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Of all the ways this could have happened, Venti had expected this to be the last. Especially through its rather unorthodox delivery, but now he was seated in the Acting Grand Master's office, watching Jean pace back and forth in anxiety.
A letter lay on her desk, stripped open. The contents had been rather startling, to the point where even the Traveler had been summoned to Mondstadt, everyone who knew of Venti's status as the Anemo Archon was within this room.
Lumine stood on Venti's right, arms folded and eyes cold. It was a stark contrast for her since her eye color was such a warm, welcoming color. He couldn't bear to look away from her for long, his heart aching with a burn brighter than the sun. She looked so worried, stressed, her slender fingers gently intertwined with his own. She hadn't let go since the Grand Master had dropped the news, her face pale. Diluc stood to the side, his arms folded, gaze firmly on the window. He clearly didn't want to be here, but the fact that he was made Venti's heart swell.
He had terrible memories of this place. It truly showed the gravity of the current situation.
The Tsaritsa was coming to Mondstadt. Specifically to meet with Barbatos.
The letter had come straight from the Cryo Archon, even after years of separation, Venti could still recognize her handwriting. Flawless and cold, just like her.
It truly was a shame that her Gnosis had turned her heart to ice. She had been such a loving person, always working for her country to make sure everyone was well cared for. But to many people had taken the Love from the God of Love for granted, and she had gradually turned into a ruthless leader, one of great intimidation.
And she was coming to Mondstadt.
"You may want to take a seat, Grand Master, you're gonna wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing." Venti kept his tone light, but firm, a gentle smile replacing that of his normal, cheeky grin. Jean turned to him, her mouth open to say something, but nothing came, staring at the bard before turning, plopping into her chair. Leaning forward onto the desk, she folded her hands, leaning her forehead on them.
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. They couldn't simply deny the Tsaritsa access to Mondstadt, that would, first of all, go against all Mondstadt stands for, and second, possibly start an all-out war. And with Grand Master Varka having taken most of Mondstadt's forces with him, there weren't nearly enough people left behind to hold their own against the Fatui.
But at the same time, they didn't know what to expect. She had detailed next to nothing but to expect her the next morning. No purpose of the meeting, nor where to hold it.
Venti had his suspicions, but... Her Majesty had changed so much, it was hard to predict her actions after 500 years of distance.
Granted, she wasn't the first Cryo Archon either. And with Morax's recent.. passing, that made for something rather interesting.
Venti was now the oldest of all the current Archons. Two millennia and 600 years old, though he wouldn't sell himself as the most powerful. Perhaps even the weakest.
"You all really needn't worry too much." Everyone turned to him, shock coloring their expressions. Venti giggled, his signature 'eheh' echoing in the silent room. "The Tsaritsa is a kind soul. She had been misled by the wrongs of her past. I doubt she has much ulterior motive other than to strike a deal." He would have placed his hands on his hips, but Lumine's death grip on his hand had tightened.
Jean was looking at him in disbelief. Diluc's ever so stoic expression had barely shifted, and he didn't dare look at Lumine. He sighed, shaking his head. In truth, yes he was worried. Mondstadt was his pride and joy, a legacy of survival, of loss, of freedom. He wouldn't stand idly if the Tsaritsa decided to take action against them.
"Venti, you have no idea how dangerous this is!!" Jean started, getting up again. Venti clicked his tongue, a smile curling on his lips again.
"I have known the Tsaritsa far longer than you have, Grand Master," A pause. "If she should take a stance, it will not go unpunished. Mondstadt is a city of no one's control, and I will not stand idly and let another Archon ruin what we have all worked so hard to preserve for years."
The wind in the room noticeably picked up. It curled around Venti at his beckon, a teal glow emanating from his braids. Jean, Diluc, and Paimon were all looking on at him, amazement coloring their eyes as he took a step forward. He was Venti the bard, Barbatos the Anemo Archon. An image of someone dear, and a legacy of freedom. He had seen loss, destruction, happiness, love. He was the successor of Decarabian, the established and protector of Mondstadt.
