Chapter Text
It’s within the late hours of the night that Xiao contemplates how he should move forward.
His duty is not done. The karma that courses through his veins and blood are still as evident as ever, and the evil that walks upon the land will not be fully expelled, for a long, long time.
Xiao is stubborn. He refuses to withhold his duty and his original contract with Rex Lapis. Because, if he does not serve the Lord of Geo, then what was the Yaksha’s purpose? He has walked centuries, fought tireless and overwhelming battles, and was not going to stop any time soon. Well, granted, all Alatus knew was battle.
“But”, A part of him wonders once he finishes purging the last of miasma-possessing hilichurls, ridiculed in his own karma. His weapon falls into his right hand with a falling gust of wind. “ Just how long will Liyue allow me to defend itself?” Despite him not being acquaintanced with mortals often, he’s heard tales of how the current governing officials, the Liyue Qixing, were planning to enter a new age of humanity where they would be dependent on the adepti no more. It was only a matter of time before he was deemed worthless, no matter how well his battle prowess.
It wasn’t actually that bad, in all honesty, it would certainly dispel the surgeance of mortals who had searched for him as of late. Despite him being one of the less well-known adepti that mortals would pray to, less dependence on the adepti just meant more seclusion for him.
Hm, maybe being rendered meritless of one’s duties wasn’t so bad after all. Another part of him acknowledges, albeit he immediately dismisses it with a biting gaze. Some sense of melancholy overtakes him.
Xiao swiftly tumbles to the soiled ground with his mask now pocketed to his hip, one hand hanging loosely at the side while the other grips tightly onto his spear. It’s almost as if he’s waiting for something. Something to happen, some demon to expel, something to fill his time—
A duty to give his existence a purpose. He almost feels like a plaything a child got sick of once they outgrew. He who has defended Liyue for more than a millenia , he who has been there since the conclusion of the archon war, just where did he stand? With no Rex Lapis to dispel his duties, he doesn’t fall on any black or white end of the scale.
The last remaining yaksha shuts his eyes. Sleep served him no purpose, but maybe a nap would suffice just this once.
A gentle breeze flows in his direction. Xiao unknowingly wakes up at the balcony of Wangshu Inn.
It doesn’t feel like Rex Lapis is gone. Gathered, they only crossed paths when necessary, but Xiao feels as if his presence still looms the Earth.
In truth, gods never truly did die, did they? The chains of Xiao’s karmic debt prove likewise.
Amidst grief and wondering, Xiao recalls one of his last commitments to Rex Lapis: a year before his departure, he had summoned Xiao to issue a bemusing contract with none other than the archon from the neighboring nation.
Now recollecting the exchange, Xiao summons the almost forgotten scroll and a piercing glance reminisces the obscure settlement, slightly scrunched up and obviously not taken care of by whoever had previously held it.
The contract reads as follows:
Consulting Agreement
THIS TRANSACTION is entered on the date of Wednesday, April 18, XXXX by Rex Lapis between: Alatus and Barbatos
The services
The consultant, Alatus , agrees to temporarily relieve himself from his duties (or permanently, if he see it so be fit) and spend a month in the nation of Mondstadt under the supervision of Barbatos given that the following requirements are met:
1. Rex Lapis has retired from his duties
2. Neither nation from either patron is within distress
3. Both parties consent whenever the agreement is activated
Term
The agreement shall begin the day both parties sign the agreement, hence commencing for a month in total.
Termination
In the rare event that either party wishes to break the contract at any period of time, the client shall submit a letter to the other consultant after exchanging the following:
1.Each other’s signatures
2. A parting gift from one immortal to another
[A faint but peculiar memo is written here, crossed out by black ink but stating something along the lines of “Courtesy of yours truly! This bard would much fancy an intoxicating bottle of Osmanthus wine. A happy reminder of the days when Mr Morax was but a little chap—”]
Have any strange circumstances arise, the Anemo Archon shall provide:
[What is written here cannot be transcribed as it is too scratched out]
…
Extra information
To activate the agreement, either party shall simply call the other's name if all the previous conditions have been met.
