Chapter Text
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After the Grandmaster along with his knights returned from the expedition, Nod Krai suggested to ally with Mondstadt to strengthen each other after the recent events in both cities. A meeting between the moonchanters and the Knights were going to be held at the Knights of Favonious after Ludi Harpastum.
Columbina, hearing of this, decided it would be nice travel to mondstadt. It was a chance to go to new places and meet people like she had wanted to, plus it would be fun to pay Venti a visit...
She supposes it's fine to attend to a political meeting as the moon goddess once in a while.
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On the first day of the festival, the city of mondstadt was already busting with joy and laughter, celebrating as hard as they can. Columbina has to admit-- Mondstadt's festive mood was quite enjoyable.
While making her way to the Grand Goth Hotel with Lauma, she spotted familiar boy with side braids that transitions to teal at the ends..It seems that he was making his way to a crowded tavern while tuning his lyre.
After telling Lauma that she was off to visit an old friend, Columbina found herself hesitating to open the door to the tavern. What if they recognize her and treat her differently? She was here to enjoy the festival, not to intimidate people with her presence...
Just as she was taking a deep breath, a distinguished blond woman approached the tavern as well. Judging by her looks-- the high ponytail and professional clothing, Columbina didn't take long to realize that it was the acting Grandmaster whom greeted her when she and the moonchanters first arrived at mondstadt.
"Miss Hyposelena, good evening, is everything alright?" The blond woman asked in a voice that was somehow concerned and aloof at the same time.
Columbina bit her lip. Obviously, she didn't mean to worry anyone..It was just something that bothered her a bit, really. But now that the acting Grandmaster is here with her, perhaps it became a little less scary to enter.
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The tavern was actually much less nerve wrecking than she thought. As she settled down to one of the front seats of the tavern-- where the acting Grandmaster sat, she set her eyes on the red headed man that was conversing with the acting Grandmaster.
... Right. After all this time, she doesn't even know the acting Grandmaster's name!
Before she could even ask, the red headed man looked at Columbina in a steady gaze, as if examinating her.
"Jean, may I know who this is?"
The acting Grandmaster, who apparently is called Jean, introduced Columbina to the red headed man. After knowing who she is, his shoulders seem to relax instead of stifling up like most people's reaction. Curious to why, she voiced her question. For some reason, he seemed to be lost for words.
At that moment, the bard in green finally makes his way torwards Columbina.
"Bina! What a pleasant surprise~"
"Venti, It's good to see you." The moon joyfully replied.
After extending his greetings, the bard bowed torwards the hyped audience and announced that he would take a short break from performing. There were a few disappointed looks, but the people quickly went back to their previous coversations.
" The winds have whispered to me that you've come to deal with some professional business .. So, what's going on in the life of our beloved moon goddess?" Venti let out a cheeky grin as he settled down on the stool next to Jean.
Speaking of which, Jean had started to explain the situation between Nod Krai and Mondstadt's alliance, as Venti halfly listened while idly strumming his lyre once again.
"Huh, so you're here for that kind of business... Still, I'm glad you've decided to pay an old friend a visit! Ehe~" The bard replied with a charming wink.
"Is there anything you would like to do during Ludi Harpastum, Miss Hyposelena?" Jean said, as she turned her head torwards Columbina after taking a sip from her glass.
... Columbina thought it would be nice to experience the festival, but she hasn't thought out on what to actually do at all.
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Even after giving it some thought, she couldn't think of anything..Then suddenly, Venti suggested the idea of doing a duet!
"A duet between the wind and the Moon, that is quite poetic.." she subconsciously mumbled. Columbina decided to agree on performing a duet with Venti tomorrow night at the statue in front of the church,,, just so she could spend more time with a friend she rarely sees.
Venti, startled as starry eyes appeared on his face as if he didn't expect her to agree, chirped, "really??! I didn't think you would actually want to, Columbina, since you wanted to keep a low profile on your identity and all..."
The bard smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
" Singing songs with an old friend in mondstadt sounds lovely, I'd like to perform with you either way.." Columbina replied. " Since mondstadtans aren't as familiar with nod krai culture, I think most of them won't recognize my voice."
Venti nodded gently after hearing her explanation, seemingly satisfied with the moon goddess' explanation.
Deep in contemplation for a few seconds, the moon turned to face the wind.
"besides, I dont think the people of mondstadt would treat someone distantly for being different, I have faith in their culture and respect towards freedom by accepting everyone."
Venti's eyes softened, as the knight next to him gave him a knowing and reassuring glance-- She guesses even the anemo archon struggles with humanity's views on them.