"I will meet with the Tsaritsa, and she will understand why I am not someone to be crossed."
-
"Are you sure this will work?" Lumine's voice was ever so soft, her touch tracing the gentle teal of the sigil imprinted on Venti's torso. He felt a smile come to his lips, leaning across the pillow they laid on to press a kiss to her forehead, the Traveler blinking in surprise. A delicate cherry blossom colored her cheeks, drawing a cheeky giggle from Venti's lips.
His hand traced the curve of her side, a gentle hum emanating from his throat.
"I have no idea, starlight." He murmured to her, his lips ghosting the shell of her ear. He had known the moment that Lumine had dragged them both out of the Grand Master's office and pulled him into a kiss that she was stressed and nervous. He had done his best to ease her worry, but her amber irises were still stormy, clouded with dark emotion. Neither had expected their reunion and Lumine's return from Liyue to go this way, yet here they were. She peered up at him, emotion etched among the features of her face. It tugged at his heart, the smell of Windwheel asters still heavy in his breath as he buried his face into the crook of her neck.
He loved the emotional vulnerability between them both. Lumine was normally so guarded, impossible to read, yet she was okay with bearing her true feelings to him. And with her, he felt unjudged, understood even, when he lay out his own emotions for her. The gentle wobble in his voice betrayed his own nervousness, the way her fingers tangled into his locks to caress his scalp. They found solace in the other.
"..but we'll be ok." Conviction was in his voice as he placed a kiss on her collarbone. "That, I know for sure. No matter what happens, I have you."
To protect, to be protected by. To cherish, to love, to learn, to adore, to explore. All his unsaid thoughts did not go unnoticed by her as he pulled back, their gaze meeting before she pulled him into a kiss. He could feel her worry, taste her fear of losing him upon her lips. Yet he did not budge, letting her pull him closer.
She had admitted to him many a time that she often did not know what to say. But her actions spoke loud enough for him to hear, the wind carried her every worry and thought along for him to know. She bared herself to him, in a way she had never done before. And Venti did all he could to reciprocate, telling her tales he had never told another. She knew his secrets, and he knew her weakness.
The silent Starlight Warrior and Venti the Bard could not be more different on the outside, yet they were closer than anyone else. His sidelong glances in her direction were hardly covered, after all. Everyone in the city of Mondstadt knew of the bard's obvious affection for the Savior of Mondstadt.
Lumine's whimper drew him from his thoughts, slowly pulling from her lips. Her face was apple-red, eyes musty and clouded when they opened. He was sure he wasn't much better, but she looked so beautiful with such a rosy blush on her cheeks. A gentle kiss was placed upon her nose, clarity coming back to her as she let out a giggle. Her smile was soft, still tinged with worry, but it was clear she was feeling a bit better from Venti's admission.
"No matter what happens in the morning, can you promise me something, Venti?" Her fingertips resumed their trail along the tattoo on his chest. He perked a bit in interest, looking at her with curiosity.
"Perhaps, starlight. What is it?"
She froze a bit, her hand tracing the curve of his neck before resting on his cheek. He looked on at her, his free hand idly tousling the short end of her hair.
"...Promise me you won't- won't leave me to." Her voice cracked. Venti felt his body react before he could even process her request, his hand coming to cup the back of her head as he pulled her a bit closer for a kiss, gentle and loving before he pulled away. He watched her blush surface again, a cheeky grin rising before he could fight it down.
"I won't leave you, Princess. Not now, not ever. I promise."
-
Morning's light had already hit by the time he bothered to open his eyes again. Sleep wasn't foreign to him, yet in Lumine's embrace, he had found it easy to come by. He glanced at his lover's sleeping face as he slowly sat up, trying not to wake her, her content expression was a bit too much for him to bear to disturb. He idly traced a finger down the side of her face, ending with cupping her cheek as he leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead before slipping from the mattress, stretching out the aches in his shoulders and hips.
It wasn't too hard to walk around and gather his clothes that had been strewn about the room, quickly putting his attire together and redoing the braids that had come undone last night. Venti had to admit, he was on edge. He hadn't seen another Archon in nearly 500 years. His memories of Khaenri'ah were blurred beyond recognition, but Morax had said he was there. Which was strange.
