•Timeless•

ʜᴇʀ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ

Damn, this wine was much stronger than Dandelion or Osmanthus wine...

I wonder where she got it from anyway.

"If you're wondering where I got it, I make all of my alcohol myself."

"Really? It's very lovely! More floral than I'm used to, but strong. Speaking of flowers... Since you won't tell me your name, I'm going to call you Flora!"

"I see. You have yet to utter your own name, young Bard."

"I'm Venti! The best bard in all of Mondstadt! I know all the songs of the past, present, and future!~"

"Hm... I'll have to test that some day. So, why did you seek me?"

"I wanted to ask, why is it you've been clearing out hilichurl camps? You're the talk of the town!"

"Am I really? Well, the camps have disrupted the nearby wildlife, and more importantly, the wolves of Wolvendom. It's rather rude to take someone's territory so abruptly without any negotiations."

"So... You wanted to protect the animals?"

"I suppose you could say that."

"Well, everyone in the city is talking about it! You should visit some day!"

"I have my reasonings for not entering Mondstadt. Additionally, had they considered me to be a hero to them, well... Their hero wouldn't last long to tell the tale."

"What... What do you mean by that?"

"It is best I tell you I private. While this may be a country of freedom, words spread faster than the wind."

"I see... Where would you prefer we go?"

"I'll take you back to my home. It's not far, but it's very well hidden. You can have more wine there."

"Yes ma'am!"

-•°•~•°•-

After walking through the forest silently for what seemed like hours, we ended up in a small clearing.

There was one large cherry blossom tree in the middle, similar to the size of my favorite tree in Windrise.

Beside that was a small cottage covered in grape vines.

Cecilias and Glaze Lilies littered the grass around us, which was strange.

Cecilias normally only grew on Starsnatch Cliff, and Glaze Lilies are indigenous to Liyue.

"It's beautiful here.."

Walking inside, even the interior of the cottage was overgrown.

Even so, it was.. comfortable.

I sat down at a small table that had two chairs, and she set down two glasses and a bottle of her own wine.

"Thank you, I have been living here for most of my life. It's my pride and joy."

"I can see why. But, back to the reason we came here... What was it you meant earlier?"

Flora sat down across from me and placed her elbow on the table, using her hand to hold her head up.

"I will not live for much longer, young Bard. You see, a long time ago I was poisoned and hurt by someone from this nation. Sadly, each day it becomes harder for me to complete everyday tasks, and soon... Well, I suppose this old cottage will be without an owner."

"That's terrible.... Is that why you don't want to visit the city?"

"Precisely. I want to spend my last moments doing the things I love, with whatever or whoever makes me happy. I don't have anyone in my life, and I haven't for many years, so I've been using the last of my strength to better the world as much as I can."

"That's so noble of you... I can't imagine how painful that is for you... If you don't mind... I'd like to stay by your side until you pass, maybe find a cure if I can."

"I would love that, Venti. It's nice being around someone so kind after being alone for so long. As you can guess, the last people I saw were not very kind to me."

"I will do my utmost best to care for you in your final days, Flora. And I will ensure that nobody experiences what you have."

"Thank you, young one."