Time was a mere construct, and although it did bewilder him at first, Xiao had somehow pocketed the transaction to the back of his mind ever since, only letting it resurface once Rex Lapis had actually passed.
Xiao releases a long-withheld sigh, tapping his fingers against the railing of Wangshu Inn as he bores holes into the distant Land of Wind, its statue of the seven a mere speck in the landscape.
The Yaksha has only encountered the Anemo Archon once in his lifetime despite both of them having lived millennias in nations not too distant from each other. Well, he supposed that was a given, concerning the fact that Xiao had never once abandoned his duties in the Land of Geo in those few thousand years.
But to say that the archon had left an impression on him was— an understatement, to say the least, Xiao would definitely admit that he was bemused.
The first time they had crossed paths: the wind archon was signing the very contract in his hands. He had felt like a child that day, summoned abruptly and without a clue what was going on,
“My lord— you called?” When Xiao had come to Cloud Retainer's abode, Rex Lapis was in his mortal form, sitting with a hot cup of liquid and a slightly ticked-off expression. On the seat opposite with his back faced, sat an unfamiliar figure in white, perhaps about Xiao's size, but indistinguishable from underneath an extensive cape.
“Xiao,” Rex Lapis’ calls with a slightly softer gaze, “Come, have a drink with us.” But who would us be?
Nevertheless, Xiao takes a seat beside his archon, only then looking up to get a good look of whoever the other was conversing with.
“Wine, perhaps?” The bubbly stranger humbly offers, eyes a coruscating aqua green and frame much slimmer than he had expected. The man, or was it a boy’s (?) locks are tied into twin braids, dark blue hair fading to matching aqua at the tips.
“I don’t drink.” he defends, not comfortable with being approached in such a relaxed manner. The boy pauses before letting out a cheeky laugh.
“Ah, I didn’t know you were raising a minor, Morax.” the youth sniggers, “Congratulations! I do wonder who was the lucky lady~” Rex Lapis sends him a shrewd glance before gulping loudly. Xiao has to refrain from raising his spear. Morax. It’s been a while since Xiao has heard Rex Lapis being referred to by that name.
“It’s not that I can’t drink, I simply don't drink mortal concoctions unless necessary.” Xiao corrects, displeased that someone had the guts to joke about the adepti. The stranger sports an attire unrecognizable, probably from another nation. He is yet to ask who this person might be.
“Mhm, fair, fair.” The stranger, he should probably come up with a better epithet, chuckles. The yaksha narrows his eyes in irritation. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young adeptus.” Again with treating him like a child, the person in front of him didn’t look too far off from being a mortal teenager, but Rex Lapis didn’t often shape into his mortal form unless necessary.
“He’s the Anemo Archon,” Rex Lapis pauses before clarifying, “despite not looking like it.” Hah? That is all Xiao can breathe out, eyes scrunching up and his pulse rate slightly rising. Barbatos? Involuntarily, his hand reaches out to feel the vision at his sleeve, the power of anemo feeling like a swirling ball of wind captured in a cage and caught in between his fingers. Barbatos pays no heed to the confession.
“You’ve corrupted him, Morax! Why is no one willing to have a proper drink with me today?” Xiao notices that Rex Lapis is only willing to hand himself a cup of tea, despite having taken a few sips out of a separate wine glass. He’s not that familiar with mortal customs, but it certainly seemed like a strange combination.
Idle bickering continues between the two archons, something about Barbatos’ intolerable drinking tendencies and Rex Lapis’ being too much of an old blockhead, but Xiao has tuned it out by now, not accustomed to seeing this childish side of his lord and not really being able to quite keeping up with some of the innuendos they are dropping.
“I haven’t gotten your name.” At one point, Barbatos abruptly redirects his gaze and pins his starry eyes on his. He relinquishes the moment before answering.
“Xiao.” He keeps it brief, finally looking up and trying to not think of how overwhelmed he felt right in that moment. He is extremely unaccustomed to holding a conversation. Barbatos seems to take notice, the two edges of his lip curving upward. Without a warning, he nears his face to Xiao’s before the Yaksha backs away.
