Spring touched wind blessed lands, and love hung thick in the air like honeyed dew over newborn leaves. The people of Mondstadt clung to hopes of companionship, and thoughts of romance. As such, it was not surprising to see the small crowd in the main square, attentively listening to a silver tongued master of his craft, hoping to glean some hidden tricks to win the heart that special someone.
For his part, Venti was just finishing with his small group, bidding them adieu as the allotted time ended. This little rendezvous of his had gone even better than expected, and the coins jingling satisfactorily amongst the rest of his things promised a sweet, alcoholic reward as a fruit of his recent labor. After his class concluded, Venti moved off, westward bound toward the side exit of the city. His footsteps were light and cheerful, unaware of the one following him.
Eventually, he found a nice, secluded area to count his winnings, away from the hustle and bustle of the main square. It was then that he noticed the newcomer.ย โHm?โ A questioning hum escapes him, and windkissed eyes flit to the side. It was then that they met that same steely blue that heโd known so long ago. Those same eyes that had burned with a passion for freedom and moved people to rebellion. Those same eyes that the light had so cruelly abandoned that cold, winterโs day.
Emotions flashed, brought forward at once with a howling churn. The storming sensation within the tiny archon was uncomfortable at best. Shock, confusion, anguish, grief, disbeliefโฆ They danced around his heart and mind like some tribal ritual, just before the sacrifice. There was no way. Surely, it must be but a ghost of his past. Some abstract concoction of his mindโs eye, or some subconscious question on how the boy might enjoy the festival. There would be some explanation. Some simple, natural cause.
โYouโre notโฆ Real.โ
One of the secrets Barbatos kept close to his heart was that heโd seen that boy before. Yes, every time his eye caught the stray puddle or lakebed, fond memories of ages past were brought to light, but more than thatโฆ At his lowest points, when he was at a nigh unreachable depth, contemplating the finality of it all, he could have sworn heโd heard that voice. Seen that smile. Just out of reach, an outstretched hand tantalizingly offered the same comforting touch of bygone times, but it would always vanish when Venti reached out to take it.
He didnโt understandโฆ He hadnโt even been thinking of his departed friend just now. How then, was his mind playing these awful tricks? Or, perhaps more aptly, why? Was that truly his fate? If only it were a true haunting. Then, at leastโฆ Heโd have the company.
What a peculiar sight. The teacher had left off, and Ronen wanted to ask a question to the boy. There were some questions he had wanted to ask, such as what he was teaching, or if he could maybe teach him the meaning of the festivities. But he was no blind fool. Ah, no. Far from it. He noticed the boy had mirrored his same reflection. That was another thing that had confused him, and he wanted to know as to how, or why? This place was getting stranger, and stranger...ย
Soon, the bard had stopped to count out his coinage, and delight sprinkled into his expression! Theย sweet breeze blew through his hair, and almost uplifted him as he walked closer, closing in the gap in the small spaces. Finally, his questions could get answered, and maybe heโd make a new friend. He certainly did feel a hole, one that sat on his shoulders, and would talk with the words he knew.ย
...
But then, that reaction:ย
Youโre notโฆ Real.
โErm...Excuse me?โ
Before he could even say anything, the boy stood in shock as he heard that sentence. And what an odd phrase it was, to say to someone else. His face twisted with confusion and surprise. He took a step forward, holding up both of his hands.
โNothing to fear, nothing to worry about. I promise you, my friend, I am actually here. I wanted to ask you a few questions, but one just got added to the list. And now has become the priority. So pray tell, are you alright? You look as though you see the undead, though I can delightfully say the only thing around here are these large, brown creatures, and mages in bubbles. However, I am neither of those things.โ
He stands proud at that fact. No, he is not a monster! Not at least as far as he can tell. But then...why is someone so frightened by his presence?ย
โIโm just a humble bard. One...without a lyre, but that does not mean I am not still one of my craft! There is nothing to fear, friend of mine.โ
kianamaiart
discoholicmusic
yousharknotpass
andulkaphoto
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
gamechangershow
