Chapter Text
It had been a few months since Varka had been named Grand Master of the knights of Favonious and things had been going rather smoothly. Though his Master, Master Arundolyn, the Previous Grand Master has been giving him quite a few judgemental looks for certain decisions and behaviours here he knew the man still trusted him and and stood by his decision to hand the mantle over to him.
This fact made even more clear when his Master had entered his previous office, now Varka's office one evening in confidence to inform him of one last and final matter that needed to be handled to solidify his place as not only the Grand Master but as a protector of Mondstadt.
Upon hearing this ofcourse Varka was excited. A secret test? Known only by history's line of Grand Masters? Bring it on! His mind raced with what exactly the test could be? Was it a fight? A puzzle? A treasure hunt—"
A flick to his forehead. Brought him back to the Present, an Exasperated look on his Master's face. "I know that look, stop, because it's not what your thinking."
"Aw so you're not gonna face me in combat one last time for old times sake." He said giving an exaggerated pout gaining an amused scoff from the older man. "You're insatiable. Won't you let this old man and his weary bones rest? Besides I've already taught you everything you need to know humf."
Standing up Varka crossed the desk and slung a shoulder over his Master firm shoulders. For all the man now talked about his age and his "feeble bones" Varka knows that despite his muscles not being what they once were. Bulk now leaner, his once bright red hair that often used to make him mistaken for someone of the Ragnvinder not dulled and spotted with grey and eyes that once burnt with adventure still twinkled but hummed mostly now with experience and wisdom.
He knows his master was still strong and Varka thinks that makes him all the more interesting of an opponent.
However he decided to let his Master live this time and not push it "It's not about learning Master it's about fun." He chuckled good naturedly bit dropped it.
"Right anyway, as for what I was saying. There is no trial or test, if anything atleast anymore because you've already passed."
"I have?"
"You're already Grand Master, ofcourse you have! I just wanted you to settle into the role a bit more, but unsurprisingly," Arundolyn glanced around the room, everything orderly but already screaming "Varka." And it was not just the appearance of his previous office but his authority as well. Accepted and revered. "It seemed you slipped quite easily into the role."
At this Varka grinned unabashedly, rubbing under his nose smugly. "ah well Master you know I'm just amazing like that?"
Arundolyn hum "mmm yes well with that there's just one more thing to do."
"Which is?"
"There's someone you need to meet." The older man stated and Varka raised a brow. "Someone I need to meet? Is it one of those Hexenzirkel ladies? Because I've had a idea recently and have been meaning to ask to meet with them to strike a deal—" he paused seeing the stoney look the older was giving him. "It's nothing bad I swear—" he quickly reassured "it's for the benefit and protection of Mondstadt."
Arundolyn sighed "whatever it is I'm sure this person could help you get in touch with them or Lady Alice atleast."
"Woah, really? They must be someone really important!"
"Of course."
"Who are they?" Varka asked beyond curious now but instead of answering Arundolyn pulled his pocket watch from his breast pocket and looked at the time.
He hummed "make sure to have your duties handled and be ready tomorrow at promptly Late Afternoon, I will take you too them then." He said before turning on his heels and heading to the door.
Varka jokingly whined "Awe not even a hint Master?"
"5pm Varka." was all he got before his office door opened and Promptly shut.
.........
5pm on the dot a knock came to Grand Master Varka's office and only 1 second later did he pull his door open to reveal the Previous Grand Master.
"Good afternoon Master."
"Grand Master Varka. You seem ready and eager."
"Ofcourse I am! this is quite exciting and Not to mention important you know I'm not someone that shucks their duties—"
Arundolyn gave him a look
"— when it's important anyway. Plus it's best to make good impressions, look I even brought them a gift!" Varka held up a bag.
"Is that Dandelion wine?"
"Yup! A really good and Aged brew, got it from the Ragnvinder's celler themselves! with permission ofcourse." He grinned.
Now knowing his Master Varka thought the man would scoff or voice some sort of disapproval but instead a small smile graced his lips and he nodded in approval.
"Good choice."
Varka gaped "really!?"
"Yes," he turned "anyway let up be on our way."
If Varka wasn't excited before he was now. Eager to meet the person that according to his Master would very much enjoy a good dandelion wine. He couldn't NOT get along with such a person.
As they continue through the halls to the main entrance, it was quiet, most people having gone home for the day, out on patrols or in their office ready to cram more work into the night. As they filtered into the empty main hall instead of heading to the door Arundolyn continued across the hall to the steps .
Varka faltered behind him slightly. "Uh Master?"
"Come along Varka." Was all he said climbing the stairs.
'oh, they're already here?'
Following along Varka remained quiet even as they climbed to the second floor and the third and then the roof?
Arundolyn place his hand on the doornob and paused to give Varka a look. He didn't say anything but Varka automatically straighten and smile.
"I would say behave and be respectful but he would not care for such things. You two will surely get along. A little too well maybe" He sighed. This making Varka smile grow wider, "oh?" liking this person he hasn't even met more and more already.
Without anymore fanfare the older man pushed the door open and walked onto the bricked roof. First in sight was a simple table with two chairs, a tew set placed onto but he hardly glance at it. As just beyond the table, preferring to sit at the very edge of the building and peer down onto the city was a familiar green cladded bard.
"Venti?" Varka gaped, the bard turning around at the call of his name. He looked sheepish.
Risking a glance at his Master the man did not seem the least bit suprised at the bard's presence which only meant..
Varka beamed. As Venti hopped down from the wall and game closer the blonde gave him a knowing look. "I can't believe Mr. Easy breezy, no responsibilities wayward bard is some sort big shot Hexenzirkel associate?" He laughed hitting the shorters back. "Honestly can't say I'm too suprised there was always.. something about you— in a good way ofcourse, just couldn't put my finger on it, Although—"
Varka's smile dropped slightly as he looked at Venti, he looked slightly uncomfortable. Nervous. and he tried to soothe it with a gentle and reassuring look. An equally as gentle hand on his shoulder. Varka lowered his voice just for the two of them to hear as he spoke. "Is...Is this what you've been so worried about telling me? Because this hardly changes anything about 'us' and how I feel about you you know?" He uttered softly but despite his reassurance the bard's brow only furrowed.
"Varka—"
Before he could saying however Arundolyn stepped in. "I see you two are already acquainted." He smiled.
Straightening up and stepping back a bit Varka smiled once more and glance down at Venti, though the raven seemed to be finding it a bit hard to meet his eyes. His smile fell a bit "we're uh, great drinking buddies."
Arundolyn looked between them and hummed "yes, I've heard. But judging by the looks on both of your faces I think proper introductions are still in order."
"Uh, Proper Introductions?" He peaked at Venti and grinned "ooh do you have some sort of fancy title or something?"
"Something like that....." Venti mumbled with a sigh.
Arundolyn. "Varka as the new Grand Master of the Nights of Favonious, The highest Protector of Mondstadt you've now the honor and duty of director council with our nation's diety."
Varka looked between his Master and his 'friend' "huh? What do you—"
Arundolyn gestured to Venti, the bard sporting a sheepish smile.
"Varka, meet the Anemo Archon. Barbatos."
Varka blink. Looking between them. Then blinked again. "—you're—"
...
"Huh!?!?"