“How cute!” Xiao feels his cheeks slightly heat up, but take to simply starring daggers at the archon.
“So Xiao, what do you think of Morax’s preposition?” Had he suggested something? Xiao feels even more embarrassed that he hadn’t adhered to what they said earlier.
“I have it written here.” Morax eases, summoning a golden parchment and laying it out on the stone table. Well, if his absent-mindedness wasn’t embarrassing enough, what he was going to admit next would definitely be the cherry on top.
Xiao inhales a breath.
“My lord, I cannot read.”
There’s an immediate silence before he sees Barbatos try to hide a momentary chuckle behind a hand. The god gradually reaches an epiphany and decides to nod his head down.
“My apologies, it’s just that it was rather sudden—”
“My duties lie as a warrior. So… mortal practices have never been that important to me.” he interrupts. “There’s no hard feelings, Barbatos.” Xiao tries to hide his discomfort over his illiteracy.
Something softens in the wind god's eyes. “That’s really fine, you know? I’m sure we all have our expertise and likewise, things we can’t do. It’s not like it’s required of immortals to know human customs.”
The tension in his shoulders slightly eases, but Xiao does not know how to respond, so he just settles with sending a nod of acknowledgment.
“Then, if I may, let me read it to you in return.” Barbatos jests, smile just a bit more relaxed.
“The floor is yours, I’m merely here to issue the contract as long as both parties agree.” Rex Lapis encourages.
“Well then! I shall perform to the best of my abilities~” Barbatos recites the contents of the contract in a playful manner. Xiao listens closely, face morphing into one of confusion.
Why? Is the first thing that comes to his mind, a clouded array of confusion and reluctance molding over him.
“My lord, you know that I have the utmost respect for you but - just what do you hope for me to gain from spending a month in a land I’m unfamiliar with?” Xiao has never left Liyue, maybe he had fought battles in Mondstadt long ago but to his acknowledgment, he was faithful to Liyue and Liyue alone.
“We’re entering a new age of peace and with that I’ve been thinking about,” Rex Lapis pauses, he seems to want to say something but doesn’t reveal whatever it is.
“Both you and I have seen mountains rise and civilizations fall. In time, we have both resided in Liyue more than almost any other immortal. I wanted to see you experience life as freely as you could once Liyue had settled, Xiao. That’s one of my last wishes before I possibly succumb to erosion.”
It’s strange. It suddenly comes bubbling down on Xiao that Rex Lapis has lived more than six thousand years. Although he does not want to admit it, his lord may not circumference for the next thousand. To immortals, time is merely a construct, and while a century may seem a lot to a mortal - a century way a mere speck of time to them, but nevertheless, so much can still happen in such a short period of time. He’s certainly not on the short end of the stick, seeing as how he has seen Liyue rise and fall accompanied by the death of millions (begrudgingly, a decent amount are to his hand).
“It’s within my best wishes that I have a backup plan in the case that something happens. Of course, I would’ve informed you if I was actually succumbing to erosion, but you very well know how thorough I can be.”
“Rex Lapis, if so, why him?” He gestures to the boy in white.
“Barbatos and I may have our differences. But he’s one of the few people I trust the most,”
“ Awee, I never knew I meant so much to you, Morax. What’s next? Are we to be married at the altar?” Rex Lapis disposes of his uncanny quip with a loud cough.
“Point in hand, I wanted to tie some knots. If you’re willing to, Xiao. You know I would never force you into something you were uncomfortable with.”
Xiao does not trust Barbatos, one bit. With the few exchanges, the only word he could use to describe him was - tiresome, to keep it in small words. Nevertheless, he is loyal to Rex Lapis and Rex Lapis alone. If his god is keen on something, in what robust mind can Xiao gauge his judgment?
“Fine,” he finally surrenders, “But if the wind archon so much as piques my annoyance at any point, I will not hesitate to seal the deal before he himself is able to.”
In reference to his murder, Barbatos chokes on his wine.
