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

Chapter 24

  As we weaved through the crowd, hand in hand as not to lose each other, my the nape of my neck prickled with apprehension. Not even Venti's warmth could ease my worry. He had stopped trying to make conversation when I hadn't given him a reply, mind too riddled with turmoil to even pretend I was okay.

-
-
-

  My legs ached from the long walk, traversing Liyue's long, rolling plains. What I would find comfort in on a regular basis was now only the cause of my tiredness. Before us finally topped the unusual Wangshu Inn. I'd never seen something so peculiar before. It was an inn, merged with a massive tree. Its branching protectively held the building with steady arms. Broad leaves of jade gently waved us towards our destination, as though the tree were welcoming us into its home.

  "First time at Wangshu, I suppose?" Venti chuckled, startling me.

  "I was familiar with the name, but had never actually been here before. People made it out to be a lot more...normal."

  With that, I rigidly paced forwards, my agenda back in my mind. If this so called traveler knew what had happened, she'd better spill everything she knows!

-
-
-

  "I'll go call her from her room. In the meantime, you two can wait by the balcony so I know where to find you."

I nodded to the woman, my smile forced and rigid. She excused herself before leaving us at the reception desk.

"Calm down. We'll get to the bottom of this." Venti spoke, offering a comforting smile.

I didn't necessarily like the notion of that. I'd rather live in oblivion than know too much. My fear had reigned curiosity in, holding a tight grip that kept it captive away from my mind.

We silently walked back out to the open-roofed balcony of Wangshu. A few people here and there had gravitated into little groups to talk, or more so, gossip. They'd all heard the news- I imagined it was hard not to. I carefully placed my elbows on the railings of the balcony, away from the chatter I knew would only make things worse for me. I didn't want to listen to anymore wild-spun tales or devastating truths.

"Have you been to Wangshu before, Venti?" I asked, turning to look at him right beside me, mimicking my posture.

"In the past..." he began, a smile of reminiscence brushing across his features. "When times were simpler and memories were nothing but joyful."

Stars welled in his eyes, as though they ached for those happy times once more, longed to the point of breaking for the cinch of memories long gone. I didn't know what to say. I didn't even know if I was reading him right. All of a sudden, life seemed so much more complex and intricate, and all because of him. He made life complex and intricate, always throwing new puzzles at me to solve.

His face suddenly seemed so weathered, beaten down by the billowing storms of life. His turquoise irises looked as though they were an ocean of unshed tears, an accumulation of sorrow and frustration ingrained into his entire being.

"I get that..." I started, so incredibly quiet I wasn't sure he could hear it. "I find myself envious of my childhood many times, and mad at myself for not taking advantage of the good times. I want to go back to those days of naivety and oblivion, you know?"

He looked back at me, cheeks rosy and eyes round. After a moment of studying me, searching for an shred of lie, he smiled mildly. "You describe it incredibly well. Have you ever considered becoming a bard yourself?"

I laughed, waving him off playfully. However, I turned to see a pair of eyes staring intently at me.

"I'm serious." He spoke, his voice still easy. "I don't know what your story is, but it seems like one worth sharing with the world."

We stayed like that for a while, trying to read one another and where we stood in this long narrative called life. I'd like to think that we were friends- genuine, natural friends enjoying the valleys of life together and riding out the mountains with just as much vigor.

  When I thought I'd get forever swept away in contemplation, we heard footsteps behind us. I turned to see the receptionist back with a girl beside her. Wide, gilded eyes gleamed gold in the sun, studying the two of us. Soft curls framed her face, bristling in the wind. A gentle smile graced her figure, friendly and amiable.

  "Venti? It's good to see you again!" She waved.

  "Tone-deaf bard!?" Another voice spoke. From behind the traveler flew a small little creature, annoyance dancing on her face. "Why are you here?"

  "Good to see you too, Traveler and Paimon!" He laughed, unaffected by the little fairy's words.

  The receptionist wordlessly made her way back, smiling at their interactions. Yet as she left, her presence took with her the naive glee we'd been basking in. The mood soured quite easily after that.

  "Venti, why did you actually come?" The traveler spoke, her face now stone. "Something happened in Mondstadt, didn't it?"

  He chuckled uneasily, but reluctantly nodded.

"The Abyss Order, we believe. They seem to have some curious abilities, some of which are similar to your own."

A contemplative pause.

  "I'm not part of the Abyss Order, if that's what your asking." She responded, eyebrows furrowed in worry. "How is everyone back in Mondstadt?"

  "No casualties, if that's what you're worried of. However, they've been making quite the appearances lately. We believe they might have a plan of attack and are slowly executing it."

  The atmosphere grew silent. Once the traveler had heard the news that no one was hurt, she sighed as if in relief. Then, as her golden eyes turned to mine, she smiled pleasantly.

  "I don't believe we've been acquainted. I'm one of Venti's friends, and this is Paimon, my guide across Teyvat."