Can I date one’ while some people were thinking more along the lines of ‘Barbatos is two timing his mortal lover’ but none of the reactions were as extreme as Kaeya's.

Kaeya, who didn't want to be at the meeting whatsoever but was still here, was fuming at this information… He was going to kill Venti… he can find a way to kill an Archon and if there isn't a way he'll make one.

Venti who felt bloodlust from Kaeya's detection was sweating bullets and said “My child, I know you are angry but seeing where you come from… A few Archons and people here will not hesitate to kill you… So stop oozing bloodlust!”

This comment caused both Diluc and Zhongli to look in Kaeya's direction. Zhongli with a glare and Diluc with concern. Diluc then felt a stare coming from Zhongli.

Zhongli said “Ahem.” and even though the cough was quiet it caused silence. Zhongli looked at Venti then Diluc and said “I will not harm you or interrupt your relationship with Venti… This is not the first and I suspect it will not be the last time either where Venti had another relationship.”

He then paused for a moment and said “Venti’s heart is filled with enough love to share between me, you and Mondstat.”

Venti blushed at the comment Zhongli said about how much love he carried in his heart… ‘Zhongli that smooth talker’ he thought.

Diluc looked at Zhongli in a new light and said to Venti “We will talk about this when we get home…”

Venti said “Ehe… Can I be drunk while having this talk?”

Diluc and Zhongli both stared at him with a deadpan look.

Chapter Text

My parents found out I'm bisexual... They are religious and homophobic. So bye-bye to fanfiction and my phone & laptop for a while. I'll still try to write chapters at school (I'm at school right now) but don't get your hopes up.

Chapter Text

Tsarista was done with their antics and shouted “Are we going to talk about official matters or not!?”

Venti laughed and asked Tsarista if this was her time of the month… It was silent for a long time before Tsarista said “And what if it is? You haven't been in your female form for ages… you can't feel my pain!”

Tsarista hit Venti’s nerves. He did in fact know her pain… and to prove that point he transformed into his female form… He was still wearing that revealing outfit but he was flat for the most part so it didn't change much.

What did change though was the reactions of the people… Scholars from the Akadameia were already making theories and wondering if all gods could do that (If they all could Tsarista probably wouldn't be on her period…)

The people from the Church had finally accepted that Venti was Barbatos and were faced with yet another shocking revelation… Their God was a Goddess… Sister Victoria fainted.

Rosaria just said hmm she didn't believe in Bartoabs but at least the Bartatos God knew how period pain felt and he… or was it she… well at least they like alcohol.

Diluc and Zhongli had some interesting reactions as well… Zhongli was looking at him curiously and said “You haven't been in that form for a 1000 years… But you look just as pretty as I remember.” Zhongli, that smooth talker, thought Venti as he blushed furiously.

Diluc however was looking at Venti like he was from another world. Venti blushed even more from the attention he was receiving and turned that attention back to Tsarista and said “I can In Fact feel your pain!”

Tsarista just glared at him and said “You aren't in your female form 24/7… only Furina, Ei and Mavuika can feel my pain.”

Nahida disagreed and spoke her disagreement “Before I used all my power I used to have periods too! And aren't you making us go off the topic even more?”

Tsarista just nodded to Nahida words, the little goddess was right she had gotten off topic but it wasn't her fault she glared at the carefree Archon who was blushing at all the attention.

Venti felt her glare and shrugged. Venti finally spoke… and it came out in a high pitched voice “Don't glare at me… you started this.” Venti puts emphasis on you.

Mavuika was grinning at the chaos that was forming in front of her eyes… Venti and Tsarista used to be friends, love and freedom go together after all but after the incident 500 years ago… they abandoned their friendship, she has gotten used to their bickering by now and started to enjoy it.

Zhongli raised his hand and all bickering and teasing stopped. He opened his mouth and said “If we are going to talk about official matters… we would be talking about why you took our gnosis.”

Scholars from the Akadameia started wondering what a Gnosis is…

Tsarista realized that yes, her stealing the gnosis was an official matter and hurried to correct her mistake and say “Official matter? We should be talking about unofficial matters… how long has it been since the seven of us gathered this way!”