A year after Rex Lapis’ death, Xiao was on the edge of cessation.
A bloody hand plucks his jaded spear from the soil, a creased smile trying to relent the misery that was overtaking him.
He had come too far. Xiao couldn’t just leave his grievances here. There was still so much evil to dispel, so much—
Too little time. He felt like his acts of service weren’t complete. He bites his lip and tastes metal.
“Rex Lapis is dead, Alatus. Your contract is done.” He reminds himself, recoiling when he involuntarily calls himself by a name abandoned long ago. Resiling from his position on the battlefield, the yaksha forces his dismantled feet to take him home.
Well, ‘home’ was an unnecessary entitlement. His territory was the battlefield.
Eventually, Xiao yields, finally succumbing to his demons and feeling his vision go red.
Then, it is in that moment, that he suddenly hears the exultation of music. It enveloped Xiao in warmth, his senses finally beginning to regain consciousness.
A lone boy in green stood in the distance.
“Barbatos.” he calls in due course, albeit he doesn’t receive a response.
Maybe he was just too distant from the other. After all, Xiao himself could only hear wishes within the Land of Geo.
“Barbatos.” he reiterated, testing the waters to see if his hunch is correct.
No response.
Xiao releases a withheld sigh. Verr Goldet suddenly comes into his viewing sight.
“You resting well, Xiao?” she questions, ignoring the scowl on his face and joining him on the balcony. “I was surprised when you said you wanted to rest today, it was very unlike you.”
“Same as ever.” He doesn’t admit to his encounter yesterday since he was still recovering from the aftereffects of his near demise.
“I’m probably going to pay Mondstadt a visit in the next few days. ” he surprisingly confesses, “That is your birthplace, am I correct? Please tell me how it’s like over there.”
Goldet quietly bites on her lip. “It’s rather pleasant there. I’ve visited—” she stumbles. “I loved to bathe myself under the richness of the Windrise tree. You should definitely visit it since you’re visiting. And of course, we’ll make sure to help dispel the demonic activity while you’re away. We already have an exorcist in mind.”
“As much as I hate abandoning my duty, I feel like this visit is needed. So.. thank you.”
Goldet nearly recoils in shock. It looked like she was beyond surprised that Xiao undercutting greetings.
“Don’t mention it, why do you need to visit anyways?”
By the time Goldet looked up, Xiao had already vanished from sight.
If Liyue is yellow, Mondstadt is green. While his nation's landscape is abundant with mountains and paddy fields, Mondstadt is smaller and more profused on greenery and gorges.
Xiao eventually ambles to the city at an ungodly hour of the day, miasma trailing in his wake. It would normally take a mortal a few days to walk the journey here - but he is different, not only does he possess the power of Anemo, but he is plenty strong even without it.
He notices two guards standing a little off in the distance, slumber oozing their eyes. Xiao simply takes to teleport up the wall past them.
To find Barbatos - it would require intel, and the guards already cross one option out, seeing as they wouldn’t have let a shady and unfamiliar figure into their walls in the first place.
So that poses a gigantic problem: if Xiao is unfamiliar with Liyue’s mortals, he’s sure as hell unfamiliar with whatever Mondstadt’s got going on.
The last he heard of Barbatos, Rex Lapis had informed him that he was posing as a mortal on the streets. As to why he found gratification in acting like a human, Xiao didn’t know the answer. In truth, it didn’t seem surprising considering the archon's predetermined behavior.
Though he hates wasting precious time, he’ll have to allocate his search to the morning. Since there were no humans in sight, he had no intel source.
But then again, Xiao is very unaccustomed to gaining intel, let alone socializing. He’s more of a grab your weapon and yank it kind of person.
Xiao groans, sneaking his way past the quiet night of the city and teleporting himself to the nearest vacant space. His feet carry him to the front of a building; he’s seen one of them before— a church, was it? Xiao can’t remember why he calls as such, but there’s something familiar about the place.
What seems even more familiar is the statue standing in front of him.
It’s of the Anemo Archon. He’s wearing the exact attire Xiao had first encountered him in.
