Those Who Share the Memory

5.

True to Zhongli's words, Zhongli and Guizhong left for Liyue a week later. It was in their final moments together that the trio stood on the land that bridged Stone Gate and Windwail Highland together, saying their final goodbyes. Venti had a sad smile on his face as he watched the two gods in front of him. Zhongli stood with his arms folded and Guizhong stood with a slight slouch that was uncharacteristic of her.

"I assume that you are not coming with us, bard?" Zhongli queried.

"As much as I'd love to, I'm afraid that I have affairs that I have to deal with here in Mondstadt," Venti replied. As nice as would have been to continue his journey with Zhongli, his people were waiting for him. And regardless of whether or not he joined or not, his instincts told him that he'd be meeting Zhongli again sometime soon. And although it was just a gut feeling, it did help calm his nerves slightly. "It is a shame that our journey had to end here but, I do believe that this is not the last time we will meet."

Zhongli's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Is that so?"

"Of course, I'm a travelling bard! I'm sure you will see me in Liyue sometime. It's my quest to travel all the nations. Even if it takes years, I will find a way to Liyue. Who knows, perhaps you'll get to hear me play some music. I'll have you know that I'm quite good at playing the lyre. Heh, I'd even go to say that I'm the best wandering bard of the mortal world!"

Zhongli didn't seem to believe his claim in the slightest but he did not scoff like usual. "Ah, it is a shame I never got to hear your playing during our time together. You said that Mondstadt is the nation of bards? Then I will have rather high expectations of your playing when I do get the chance to hear it."

Venti raised an eyebrow. "Aww, don't tell me you don't believe me Zhongli. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll believe me when you hear me play." Venti giggled, happy nonetheless at the thought of being able to pick up a lyre again. Oh, how he missed the way his fingers felt on the strings - it was a shame that his trusty lyre, Der Frühling, was broken. "Ah, I can't believe it, you went from throwing me off a cliff to holding proper conversations with me within the span of the past few weeks."

Zhongli blinked. "Have I? What's stopping me from impaling you with my spear right now?"

"..." Venti stared incredulously. It seemed he had underestimated how much of a brutish blundering buffoon his friend could be.

Guizhong folded her arms, disappointment clouding her face. "Please tell me, my friend, that that was a joke."

Zhongli's lack of response proved otherwise.

Venti nervously giggled. "Well, I think I look better with my body intact, personally. Ehe... though may I ask, has my side of the contract been fulfilled yet? It would have by now, right?"

Zhongli let out a low growl, narrowing his eyes. "It hasn't."

"Oh." The disbelief was palpable to all except a certain god of geo.

Zhongli folded his arms, as dense as ever towards the current mood. "Well then, I suppose this wraps up our search for now."

Guizhong let out a small nod. "I suppose If we do hear news of Barbatos, then we'll come back. Though we'd have to be rather quick I'd assume. We haven't been the only party searching for your God and it wouldn't do well to have another party reaping all the benefits. Please do put in a good word for us if you do ever get the chance. I do believe an alliance between Liyue and Mondstadt would benefit both nations greatly."

Venti nodded, waving his arms dismissively as if it was nothing. "Oh of course I will, and don't forget to bring wine if you ever get the chance to meet Barbatos~" He made sure to put extra emphasis on the last part.