So a Gnosis was important enough to be classified as an official matter and the Cyro Archon was taking them is the connection many of the Scholars from the Akadameia made.

All the Archons and the people of several regions (the ones brave enough) gave her the side-eye but Tsarista was successful as the other Archons decided to not focus on her stealing the Gnosis anymore.

Tsarista let out a sigh of relief… the people from her nation were shocked at seeing their Archon act like a kid who got away with lying to her parents.

Venti looked around and saw that the Traveller was still not there… Venti had given the Traveller the wrong directions as a prank but who would have guessed he still wasn't here. (It’s not because I forgot he existed… I'm lying)

Well he said it was a prank but he just didn't want Paimon to be there while they discussed official matters, like Furina and her nation.

Venti thought for a moment then looked towards Zhongli’s seat and beckoned Xiao to come closer.

Zhongli let Xiao go but looked curious as did Diluc, Jean and all the other Archons and their companions (except Hat Guy he spent the entire meeting glaring at the Electro Archon with Nahida holding his hand to calm him)

Venti spoke to Xiao still in the high pitched and feminine voice “Find the Traveller for me he should be dealing with the Geo Hypostasis right now. Help him defeat it and come back with him.”

Xiao glanced towards Zhongli who nodded and Xiao went to retrieve the Traveller. Nahida said “I was wondering where the Traveller and his little companion were. Good job keeping Paimon away!”

Venti just shrugged “We don't want Celestia to listen in, do we?” In response to his question all the Archons agreed, especially Tsarista if they found out what she was doing it would be off with her head and nation.

Just then Xiao appeared while carrying the Traveller in a princess carry… Perhaps Venti should have given an easier monster to fight while distracting him?

The citizens of various Nations all recognized the Traveller and were shocked… none of them noticed he wasn't there.

Oh well what is done is done after thinking that Venti got off his throne to where the Traveller and Xiao were and used the lyre the Hummel to play a soft tune which healed the Traveller's bruises and scrapes.

The Church and the Scholars from the Akadameia were shocked that Varvatos could heal from music… the Scholars from the Akadameia were also brainstorming their thoughts were ‘Can humans use music to heal’ ‘Can we ask Buer to teach us how to heal with music’ and other such thoughts.

The Traveller woke up after Venti healed him and opened his eyes to a female Venti… The Traveller rubbed his eyes but could still see the female Venti.

“Why can’t I wake up?” Asked the Traveller.

Chapter Text

Venti looked down at his body which was still female and finally changed back to his original form and said “You are awake Traveller!”

After hearing that the Traveller began looking around and seeing his surroundings. He realized that Paimon wasn't there and this was probably where the Archon meeting is.

After the Traveller got up he started strangling Venti saying things along the lines of you tricked me, why did you give me the wrong directions and other such things.

Venti looked to Zhongli and asked him to pause the meeting for a break while Diluc was pulling Venti away from Aether who was still trying to strangle him. Zhongli nodded and went to his throne.

He said in a loud voice which demanded respect and obedience. “It is time for a break… the mortals may eat lunch while the Archons will take a break.”

Everyone left the center of the plaza and scared of what The Geo Archon would do if they were still there. Zhongli got down from his throne and went to Venti, Diluc and Aether while the other Archons were talking with each other and eating snacks… courtesy of Nahida.

Aether has a surprisingly strong grip thought Diluc who was still struggling to stop Aether strangling Venti. Zhongli came by and separated them without breaking a sweat.

Diluc was about to ask if Venti was okay but Venti started speaking “Don't worry I can survive without Air… Kinda funny how the Anemo Archon can survive without Air!”

Diluc was giving Venti a look which said he did not believe a word that came out of his mouth but said nothing outwardly. Venti called Xiao over and told him to explain what “Paimon” really is to the Traveller.

Diluc asked “Why aren't you explaining yourself?” Venti sighed and answered “I tried while he was strangling me…”

Diluc said “I can see why the Traveller strangled you…” Venti let out a sound of confusion “Because I am going to strangle you unless you explain to me why you were dating me while you are married!”

Zhongli was within earshot of the conversation and approached the two. Best to clear up all misunderstandings now.

Venti and Diluc looked away from each other and to the figure that was approaching, Zhongli. Diluc looked nervous when he saw the Geo Archon walking towards them.