Venti's memory had always been good. The plus of being a Wind Spirit at heart is that he rarely forgot a thing. While acting as a mortal among men had deteriorated his memory a bit, events were in crystal clear detail for the most part. So to have something as heavy as Khaenri'ah be blurred in his mind? It was strange.
Perhaps he had been coerced into it through his Gnosis. Certainly a possibility. It certainly wasn't like him to invade on the freedom and choice of others, after all.
"....mmmm..Venti..?" Lumine's voice snapped him from his thoughts. He finished fiddling with the clasp of his cloak as he turned to the girl, who was leaning on her elbow, peering at him. Her amber eyes caught the rising sun in a breath-catching way, the rays filtering through her hair and highlighting her sleepy expression made Venti's heart throb.
"Why are you awake, dove?" His chest swelled with affection, walking towards the girl and sitting on the side of the bed. He reached out, his hand tangling in her hair, a chuckle escaping his throat. "You need to sleep, the sun has barely touched the peak of Dragonspine."
She peered up at him, finally sitting up completely. Her fist clutched the blanket to her chest, the teapots fake sky replicating the actual passage of time in the outside world. Venti took little note of her indecency, leaning over to press another kiss to her temple as Lumine attempted to gather her thoughts and words.
"...lack of warmth." She finally mumbled, leaning herself forward to press her face into his shirt. Venti let out a laugh, tracing the bare of her back as she refused to move, her shoulder's relaxing.
"I'm sorry, windblume. But it's morning and today is going to be an.. interesting day." Another spike of anxiety shot through his heart, twisting it in an ugly way. Lumine, the darling she was, seemed to notice immediately, her hand finding his own and resting atop it.
She finally looked up at him again, eyes bleary and tired. But the spark of awareness told him that she was up for good, a sigh escaping his form. He had hoped she would stay asleep throughout the whole ordeal, but he knew that expression on her face.
Determination. Venti admired her for her lack of ability to believe anything was out of her grasp, but he had also seen her borderline reckless when emotional. While he did not doubt her abilities, he really did not want her to get hurt today. Especially at the hands of an old friend.
"Ill fetch your clothes, dove. Just stay here, Ill get you some water as well."
-
She always had to make a grand entrance. While he was currently disguised amongst the crowd, he watched on as Jean, Kaeya, and Lumine stood in front of Mondstadts gates. Droves of people had come to the plaza today out of curiosity, the news of the Tsaritsa's arrival spreading like wildfire through the city.
Her majesty had arrived in a pale white and blue carriage. The Cryo sigil was imprinted among its decorations, ice tingling with a gentle sound through the ever-blowing wind. Fatui agents surrounded its every side, some even carrying it as they approached the city. It was simple, but grand at the same time, slowly coming to a stop in front of the trio.
"Presenting, her Majesty, the Tsaritsa." A familiar, sultry voice pricked at his ears. It poked at a point in him, biting his lip to prevent a scowl from crossing his face as La Signora took the forefront. All the agents lined side by side, weapons down, gaze blank and unwavering at the door to the carriage opened.
A small figure, barely five foot tall, face covered in a veil, exited the carriage. Her hair was a pristine white, a crown nestled amongst the strands of her hair. Her outfit was effective and simple, a light blue coat lined in fur, draping along her form that hovered just above hitting the ground. A simple pair of steel-toed boots is paired with a simple yet fancy white dress shirt and black corset with a half skirt swishing about with each step. She stopped about two or three meters from the trio that was to meet her, curtsing out of polite.
"Your Majesty." Jean bowed, eyes closed in formality. "It is wonderful to see you."
"Grand Master." The Tsaritsa's voice was small, light, but it carried a heavy shiver to it. "I have come to meet with Barbatos."
Whispers flashed through the crowd. Venti felt himself get a bit more nervous, getting ready to dart to the Grand Master's office according to the plan.
"You're letter entailed that. He is waiting in my off-"
Before Jean could even finish, the Tsaritsa held up a hand. "Silence. I wish to meet with Barbatos here."
