Music to my Ears [(Y/n) x Venti]

Chapter 18

   It was the day we were supposed to set out to Liyue, and instead of packing, I was busy reassuring Aster that I would be okay.

  "Do you have Sam's address?" She asked for the eighth time.

  "Yes! Along with the extra clothing you packed me, the good luck charm from Johanne, Dahlia's Teyvat Travel Guide, and the packed goods from Good Hunter's. I have more than plenty!"

  Aster sighed in relief, her brows furrowing as she fidgeted with her hands.

  "I know, it's just...we've never been separated since..."

  She didn't have to finish. Although our parents' deaths were traumatic ones, they'd brought us closer together. The four (L/n)'s were inseparable. And yet, I had to go off on my own for a few days. It was a strange feeling, knowing I was going to be on my own for a little while, without my family's loving support. I could already feel the annoyance I would have due to Venti's and my shared silence, and the painful tinge of longing and homesickness.

  Home. It was weird how in such short time, I had already adapted to Mondstadt. And now, I had to protect this new-found life I had, by putting the endless list of questions and fear of the inevitable in my head to an end.

  "I'm gonna make some last minute checks." I smiled comfortingly, hoping Aster wouldn't get too emotional about my leaving.

My bag was packed and yet, there was still room for one more thing: the letter from yesterday. It still chilled me, disproving my first thoughts of whoever was trying to contact me, whether it be the mysterious Abyss Order or some other cult looking for recruiters. They knew more than I thought they did. It irked me.

I still remembered Kaeya's skeptical face, brows furrowed in thought. I wished I could tell him the truth, but I knew this was my burden to bear, and no one else's. I would get to the bottom to this myself if I had to. And one day, after everything was cleared up, I would tell him everything.

The envelope still in my hand, I decided to take a peak once more and rekindle my resolve to get to the bottom of this, even if it meant traveling back to that place with that person.

  Dearest (Y/n),

  You must understand that you really made my day when I found out you were trying to find out more about us. Der Initiatorin complained about your watchful eye, but in the end, she did her job well and delivered my message with meaning. I hope you now understand that time is of the essence, and this matter shouldn't be taken too lightly. Open you eyes.

  Your new friend is also quite an intriguing person, don't you agree?

  The children of the dust shall rise again, and when they do, they will restore what has been lost and deliver a tenfold of the judgement cursed upon them to their oppressors. Until then, make your decision of which side you're on; but remember, the hourglass is set in motion, and the granules of sand trickle through every moment you spend deciding. After all, grace is a finite term.

                                        ~The One

  "You ready to go?" A voice called out absentmindedly, no doubt belonging to the bard.

  I shoved the new letter into my bag where the old ones lay as well. If I was going to tell anyone about it, it might as well be someone more learned than me.

  I still remembered him well, regardless of the little time I spent with him. After all, how could anyone forget those gleaming golden eyes, so full of justice and yet kindness. I didn't think I could get him out of my mind even if I tried.

  I didn't want to give away too much about the truth, but seeing as just about all of Liyue knew I was a Khaenr'iahn, he probably did as well. He would understand.

  "(Y/n)?" Venti snapped impatiently, seeing as I had yet to answer.

  "Coming! Try to be patient, will you?" I answered back coldly.

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  Before heading out, I of course had to part with my family. A weird churning of emotions set itself in motion in my stomach. I had never done something alone before, but now was the time to prove myself. I can be useful to my siblings as well! I felt a bit better thinking of it that way.

  Our next and final stop was the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, where Grandmaster Jean, Outrider Amber, and Captain Kaeya made sure we were prepared and sent us on our ways. They were thorough with instructions lest something go wrong, but Grandmaster Jean seemed confident we would be alright. A trip to Liyue and back was nothing!

As we headed out the fortitude of Mondstadt, my heart sank a bit. It seemed very lonely all of a sudden, and yet I could feel nothing private about this trip. Outside the gates of Mond, what lurked in the shadows and hid in the woods? Could my 'penpal' be hiding here, far from the people's prying eyes and yet close enough to the city? I shivered at the thought.

"What, scared already?" Although it was meant to be an insult, I found no venom in Venti's words.

"Cautious, if anything. After yesterday, I'd rather not let myself be lured to strange, isolated places."

He nodded, and although I could tell he wanted to bring it up, he didn't say a word. Where was the cold and hostile attitude I was expecting?

He was so strange. His words told one thing, and then another. I wished I could read him, but his story had a tight lock on it that even the most skilled locksmith couldn't open. I wanted to know his thoughts on me. Did he hate me? If so, why was he being so nice? Could it be because he wanted a trip free of the added stress of traveling with an enemy? It would be quite logical, but-

"Look out!"

Less thinking, more looking out for my surroundings!