primos | from @bakerstreet

from @bakerstreet

meteorder

I've gotten a lot better with my drinks, thank you kindly! I think sticking to one type helps keep my pranking fingers at bay. Jeez, I'm actually pretty long overdue for a good pranking... maybe Master Diluc ... maybe Miss Lisa...

Gah! Now you have me thinking of pranks, stop that.

[ He's trying to be good! Although, Zhongli may find it more bothersome to think back on spilled drinks, isn't that just life? A bunch of spilled drinks? They had a good laugh, even if Venti ran for his life in the process of it.

Even now... he thinks of it from time to time. ]

My timing is as it needs to be. I'll arrive promptly at the outskirts of Mondstadt's east gate and give you the best tour. The history, the gossip, and the best company you can expect. Just... let's avoid the church, eh? The sisters have been a bit agitated lately.

[ Funny enough, Venti's already taking down notes in a small leather notebook – all key points of his city and the people he'd introduce Zhongli to. Little stars and hearts around important bullet items line the paper, but... he stops between messages to soak it in. It's funny how the tables have turned...

Morax is not dead. That news brought him such joy, just as Venti's awakening must have done the same to the geo archon. The bard can't help but smile a bit wider. ]

There's just a few rules you have to follow. Ready to hear them?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ to Zhongli, he figures that it's both: Venti was drunk and written something embarrassing. yet, to Venti's credit, it's not as if he let much embarrass him, especially not in his own drunken stupor. it was strangely admirable, and something that Zhongli, despite all of his petty barbs, quite liked about him. ]

Admittedly this is the first that I've set foot back in Mondstadt since the unfortunate events of the past.

[ it's been a while: since Barbatos went to sleep, and since the darkness that engulfed Liyue. there was a lot to unpack there, but he doesn't go further into it.

to Barbatos, Mondstadt was fine to discover its own freedoms without him; to Morax, Mondstadt was a business transaction without Barbatos. ]

I know that the Knights of Favonius are quite diligent in their pursuit of the expansion of their collections. The current Grand Master has made some rare requests of Wanwen Bookhouse. I suppose even his title of Titan does not limit him, as there's interest of knowledge to pursue and a library to expand. Of course, the acting Grand Master has also made her share of requests.

[ there's a partial hint of a smile on his face as he crosses his legs elegantly at the knee. ]

That said, if there's something you wish to show me, I'd be inclined to oblige.

[ That answers one question. Selfishly, Venti wondered if he enjoyed Mondstadt for what it provides without him. A strange, jealous streak was there — childish, as much as his own view seemed to be on other matters. He didn’t ask to go jumping in puddles or climb the tree in Windrise, Venti invited Zhongli to something he truly believed he would enjoy. ]

Ah, the Knights and Grand Master have their own affairs. Some stray from traditional rules, some… marching to the beat of their own drum.

[ Venti thinks of someone, his mouth feels sour. Only a moment before he forced a wincing smile in his face. The thoughts of a Cavalry Captain walking a line Venti cannot interfere with... it was uncomfortable at best. ]

I am sure all of their requests are more… tame, but the Library is quite something! I think you would enjoy it and I, the one who had helped some of the stories in the very pages of those books, feel responsible to curate the masses for your own amusement.

[ They both know the state of what happened in Mondstadt, of the ups and downs– even songs were not immune to being spread about such rocky waves. Thus is Liyue. Thus is Inazuma. Thus is the lands beyond. Here and now, Venti fortunately uses his last bit of favor to clear their tab and up he goes, snatching the book up with a dramatic thump. ]

Join me, then. I assure you will not be bored.

[ five-hundred years had passed, and Barbatos was still the same in many ways. selfish in his own right, but giving in others. it was the way of the Anemo Archon to catch himself in whatever way the wind took him. connecting again after so long feels as if they had just parted ways yesterday, like the time from one moment to another had been a hours rather than hundreds and hundreds of years.

perhaps that was also because of Barbatos. ]

Very well. [ the glass goes to the table for a final time. ] I'll consider that a promise.

[ some things about the Lord of Geo never change, as much as other parts had.

when it comes to the matter of payment, Zhongli clears his throat and tells Sara to bill it to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. it's not as if he didn't have mora, but more like he didn't think of bringing it on this little excursion (which meant, of course, that he didn't have any mora). there's not much for Sara to do, and by the time she accepts, Zhongli is already strolling up the stone pathway to the Knights' Headquarters.

the day has come to life, and Mondstadt bustles around him in gossip, laughter and bright colors. it puts him at ease, much like the way that Liyue Harbor does. people are people, no matter where he goes, Liyue and Mondstadt are no different. ]

It seems that you've already made yourself acquainted with Mondstadt's new band of knights. [ he's a little curious. ] There has been turnover since you've last roused from your last slumber.

[ What did they say wind was?

It came and went.