He knew it. Venti let out a sound of annoyance, purposely hanging in the back of the crowd to avoid unwanted eyes. He watched on, eyes narrow as Jean fumbled a bit with her words, the Grand Master clearly taken aback.
"Barbatos has requested to-"
"I am aware of Barbatos' request." The Tsaritsa cut her off. Her tone was cold, but held little to no malice. "However, I do not want to take chances that he could take if I am to enter the walls of Mondstadt."
Caution. That's the reason behind her refusal to enter the city. Venti kept watch with calm eyes, but he could feel his fingers itching to take out his lyre, play a tune to calm himself.
His gaze drifted to Lumine. The traveler was clearly tense, but her expression took him aback. She wore an air of anger, biting her lip as if to stop herself from snapping at the Tsaritsa.
He sighed. Futher negotiation was impossible.
"You always drove a hard bargain, my dear Tsaritsa." His voice was carried on the wind. Despite only whispering the words to avoid detection for now, it carried the message to all of those gathered. He watched on as every jolted in shock, the crowd beginning to whisper amongst themself. He could feel Diluc's gaze swivel to him, he knew of Jean and Lumine's difficulty to not look in his direction.
"Barbatos of Mondstadt, reveal yourself this instant." The Cryo Archon's emotions were barely concealed in thin ice.
"You know I like my privacy, my fellow Archon. I have sworn to an oath of pacifism, and you know this true. If you wish to talk to me, the Grand Master's words ring on."
He did not miss her flinch. The Tsaritsa was hiding a scowl under that veil.
"Very well then."
Venti relaxed. The people were still talking amongst themselves, but it would blow over hopefully-
"Seize the traveler."
Venti's felt shock color his face as Fatui members immediately were at Lumine's sides, pinning her arms down in seconds. Before Jean or even Kaeya could react though, Venti felt his control on the wind spiral a bit as the harsh blow immediately took to Lumine's side. Venti felt red tinge the edge of his vision as he held out his hand, fake vision pulsing as tendrils of wind forced the two Agents to let go of his darling traveler. He watched as Lumine drew her blade, Jean and Kaeya following suit. They all positioned themself, Diluc at Venti's side summoning his own claymore.
The Tsaritsa raised her hand. Fatui suddenly flooded into the city, covering it on all ends. People in the plaza went into a frenzy, the remaining Knights forming a circle of protection around the citizens as Fatui began to close in on the city.
"Show yourself, Barbatos!! Or your beloved city will meet its end!"
Before Diluc could stop him, the winds enveloped Venti in his silent rage. It began to howl, shrieking as it began to pull up its speed. The sky was darkening with Venti's emotions, his eyes narrow. Unknown emotion filled his body as he was enveloped in a shite of teal before manifesting directly in front of the Tsaritsa. The citizens of Mondstadt fell silent yet again, everyone watching on as the wind converged into a form of a bard cloaked in green.
"Venti, no!" Lumine's cry pricked at his ears as he appeared directly in front of the trio, hand outstretched. He spared her a glance, looking about at the Fatui that surrounded the city. Distress colored her expression, her own hand outstretched to him. His heart ached again, gazing turning back to the Cryo Archon.
"Call off your henchmen, Tsaritsa." Gone was his playful tone. His braids glowed with the rise of his power, the winds picking up at his command. La Signora stood at the side of the Tsaritsa, summoning her catalyst to protect her leader. However, the Tsaritsa raised a hand to hold her off.
"Retreat."
Immediantly, the wind died down. The lack of noise left a ringing in many ears as Venti lowered his arm. The accumulated Anemo energy faded into its normal amount, Venti letting out a sigh.
"It appears you were correct about the Traveler's importance to Barbatos, La Signora." The Tsaritsa didn't even spare a glance to the Harbinger. Despite it being praise, her voice was devoid of any happiness or pride. "You will be rewarded accordingly."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." La Signora, on the other hand, could not look more smug. Venti felt his calm facade flinch at the sight, the desire to slap the Harbinger growing. Yet he returned his gaze to the Tsaritsa, training his gaze to focus on her solely for the time being.