Calloused hands meet hard stone, gloves tracing the edge of the statues cape. With the help of his vision, Xiao mounts it with ease.
“Barbatos must be able to hear his callings from up here.” He ponders to himself but instead takes to silently gazing at the view of the city.
It was peaceful— cozy, if he could put it into words. While Liyue Harbour was bustling and lit with market exchanges, Mondstadt seemed to function on a more structured schedule. The majority of the inhabitants were already asleep, save for the few lit bars he could see at the corners of the four walls.
Bars - Barbatos liked to drink, right? Xiao would assume if their single exchange was anything to go off on. His feet are just about to leave the watchtower when he feels the power of Anemo behind him.
“Barbatos?” Xiao splutters, not expecting to see him so soon.
“Xiao!” Barbatos purrs, his carefree appearance the exact same as years ago except this time he’s wearing a frilly aqua hat and matching a teal cape that barely reaches past his shorts. “To what do I owe the pleasure? It’s been a mighty long time since anyone from Liyue visited.”
Barbatos looks up and down his attire. “And I see that in true Monstadt fashion, you’re wearing cargo pants!”
“I needed some way to blend in.” he retorts. He’s not foolish, aware that his normal attire would’ve surely alerted the locals. Just who is that young man in tattoos and battle-wear? Xiao could already hear their cries of aspiration.
So in steed and courtesy of Goldet, he decided to wear a less battle-fit attire: a grey collared t-shirt and a pair of denim pants with a maroon cape dangling the back. It initially felt itchy on his skin, but maybe that’s because Xiao’s been wearing the same fit for eons.
“It’s you.” Xiao reaffirms.
“And to what do I owe the honor?” the Anemo Archon questions.
“...I’m sure you’ve heard of Rex Lapis.” Xiao mutters, words filled with grief but straight to the point. Barbatos aludes his glance.
They stay silent for a few moments.
“We may live longer than humans,” Barbatos begins, “but that doesn’t mean we live forever.”
“Of course I have. It was the talk of the town a year ago, after all. People still talk about it— despite this being the matter of another nation. People can be rather prying, you know? I’ve gotten most of my information from the Fatui.” Barbatos jokes, despite his normally mischievous eyes being tinted with sadness.
Barbatos takes a seat upon the hands of the statue, beckoning him to follow suit. He bends down and sits just far enough so that their hands barely graze. The space is a little too tight for his liking but he’s not one to complain unless needed, especially in the presence of one of the seven.
“Well then, tell me all about your journeys and Rex Lapis! I’ll always be here to listen. If I feel inspired enough, I can sing you a song to cheer you up.” he jests, although Xiao can tell that the words are filled with sincerity.
“Also, call me Venti. I won’t be responding to any calls anymore if you refer to me by my old name~”
Oh, so he did hear his calls.
“I’ll… keep that in mind,” he responds, tone laced in acknowledgment. He understands the burden of certain names, Xiao is not exempt from the chains and reminders of the past. “Also, I didn’t come here to vent.”
“What did you come here for, then?” Xiao bites his lip, a bit unsure of his side of the coin as well.
Venti lets a sigh free itself before he speaks. “You must feel lost, don’t you? Like a lost soul longing for love. But I assure you, Xiao, you’re experiences aren’t unheard.”
“That’s not it—” he reasons, but Xiao’s body freezes when he feels a mop of hair fall to his shoulder.
“Aha, I’m rather tired. How about we call it a night, young adeptus? I have a few inns I can surely recommend.”
“And how will I pay for it?” Xiao can’t find it in himself to budge, so he just continues to bathe in the other's warmth before he taps on the archon's shoulder.
“Mhm, I figured you would be uncomfortable with touch. I’ll make sure I keep my distance in the future.”
Venti suddenly clasps his hands together, eyes wide and cheery. “As for the payment, I have my ways! You see, your dearest archon Rex Lapis was a freeloader in the few times he entered Liyue Harbor as a mortal. I, as a permanent resident of Monstadt Cathedral, am no exception.”
