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It was extra windy today, Varesa noted. Natlan wasn’t a stranger to strong winds, but something about today felt different. Making her way through the Stadium of Sacred Flame felt more exhausting than ever; the wind seemed to make every step seem heavy. It reminded her of when she begged the coach to use her leg weights and very swiftly regretted it. When the restaurant finally came into view, she was caught off guard by just how tired she was! I mean, she’s made this same produce order a hundred times, and yet everything burned today. For once, The Weary Inn certainly lived up to its name.
“Welcome to The Weary- Oh, Varesa, welcome!” Hiia greeted her as always. She was bright and energetic, but today the exhaustion was in her very bones.
“Hello Hiia! Sorry for the wait,” Varesa Muttered. “The wind was so strong today, but it couldn’t get me down!” While she tried to stay cheerful,l the look on Hiia’s face told her it wasn’t enough.
Guilt clawed at her throat over worrying her. “I’m sure some food will perk me right up!” Hiia gave her a long look. “Alright… You deserve a break anyway! I’ll fix up some blazed meat stew and be right over. Find a spot! We have a real treat today!” Varesa tilted her head curiously. “A treat? Like out of the Nation?”
“That’s right!” She chirped, “The shipment from Mondstadt’s famed dawn winery came in, and with it a bard! He’s so good, and happy to be paid in alcohol, from what it seems! People weren’t lying about those free spirit types”
Varesa could only blink as she processed the words. She must have been more tired than she thought, cause she only now noticed the melody. It was so different than the drums and ukulele that musicians normally used in Natlan, so much… softer. “I’ll go find a seat then!” Varesa beamed, waving as she followed the melody. She felt like she was in a trance as she made her way through the crowd, muttering apologies as she found a seat. Varesa could finally see the infamous bard, sitting on a stage. He was short, covered in pretty green and cream colored clothing that she had never truly seen before, holding a stunning wooden lyre.
Sitting down, she allowed herself to just drift off. The sound of the lyre was soft and warm like a trip to the hot springs. She could feel that ache starting to melt away after just a moment. When did the music stop? When did the bard sit across from her with a charming little smile? “Greetings, weary traveler! Though I suppose I'm the traveler today!” He giggled just a little at his own joke.
Before she could respond, Hiia returned and placed a steaming pot on the table. “Here we are! You eat up now, alright, Varesa?” She was moving to the next customer before Varesa could even respond, so she settled on a tired smile. It smelled fantastic; it always did!
However, something about it smelled just a little different. She dug in and wolfed it down like a starving dog before she could even think about the stranger across from her. The stranger chuckled, “You must have been starving, huh? I do hope that dandelion wine she got is to your liking! It’s the gem of modern Mondstadt after all!”
It didn’t surprise Varesa that Hiia changed it from the one she typically bought from the collective of plenty. Varesa knew she could handle pretty much anything food-wise, so she was typically used as a taste tester. Now that she wasn’t starving, she slowed down, letting the tastes mingle on her tongue. Hiia was amazing at cooking; no one could argue that. The meat was tender, falling apart with every spoonful, and the chunks of carrot and potatoes always made it a hearty meal; but it was so different today. It was sweeter than normal, less heavy too. “It’s so much lighter even with that one change! It feels like I could keep eating forever!” She adjusted, leaning over the table with sparkling eyes. “I heard that that dandelion wine is made specifically so you can drink a ton!”
The bard blinked at the change before grinning. “Well~ Designed might be a bit of a stretch, but master diluc’s family has been in the business for generations! They have it down to an art at this point! Tavern and wine culture are beloved in Mondstadt, from the bards that play in them to the wine that gets served! Honestly, though, there’s still plenty to enjoy without drinking.” He waves his hand a little with his last words.
Varesa nodded along. “I see! Man, you would probably love the children of the springs! Plenty of music and art, and the hot springs are fantastic! A bit of a tourist hot spot now that Natlan has opened up more, but still so worth it!”
The bard hums and the wind blows through again, rustling his hair gently before he sighs. “It’s been ages since I’ve been in Natlan, but soaking in the hot springs, playing the lyre and drinking wine are one of my fondest memories! I’m actually here as a favor for a dear friend of mine and figured it would be fun to tag along with the Dawn Winery shipment.” He goes quiet again after a moment. “I’m glad the winds of change has finally blown through Natlan… it feels so much easier to breathe now.”
A noise from outside catches his attention, and his eyes narrow for just a moment before he smiles again.
He stands up, stretching before grabbing his lyre from its place on the table. It takes a moment for her to register he was leaving. “Hey, wait!” Varesa interrupts, “I'm Varesa from the collective of plenty! If you're staying in Natlan for a bit, you should definitely visit!”
“I’ll make my way there, don’t you worry!” The stranger chuckles. “Oh! How rude of me. I never introduced myself, did I? I’m Venti the bard; unfortunately, I really must be going if I’m not careful; they’re gonna move to the next stop without me, and we certainly can’t have that!”
He makes his way to the door before pausing. “May the wind bless your travels, Varesa!” His grin was so bright and warm like a perfect spring breeze, and a mix of energy and bliss washed over her for just a moment. It felt like something changed in the air, like those words had some true power behind them that made it feel true.
Varesa could only smile.