"There were easier options, darling Tsaritsa. Yet, it is just like you to chose to be difficult and finicky." His tone returned to that of practiced carelessness. A signature giggled escaped him, clapping his hands together.
The Tsaritsa did not return his enthusiasm. Her gaze remained firmly on him, her body still as if ice. "Anemo Archon, Barbatos."
"It's Venti these days, yknow."
He could hear the crowd behind him. They were all talking amongst each other, their whispers carried among the winds. Confusion colored most, some had anger, others still held joy and hope.
"You have not changed a day." The words pricked at him, the Tsaritsa pinning him down with her invisible glare. "Still never acting like an Archon."
Venti raised a brow, a prick of sadness leaking into his heart. "Darling Tsaritsa, what has happened to you? Ice has enclosed your heart which was once so full and warm with love."
She flinched. He took notice, eyes narrowing down on the younger Archon. However, she completely avoided his accusation, squaring her shoulders.
"Anemo Archon Barbatos. I am here to demand that you step down from your title of Archon." She raised a pale hand, pointing directly at his chest. "If you do not do so, Mondstadt will fall. You are weak and unworthy of a title as Archon."
Ouch, ok, that hurt. Venti flinched a bit, eye twitching a bit. But her demand was a curious one, it piqued his interest. Opening his mouth to reply, he was cut off by a cry of outrage from behind him, startling both of the Archons.
He glanced back, looking to see Lumine being held back by Jean. She looked absolutely livid, eyes full of murderous intent. A breeze curled at her cheek, surprising the girl as it traced the line of her cheekbone. Venti smiled faintly at her, silently pleading for her to stay back.
Reluctantly, the traveler subsided, Jean slowly lowering the arm that had been holding her back. Lumines cry hadn't been the only one among the winds.
The crowd was shocked, nasty looks being sent to the Cryo Archon. Mondstadt had never been a city of silence, after all, and the crowd seemed pretty pissed that their Archon had been demanded to step down.
The support thoroughly surprised Venti. He knew he wasn't the best Archon. It probably stemmed from the fact he had never wanted to be one in the first place. But he could feel the love from Mondstadt, hear the silent pleas among the winds. It was warm, much like a summer's breeze after playing around in the river.
However, the crowd fell silent as Venti raised a hand. He flinched at that, hating how much control he had from just his movement. Everyone was watching, eagerly awaiting his response.
"The Tsaritsa, leader of Snezhnaya. Cryo Archon, and God of Love. Does that sound familiar?" His voice was gentle, practiced. His gaze was soft, trained once again upon the Cryo Archon. She flinched at the title, but nodded along.
"That is my title. Of course I know it."
"How long have you lived, Tsaritsa?"
She froze in spot. "....a little over 600 years." Her response was quiet. Reserved.
"It is a bit inappropriate to ask someone who was a part of the original Seven to turn over a title that they have held for much longer then yourself, don't you think?" He chided gently, as if talking to a child. The Tsaritsa ducked her head, flinching a bit. Silence stretched on between the two, and Venti nearly let out a sigh, hoping it would be over. Hopefully, she would simply leave, but, especially in Mondstadt, things do not always end up the way you want.
"Barbatos. I will not withdraw my demand." She did not back down. Despite the hesitation, the years of their past they had known each other, she had chosen her path.
Venti sighed, closing his eyes.
"Very well."
The wind picked up again. Stronger then ever, wolven born howls echoed through the air as the wind whipped about. Shrieks and roars joined in as a teal glow began to emanate once again from Venti's form. Dvalin suddenly bore down from the sky, his loud cry echoing with Andruis's howl. Now in the image of Barbatos, Venti hung suspended in the air, lyre in his hands and braids whipping about in the wild wind. Mondstadt looked on as its Archon floated among the four winds, a large Falcon perching atop the walls of Mondstadt. A Lion paced along the opposite side of the Wolf, the Dragon twisting about middair as the spirits of the Four Winds came together once again.
