[Genshin Impact] Water, Ice, and Everything Nice

A Spirit Blade to the Head

To Dragonspine, we walk today,

Courageous hearts to the gods we pray.

For the mountain is unkind to the wanderer,

Its bitter winds and biting cold pose nothing but danger.

Yet to the summit we shall push through,

The spirit of adventure in our hearts rekindled anew.

To Dragonspine, we walk today,

Ferocious monsters, our swords shall slay.

For the mountain is home to evil aplenty,

But there's nothing to worry because you have Venti!

Bennet and Xinqiu burst out laughing upon hearing the last line of Venti's newly composed ballad. Even Chongyun found himself smiling in amusement despite the heat of the midday sun. 

It had been a smooth journey so far, and their party had made significant progress after setting off from Wolvendom at dawn that day. They are now resting in one of the cool streams snaking their way through Daudapa Gorge.

Chongyun was enjoying the cool water running through his toes as he soaked. Thankfully, the water was not deep enough for swimming. Otherwise, Chongyun would have to put up with Venti's unwanted display of private parts.

"Apologies, my esteemed audience," Venti said, laughing at himself. "I could not think of a word that rhymes with aplenty quickly enough."

"You should teach us the ways of the bard, Master Venti," Bennet asked eagerly, turning the skewers over the flame he had created a few minutes back.

Chongyun could smell the wonderful aromas of chicken and fish wafting from where Bennet sat. He could already imagine how delicious their lunch of Chicken-Mushroom skewers and Mondstadt Grilled Fish would be, and this is definitely lifting his spirits.

"I agree," Xingqiu responded. "I would love to learn the ways of the bard, too. You'll join us, right Chongyun?"

Xingqiu's sudden question yanked Chongyun from daydreaming about food.

"Come on, it would be fun!" Xingqiu continued.

This sudden invitation to study poetry and music surely caught him off-guard. What would he be singing about? His adventures with Xingqiu? His promise to always be with Xingqiu?

Chongyun could feel his cheeks getting hotter and he wanted nothing more than to plunge his head in the stream. Thankfully, Venti broke the silence when he spoke.

"Certainly. We will have our first lessons at dinner camp, today."

"Hooray!" Chongyun heard Bennet and Xingqiu responding in glee.

A few moments passed in relative silence – only the sounds of Venti's lyre accentuated by the soft whispers of the wind and the distant chirping of birds were present. Xingqiu busied himself in a book while Bennet continued cooking. The ash-haired boy was now peeling potatoes and pounding pine cones.

Chongyun found his thoughts wandering back to their party's conversation earlier. While it seemed fun to learn how to strike a tune and compose poems, Chongyun worried about what he would write.