Taking over the Abyss

72- Join My Steam Family

Outside the Knights Headquarters, things were much quieter. The streets of Mondstadt were emptier than normal on account of Durin's possession, but in a way, it worked out. Durin, having never been given an opportunity to properly be outside before, looked up at the late-afternoon sky with wide eyes. He squeezed your hand and ducked closer to you, staring at the intermittent white clouds.

He resisted stepping out of the shade for a second, then hopped down the stairs with you as you walked. As soon as Durin felt the sunlight, he visibly relaxed. His wings unfurled from their resting position, spreading out to soak up the rays. Enjoying the warmth, Durin hummed and rested his head against your arm.

Able to get a better look at the city through his own eyes, Durin observed everything he could. You wandered towards the giant statue of Barbatos in hopes of finding Venti over there. Since he'd helped to distract the people of Mondstadt from Albedo's alchemy circles with a performance, he probably couldn't have gotten too far.

Spotting a familiar bright green bard in the distance, you internally thanked your good luck in finding him, "See? He's over there."

"Barbatos..." Durin muttered glumly. He turned to you for assurance. "You sure he won't be mad? I fought with his friend."

"He encouraged Albedo and I," you told him. Durin's eyes widened, and he quickly turned away. Venti noticed the two of you. He paused for a second at the sight of Durin, before rushing over with a pleased look on his face.

"Well, well, well," Venti set one hand on his hip as he looked at the two of you, focusing on how Durin used your arm as a shield. "I was just thinking about you! But it seems like we're still missing one."

"Albedo's taking a nap," you added helpfully. Venti nodded sagely, wanting to take a nap himself.

Clearly nervous in the presence of the god that he once against, Durin fidgeted in place behind you. Once he determined for himself that you weren't lying about Venti not being mad, he stepped out from behind you. Durin bowed his head to Venti apologetically, "... I- I'm sorry about everything. Mister Barbatos."

"Mister Barbatos?" Venti blinked owlishly, quickly searching around for any sign of the Anemo Archon. He laughed in that cute Venti-ish way of his. "You must have mistaken me! I'm but a bard of Mondstadt~!"

"Huh?" Clearly not getting it, Durin tilted his head. He peeked at you in a silent request for help.

"Same person," you kept your voice to a whisper, "he's just blending in and prefers to live like a normal person."

"... Oh!" Durin's wings gave a small flap. "I think I get it now. Um... thank you. Venti."

"You're very welcome!" The sight of Durin's tail wagging behind him made Venti's smile widen. After a second, Venti pretended to clear his throat and took on a more serious persona, one to be expected from the god Barbatos. "You came to Mondstadt in the first place to share in its song and freedom, and now, you're finally free to do that. You embody the same things as a true child of Mondstadt, Durin. I'm sure that if Barbatos were here, he'd grant you his blessing."

A small squeak came from Durin, overwhelmed by the kindness being shown to him. He hid against your arm again, struggling to meet Venti's eyes. His face had turned completely pink, the fearsome dragon of legend managing a soft, "Thank you..."

"Anytime!" Venti cheered, not minding his shyness. The bard turned his attention to you, "And you~."

"And me~?" You replied, using the same sing-song tone as him.

"Now you have more reasons to come back to Mondstadt!" Venti grinned at you smugly. "I'm a little offended that yours truly isn't already a reason to hang around more."