Five-hundred years was here and gone, but when Venti looks across to Zhongli it feels as if he has much catching up to do. Eager to do so, more than he'd readily admit to himself, they end up calling it quits for a calm chat out in the life of the city. It wasn't as if they didn't talk – or at least, feel the reality and gravity that their old age and status brought them together once more.

Venti isn't going to argue with payments nor how they are quick to leave but – the city was still unraveling to the visitor. Shops opening up or calling out to passerbys and children run in the streets. Venti is left stopping every so often – catching a fly ball with a tiny gust of wind before chucking it back.

This was as normal as they could get. Venti wasn't going to ignore he checks Zhongli's attention – seeing where his eyes drift, wondering what thoughts fill his mind. When they arrive up the stairs to the Headquarters, he rocks back and forth idly as he lags behind. ]

As with time, such a thing is unavoidable. I hear there's a woman leading quite the tight ship over in the Harbor too. I... do feel good about this one, though! Acting Grand Master Jean has proven herself kind and just, she reminds me of...

[ Vennessa, but the name is all but caught on his tongue. ]

a leader. Which, we truly do need here! Damn that Barbatos for slacking off.

[ Zhongli is as steady in his sway as he is in his nature. his golden eyes don't stray much from their destination, only momentarily distracted by fine architecture or well-crafted goods. each step has intention, even from the short distance between the main square and the Knights' Headquarters. Zhongli is a difficult person to deter, especially once his mind has been set on a destination.

Venti plays along the way, and Zhongli can feel the slight kiss of the breeze on his cheek as the wind flutters and the ball is returned, ruffling Venti's cape in soft billows of fabric. the Anemo Archon is both to-and-fro, occasionally in front of him or lagging behind. Zhongli keeps his pace consistent. ]

Many. She has corresponded with the Tianquan and the the Yuheng, as well as the Millelith depending on the circumstances at the border. She seems quite the capable commander, not unlike those fashioned for the position the past.

[ he caught that, Barbatos. ]

Perhaps your absence inspires action. After all, the Knights of Favonius has quite the longevity for an institution conceived in the concept of freedom.

[ when they reach the top of the steps the stairs, both Wood and Wyratt give the pair a curious glance as they pause in front of the stone building. ]

[ Venti has to time this perfectly, to prepare every lie and fib to get inside the library. While, he himself, did have right to such a space – Venti does not. The place would be secluded and perhaps he'll curate the best selections of books for Zhongli to take back to Liyue with... or Venti would just continue to enjoy a fond, old feeling with his friend. Something that strangely felt more exciting than he'd like to admit.

For the most part, Venti does pay attention when Zhongli speaks – nodding and humming with amusement. The mortals always provided such interesting interweaving stories, sometimes it was hard to keep up. ]

Hmph. Capable as she is good-natured. [ It seems both of their nations were in good hands. Venti skips ahead of Zhongli, spinning on his heels. ] If my absence lessens an iron-tight grip, let the flowers of freedom breathe and blossom!

[ He's able to get that giddy, childish suggestion out before winking – turning to the two in front. ]

Hello, hello! [ From his booklet, he pulls out a ... very curious letter. Adorned in gold, inked with purple, the letter was handed off and given to Wyratt with an innocent smile. ] Miss Lisa has asked for me to provide a quick tour of the library in her absence. Our friend from Liyue, Mr. Zhongli of the drop-dead amazing funeral parlor of yore, has requested a few books on Mondstadt's original funeral processions for clients. I am his guide!

[ Wyratt hums, looking through – tilted gaze between the two archons and then down to the letter. He flips it, where Zhongli can see Lisa's signature at the bottom and assumingly the text mirroring the same explanation. ]

Eh? Do you question our Librarian?

[ He has to turn the heat up a little... ]

[ there's Barbatos, always so dramatic. a sigh comes from his lips — as if he knew what he was getting into and was resigned to it – as he takes a long stride behind him. they pause outside the Knights Headquarters, and Zhongli falls quiet for the moment to watch Barbatos work. there's something fascinating about the way that he causes mischief to get what he wants, like little gears inside of his head turning in directions that no one would expect. hundreds of years ago he wouldn't have appreciated it, but now he does.

his expression remains level as Wyratt takes the paper into his hand for examination. from what Zhongli can tell from the brief anxiety on the man's face is that no one wishes to cross this librarian. when the young knight opens his mouth to ask another question, Zhongli interjects. ]

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has served the people of Liyue since the time of the Archon War, and has existed for the last seventy-seven generations. They proceeded over the Rite of Passage of Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, and conduct various Adepti funeral rooted heavily in Liyue's own traditions. Ms. Lisa has been grateful enough to allow me the leisure of searching her tomes.

[ and he speaks with enough authority to quiet him as he looks between the letter and Zhongli. ]

As the passing of the Geo Archon is recent, I mean to further my own knowledge to compliment the traditions of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. You may consider me a type of envoy.