"Rex Lapis has passed, Tsaritsa. That leaves me as the oldest of the Archons." Venti's voice was easily carried through the racing winds. Despite their ferocity, the winds never touched Mondstadts citizens, instead blowing the Fatui out of the city and into the air, the Tsaritsa's carriage up and tumbling over. La Signora herself couldn't even ground herself from the might of all Four Winds, leaving only the Cryo Archon standing to behold the full might of the Anemo Archon.
"Leave Mondstadt. You will not harm this city as long as I live, as long as I hold the title of Anemo Archon this land will remain free. Do not underestimate me. I have seen more then you ever will."
This was Barbatos. The one who stood firm throughout the bloodied Archon War. The one who freed Old Mondstadt from the God of Storms, who helped his people from the sidelines. Who longed for nothing more then to keep freedom and hope alight.
The Tsaritsa had paled considerably. It was easy to underestimate Venti, after all, his babyface and freedom-centered mind combined with his natural lack of having a direction always led for people to try to take advantage of the Archon of Freedom.
Yet, each time, he met their match.
Despite claiming to be the weakest Archon, Venti was still an Archon.
And nothing could change that fact as the Fatui and their leader fled from the land of Mondstadt. Venti felt himself touch ground again, wings fluttering in the dying wind.
"Barbatos." Andrius's voice rumbled, the wolf spirit pacing to stand next to the Archon. The Lion and Falcon joined him, Dvalin keeping to the skies for now. "Your summon was unexpected."
Venti let out a laugh, turning to his friend. "Im more surprised you all came. You all hold no obligation to Mondstadt nor me, after all."
A scoff came from the Falcon, her voice ringing clear.
"How could we not? You are our friend." The Falcon shrunk down, nudging at Venti's cheek. He let out another laugh at her mother-like nature, the Falcon already pestering about to make sure Venti had been ok despite only having awoken from her slumber in the depths.
"I thank you, my friends." Venti smiled, forming a bit of his power to bless the three winds who had not received his blessing yet. "Despite no longer being the Four Winds, you all still came to protect Mondstadt. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded my friends, but I fear the time for Archon's and Celestia is at its end. I suspect you all have noticed as well, since you two have delved into slumber." He turned to the Lion, placing a hand on his paw. His free hand went up to caress the top of the Falcons head. Both nodded, spirits already flickering a bit as sleep called them both.
"Go, my friends. You deserve rest." He chided, smiling when they both curled around him as they faded into the winds. Their warmth lingered before moving on, the chill of the wind carrying it away as Venti turned to the wolf of the North.
Andrius watched on. Venti turned to him, smiling to himself. "Old friend, you still have yet to retire."
"I have my own area to watch over of my own volition." The old wolf responded. Venti laughed at his standoffish nature, reaching up to cup at the fur of Andrius's coat.
"Thank you for your help today."
The wolf let out a snort before backing off and returning to Wolvendom, Venti nearly missing the way he pressed his nose to Venti's cheek before leaving. Finally, he turned to the skies, waving to the dragon of the East as he danced about in the sky, already on his way back to his lair in Old Mondstadt.
His wings fluttered. It felt good to stretch them, despite them merely being accessories to prove his ability to fly. Yet, the pristine feathers always had a welcoming feel when the wind ran through them. He sighed, staring up at the sky, muttering one final prayer to his old friends before turning to face Mondstadt.
Immediantly, his vision was clouded with blonde, his balance being knocked as someone collided with him. A yell of surprise exited him before the sound was sealed by a pair of lips closing over his own, hands pulling on his cheeks to force him to meet Lumine half-way. He was quick to return the affection, quickly pulling her closer before slowly separating from the girl, not surprised at all when she immediately began to scold him.
He was quick to roll his eyes and press another kiss to her lips and effectively shut her up. He could hear Jean and Diluc and others approaching, but right now he couldn't bring himself to care.
The future was always finicky. He knew songs, future, past, present, but they did little to tell him what could happen. Yet, he had found himself able to face the future slowly, one step at a time, with the people at his side. Tomorrow would bring another whirlwind, but right now?
Venti couldn't be more content with life.