“Do not worry Ragnvindr, I will not be stealing Venti from you.” Said Zhongli amused as he saw the look of nervousness on Diluc’s face.

“I’m not worried” said Diluc and the two of them were in a strange staring contest. Now is the best time, thinks Venti, as he starts to sneak away to get some wine… only to freeze in place as he notices two pairs of eyes staring at him holding a bottle of wine.

Opps, I thought they would have a longer staring contest. Oh, well now is the best time as any and drinks the whole bottle. It isn't enough to get him drunk or even tipsy but it does help enough to take the edge of the conversation he and Diluc will have.

…

The three of them are now sitting in a deserted restaurant. Everyone ran away when they saw Zhongli and Diluc looking red with rage.

“Why are you guys so mad… I’m not even tipsy!” The glares he received were cue enough for him to shut up.

“You always do this before serious conversation…” said Zhongli “And before you tell me something depressing about your past.” The two then talked for a while while insulting Venti and pointing out his shortcomings.

Eventually the two were engrossed in the conversation enough for Venti to leave and go to the back of the restaurant to steal *ahem borrow the wine supply.

Those two sure are getting along, thinks Venti…. We might even have a threesome. It has been a while since me and Zhongli did that… His thoughts were interrupted when a thread from the thousand winds came to inform him that Zhongli and Diluc were done talking.

He teleported (He teleported in the first cutscene in the game so it's canon) to the washroom and got out of there casually.

“We can still smell the wine…” said Diluc but at this point he was too fed up with Venti to even scold him about it. Zhongli apparently shared the same sentiment. They actually got along far more than Diluc thought they would.

Zhongli was having thoughts among similar lines. I can see why Venti would like Diluc. He’s a good person and he has the Ragnvindr looks that Venti seems to pin for.

“So~ We should return back to the meeting now right? It's not like we have anything else to do…” Venti thought he could get away from answering well he though wrong. “Not so fast Venti… You. Still. Have. Not. Answered. My. Question.”

“He well… polygamy is normal with most gods in Celestia… And Isaroth my mother always had a few people from Celestia on her bed… And I grew up with her.”

“But you never thought to at least tell me you were married!?” Venti looked sheepish now and nodded and said “I- I should have yes… I should have told you.”

“Will you forgive me?” asked Venti sincerely and Diluc found it hard to say no. “What’s done is done… it is of no use worrying about past events unless it was a contract” Zhongli added.

“We should return back. Xiao must have finished explaining to the Traveller by now.” Diluc and Zhongli agreed so they started walking back.

The saw Xiao and Aether next to Zhongli’s chair and saw that a bit of the crowd had gathered back actually almost all of the Scholars of the Akadameia were there. Those scholars must really want to learn.

When they saw the three of them together they were muttering things along the lines of “threesome” and “That Anemo Archon must really be seductive”

Seductive… I’ll show you seductive thought Venti as he winked at them as he passed them on the way to his throne. Diluc glared at him but Venti said “Don't worry your the one I love. I was just reading them.”

He sighed but made no other gestures. Zhongli sat on his chair and after some wishpers with Xiao and Aether and asking if Aether understood everything and wouldn't try to strangle Venti announced ”The break is over and the meeting will commence again.”

Chapter Text

“Do we even have any official matters left to talk about?” Asked Venti. The others were silent for a moment and eventually all of them said “No.” Tsarista was especially enthusiastic; she must not want to talk about the gnosises she stole. Just as Venti was about to say we can move into unofficial matters… Nahida spoke up much to his dismay. “Should we talk about the Traveller's existence? He is not from this world after all and I’d say that's enough for him to classify as an official matter.” 

The citizens, especially the scholars from the Akadameia, were thinking this ranging from ‘WHAT?” And ‘So this proves that others worlds exist… OTHER WORLDS EXIST?’ respectively. 

The Traveller who was mentioned was pointing at himself in a way that said ‘are you talking about me?’ “I say we do not need to worry about his existence and that if he needs citizenship of a nation, Mondstat will surely accept him!” Venti proclaimed even though he was only saying this to move on to unofficial matters like drinking all the mortals thought ‘Wow, Mondstat really does accept everyone’ 

“So we can move on to unofficial matters right?” Venti asked though it sounded more like he was pleading for it all to be done with. Zhongli replied after a moment of contemplation “Yes… we can finally move on to the ‘drinking and gossip’ part.”