“You sleep in the Cathedral?” Xiao fails to hide his perplexion.
“Shh~ Only on dire nights. One must live life to the fullest, you see. That includes making gambles on whether Barbara or Jean will beat you up the next day. They can be rather haughty if they want to.”
“You perplex me, Ba— Venti.” he quickly corrects.
“Hehe~ and you haven’t answered my question.” Oh, Xiao forgot why he came here in the first place.
“The first time we met, we made a contract. I want to honour it for Rex Lapis sake.”
“Ohhh, that one? Always been the loyal one, haven’t we? Fine then, this bard shall pay you the merit.”
That was almost too easy— but the teasing grin on Venti’s face says otherwise.
“I’ve never been a fan of contracts, in all honesty. Rules haven’t always been my expertise either.”
“So why do you agree?” Xiao asks, seeing as he himself doesn’t see any merit in this exchange, only wanting to honor one of the last things Rex Lapis had bestowed upon him.
“Morax... Has been here for as long as I can remember. He’s much older than you and I, you see. But despite almost never being on the same page, he was a good person.”
Person? What a strange epithet for a god.
“In my own way, I want to pay my condolences too. The best way to grieve is to find peace.”
Venti doesn’t expand - only letting a dispirited smile cross his face.
“Xiao.” Venti suddenly carols in a lofty tone, honoring the words of the agreement and taking his hands in his. “In tribute of Morax, I agree to take you under my trusty wings for however long you may stay.”
Just like all of Rex Lapis’ contracts, Xiao feels something click. The scroll summons itself and shines a brilliant yellow and billows into a hurricane of teal and aquamarine before dispersing.
“I’ve finally sealed the deal, dearest Yaksha.” Venti smiles, eyes a brilliant and distinct shade of green.
Xiao is suddenly aware of the older’s handle of his fist, ears turning red before he vanishes into plumes of green-black smoke.
“Ah, a shy one, isn’t he.” Venti chuckles before whipping out his lyre.
Today was a lovely night to play a lullaby.
On the frigid night after, Xiao finally succumbs to the boredom of tireless waiting. His feet dangling off the hem of the watchtower, he finally takes to easing his grip on his weapon.
It was normally easier to become occupied in Liyue, it was almost as if there was a never-ending list of demons for him to dispel on a daily. Even though the numbers had dwindled down since the Qixing took over, he was too used to being on the move. But here, the nights were quiet.
He’s definitely been letting his guard down too often - because almost without thinking, his lips open on a whim.
“Venti?” he calls out, an unforeseen emotion twisting up in his chest. A gust of wind immediately fades next to him. Barbatos’ glance is nothing short of mischievous.
So, this was how people must’ve felt whenever he abruptly teleported next to them.
“You called?” the bard teases. Xiao slightly flinches as Venti takes a seat next to him. To his luck, the older shifts a little to leave a little space between them, seeing as Xiao wasn’t the most receptive with touch.
“Is there truly nothing I can do here?” he questions, starting to regret taking up the homestay in the first place.
“Hmmm, at this time of night? Not really. Mondstadt already has its own guardians of the night—” Venti seems to reach an epiphany, eyes narrowing down as a gear or two clicks in his head.
“Xiao,” The bard tugs on his arm, electricity enrapturing his eyes. The adeptus slightly parts his lips. “You have to meet this one guy. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it earlier— As my disciple, your first order of duty is for you to make an actual friend.”
“Friend?” he gulps. “Mortal connections are not required of the adepti.” While Xiao was certainly acquaintanced and not at war with some people, he never took to actual giving them the title of a ‘friend’.
“Well, now you’re in Mondstadt. Take it as your first challenge, then. I’m sure that the Conqueror of Demons would be able to conquer his social life.”
“Are you ridiculing my title?” Xiao dares to challenge.
“Hm?” Venti replies, ecstatic with a proud grin. “Anyways, you’ll be using up a lot of energy tomorrow, because I’m going to be taking you on one of my renowned tours of Mondstadt, local!”
