Tears stream down my face as I leave the tavern. Master Diluc is always a meanie.
I know I don't do things as the other Archons do, but does he have to say it like that?
Lost in my thoughts I don't know where I'm walking. Hopefully far away from the tavern. I am not drunk enough to be this upset.
"Hey, Venti!" I recognize that voice anywhere. The one person I don't have to hide around.
"Traveler! And how is my favorite being?" I smile at them, hoping they can't tell I've been crying.
That would be embarrassing.
"What are you doing out here? Windrise is far from the city. Weren't you performing at the tavern tonight?" Worry laces throughout their being. Am I really something to get that worked up about?
"Just my favorite place to write, dear Traveler. Eh, he" Don't see through me, don't see through me...
"Why were you crying? Did something happen Venti?" Shit
"What, no. Nothing. Just thinking of old friends. That's all."
They sit down next to me, at the base of the Statue of the Seven. My statue. "I get that. I come here to think about my sibling sometimes. I go to the places I think they would like to see. Do you do that Venti? Go the places you wish your friend could have seen?"
"My friend couldn't have seen any of this. They were mortal." I look at them, but they're staring up at the starry sky. Blond hair flowing in the wind.
"I know, that's the point. You WISH they could have seen it."
I give a hopeful chuckle. "You will be able to show this place to your sibling traveler. I truly believe it." Though my friend will never get to.
"Did the tavern not work out? I know you said you were having a rough day earlier; did someone give you some trouble?" This time they turn to look at me, but I refuse to meet their gaze.
"Do you think I do enough for Mondstadt? Do I, am I" The cold breeze cuts through me. A physical manifestation of how I'm feeling.
"You do just enough Venti. The people of Mondstadt love you, both as Barbados and as Venti. The people of Mondstadt can take care of themselves, and when danger arises, you come to help. You are perfect Venti." Their voice is strong, like they really mean what their saying.
Closing my eyes, I turn my face to the sky. The wind is calmer now. "Thank you, Traveler. That means a lot."
"You're welcome, Venti. Now come on; let's get you into a bed. It's late. I'll race you?"
"Wouldn't gliding be faster?"
YOU ARE READING
A Barkeep And His Poet
Romance"No like, you're really pretty." He states, his cheeks pink. "Someone has an admirer." Kaeya snorts, looking from me to Venti. I can't think of an answer so I don't speak, giving other customers their drinks. Rosaria snickers and I look over. Venti...