Venti didn't need to be told twice as he got a bottle of Dandelion Wine from Archons know where (The Archons actually don’t know either) and started drinking. The other Archons sighed at his antics while Furina decided fuck rules and drank a bottle of wine that Venti handed her. 

Wow thought Venti as she drank the whole bottle. I'm so proud of Furina finally experiencing freedom for the first time. Neuvillettte definitely disagreed saying “How dare you try to corrupt Lady Furina!” Venti was insulted because he didn't make the choice to drink that bottle Furina did. 

He was about to say just that when Morax intervened “Venti, remember what happened the last time you fought.” Ahh yes, he almost destroyed Tevyat. “I see your point… Well we can fight through music instead! Whoever has the best song wins.” Neuvillettte was kind of ashamed to say he was bad at music so he instead asked “What happened the last time Venti fought?” 

Tsarista sipped her tea (provided by Nahida) calmly while saying in a traumatized voice “I remember… the world… destroyed… Isaroth… had… to… intervene.” She said this while sipping her tea hence the long pauses but It looked like she was having traumatic war flashbacks. 

The crowd wonders who Isaroth was… but she sure does sound powerful some scholars from the Akadameia thought.

Neuvillettte was shocked does Barbatos have the power to destroy the world… and Isaroth as well… isn't she a shade of the heavenly principles? How is she even related to Barbatos? Before he could ask these questions Barbatos intervened “Can we stop talking about my mother… I don't like her!” What did he mean by ‘Mother’ Don't tell me… “ISAROTH IS YOUR MOTHER!” 

Does that mean Archons can have mothers? Some people from the crowd thought. Some scholars from the Akadameia continued that thought… Realizing that Vanessa, someone who ascended to Celestia, was a human… but she did have a vision… huh so if you have a vision regardless of species you could become an Archon?

“Yes… but no.” Replied Venti and in response to his reply a lot of people said WTF in their hearts (there's children at the meeting I ain't going to make them swear) Except for Beidou who had no qualms about saying it so she said “What the fuck?” before realizing her mistake and saying “Oops…” luckily Venti made the wind protect the ears of the children.(AKA he made the modern version of noise cancelling headphones)

Zhongli, used to his husband's antics said “Isaroth is technically Venti’s mother but she didn't give birth to him the way humans do and no I will not be explaining any further.” Diluc stared at Venti asking ‘explain further’ because he was kind of curious now, besides Venti never talked about his family this was probably the only chance he was going to get to know more and he would be damned if he wasn't going to take it. 

Venti would have preferred his family tree to be under wraps but who was he to deny Diluc that he wanted… and Venti didn't want to regret not telling Diluc this after all he was only alive for so long whereas Venti would be alive much longer. Besides everyone already knows he's an Archon anyway…

Fuck it… Venti drank a whole bottle to the side eye 👀 of many people and he started explaining “The story starts long long ago…” the wisps of the thousand winds come to create a picture similar to even Barbatos showed Furina and Focalors conversation but at a much larger scale. 

…

“Isaroth, my creator created the thousand winds…” Venti paused to the disappointment of many before he calmed them down and said “It was actually a 100,000… as said in the Skyward Atlas but continuing on she created all of them using equal parts of her power but by the time she came to the last one her power was almost finished so the last one and to stay with her for a while.” 

Diluc looked like he wanted to ask a question so Venti paused and gestured to Diluc to ask “Are you- no were you a wind spirit?” Venti sighed theatrically and said “Yes I am not a tiny wind spirit, youngest of my 100,000 siblings. Woe is me.” 

The crowd was curious now… was Barbatos really a wind spirit but Morax was a dragon… So it wouldn't be that far fetched would it? 

Venti could see that the crowd was unsure of whether he was a wind spirit or not and Diluc was right there… and he did want to impress him… “Diluc let me show you my wind wisp form!” And he turned into his wisp form to the Oohs and Ahhs of the little kids in the audience and of A few adults. He then went and sat in Diluc’s lap and decided to tell the rest of the story there.