Xiao instantaneous concludes that the boy beside him must be the complete opposite of him. While the bard seemed completely unperturbed to going with the flow, Xiao preferred to have an acknowledgment in advance. There wasn’t really a plan to his stay, was there? Was Barbatos really going to keep making decisions on impulse?
“You’ve already forgotten that my karmic debt refrains me from coming into too much close contact with mortals.”
“It’ll only be a while, trust me. If anything happens, I’ll be there. I certainly haven’t slacked off from my duties as this nations archon~”
“I must be so honoured to receive such pleasures from the god himself.” Xiao sarcastically jokes.
“Woah! So you do have a sense of humour.”
“I spare it for momentary moments.”
“That’s the spirit! You’ve already mastered one of the first steps to making a friend.”
“And what is that ..?”
“For someone to want to get to know you better, you need to have a side for them to see only when you’re close. Therefore, they’ll be inclined to get to want to know that side of you. A cliff hanger, if you may.”
“Mortals work in strange ways,” he mutters. “Do you have such a side?” he feels inclined to question.
“Hm… that’s for you to find out.” Venti chuckles, the moon shining brilliantly above him.
“Goodnight, my dear adeptus.” The archon’s form dissipates, leaving warmth in the empty spot beside the Yaksha.
It’s early morning; Xiao is not one to be late.
“Up early, young one?” Venti yawns as he stretches his arms. “Rather strange of you, to watch god in his sleep.”
“You are not the god I serve.”
“Oh, I know. I was merely trying to get a rise out of you.” he teases.
“Also, I was only here for a few minutes.” Xiao voices, slightly sore.
“Still, it’s rather rude to watch one in their sleep. Never mind, in time, I’m sure you’ll learn basic social cues.” Venti swipes the blanket off his lap. “Where did you sleep this lovely night? I have an inkling you didn’t frequent the tavern I introduced.”
“I spent the night wandering the landscape. Mondstadt... Has surprisingly beautiful scenery.”
“Ohhh, you get it! While I do appreciate Liyue’s refined taste, Mondstadt is quite loftier.”
“I could argue on that—” Xiao mumbles, but doesn’t continue further.
“So tell me, adeptus, did any monument particularly catch your interest?”
“There was a bulky tree, a few miles off the entrance of the city. An acquaintance of mine recommended it.”
Xiao pauses for a moment. He rummages through his pocket before pulling out a bag no larger than his palm. “I caught crystalflies.” What distinctly caught his eye was their varied color - while Xiao was accustomed to crystalflies the color of geo, he was surprised to see the crystalflies of Mondstadt were arctic blue, perhaps like the archon himself.
Venti lets a gentle grin loose. “What a lovely choice, I see that my pupil is certainly learning fast.” He slightly pouts at that, Xiao ignores the growing warmth in his chest. The bard heaves himself from the sofa he is sleeping on.
And Xiao can’t help but ask himself— did the Archon of Mondstadt not have a permanent residence in his own domain? They’re currently in at some tavern’s basement, but as to who’s tavern specifically, Xiao is yet to answer but takes note of the red-haired man he saw setting up the tables at the entrance.
“Well, time is of the essence!” Venti suddenly interrupts, hand latching upon his. “I know just what we’re doing first.”
Xiao isn’t the least bit surprised when Venti pulls him in to take a seat at the tavern upstairs, carefully sliding through the creaks of the stairs and doing his best to not be noticed by the tall bartender at the front.
The bard is just about to swipe a bottle from the display before he makes his getaway, but Xiao’s own hand catches his wrist before he can grab it.
“Did you just attempt to steal?” he whispers as quietly as possible.
“Dont worry! The owner is a dear friend of mine. I always pay back accordingly.” Their conversation is cut off by a loud cough.
“I can you hear you from a mile away, bard. Please… don’t tell me you slept in our basement again.” the red-haired man suddenly interrupts their whispers, leaning charily over the counter.
“Ehe.” Venti laughs, face twisted in a panic. Before the yaksha can even realize, he’s tugging Xiao even harder by the arm and bolting out of the tavern.