[ Wood is the one who seems more composed. he regards Zhongli and then looks directly at Venti. Why would you be chosen for his guide?

he's seen him around at the bar.

Zhongli says, deadpan: ]

He does almost anything for a drink.

[ IS THAT A JOKE.... ]

[ Venti is rarely entrusted with anything these days. A reputation of an Archon means little to the wisp playing his role as 'bard' to heart. He can't simply get away with much – even since he learned his lessons from the witty sisters who refuse his claim as Barbatos. He tries, in his mischief, to provide a story worth telling. Their alibi relied on it.

With the letter taken and Zhongli beginning to discuss and rant. Venti's eyes glaze over, his patience tested but truthfully... there's something trusting about the Geo's words. Succulent and true, with no ferocious bite akin to Morax – it was different in a way.

However, Venti slumps forward at the notion for a drink. Way to call him a whore!?!

His loafer slams down to Zhongli's foot in rebellion, laughing and trying to cover his own little joke. ]

The jokesters in Liyue, I tell you...! Ms. Lisa asked me, specifically, for I know the stories and rhymes lost in time. My bardly knowledge is vast and my keen eye so surpassed...

[ Yes, he's rhyming. Charm earns him a performance where both part to the front entrance reluctantly. ]

And our neighbors must be able to learn as much as their knowledge yearns. This quest of wisdom and rites starts here and Ms. Lisa is too terribly overworked and a bit cranky, I have been tasked to lessen her burden.

[ A glance to Zhongli, nervously with a small smirk.

...Are they let in? :/ ]

[ as if he were a statue, Zhongli stands admirably with a stony posture as Venti slams down on his foot as if he they were have a misstep amid a dance. it makes him look official (more official than he actually is, but about as official as he likes to believe he may be).

he clears his throat. ]

Unless you'd like to take it up with her, then by all means we will wait for you to do so. Of course, we have the afternoon to our leisure, and she may well not.

[ Zhongli does not know this Ms. Lisa, but from the way Venti is mischievously dropping hints, he doubts that these two would wish to deal with her at her crankiest. he sees the two Knights glance between each other and then Wood cast a glance that says do you want to test this? and of course, Wryatt does not.

so, they let them pass, all with Zhongli striding forward like the belongs there. ]

[ Such is any story: there must be a threat. As utterly beautiful Lisa is, she is quite scary. The hair on the back of Venti's neck raises as if electro already fills the air. The pathway was revealed and the door cracked open. Zhongli takes lead and Venti scrambles with a tilt of his cap to follow.

Ask no questions, keep your eyes straight. ]

Since when were you a gambler?! I think you like playing pretend just as much as I do, ehehe.

[ The entranceway was silent and Venti takes lead – nudging the man as he passes with his elbow. The library calls their name behind large, sturdy doors. Perhaps, in a way, the most guarded in the entire building. The hinges cry as Venti pushes the door open and the empty, expanse of tomes and books were as far as the eye can see. ]

Ah... I do love the smell of history and stories.

I know when a hand is in my favor.

[ there was a lot he gambled his little stunt on when he faked his own death. perhaps he's learned over the decades in Barbatos' absence that there's a place for trickery. or maybe seeing Barbatos again has stroked that mischievous side of his.

he steps into a little bit of history when he's in Mondstadt's famed library, his shoes clicking against the tiles as he sways past Venti and the short shelves that line the interior of the top floor. with a long stride he slips his hands behind his back and begins to pace the outside of the walls, looking very much like he belongs in a place like this, Liyue or Mondstadt.

the room weaves into a thought-out layout of mazes of books, sometimes ending in a dead end with a chair and table, other times leading to another maze of books.

for the moment, Zhongli is quiet. ]

Uh huh. Suuuuure. Go, enjoy yourself like some child in a candy store.

[ Truthfully, there were only a few books Venti would suggest now to Zhongli. Not ones of history, of Mondstadt's rebellion, or the old fairy tales mothers tell their children before bed. Perhaps they were books of poems or songs that he created, collected by a ghost writer. Venti, of course, was a little arrogant like that.

However, as there is silence... so silence remains. Venti doesn't bother him for some time. A soft thud of a book being pulled from its tightly-fit shelf or a squeak of his shoes, sure, but he lets Zhongli roam.

It feels lonely already, but this was for him. Venti allows these moments of peace for a small bit.

But, of course, mischief does return. As Zhongli passes by a row of shelves in the middle of the room, a soft pssst was visible and a book rumbles, as if begging to be pulled out of the slot it was tucked away into.

Does Zhongli go along with this? ]

[ the little bard may be arrogant, but Zhongli has always enjoyed Venti's poetry and songs. now that he's become more involved in the arts and writings of Liyue, he appreciates Venti's talents even more.

but he does have to make Venti work for the appreciation.

when the book tilts out toward him he almost walks past it as if he were on a separate mission. however, he stops at the last moment, taking a long step backward in stride to examine the spine of the exposed book. he grabs it past the spine (he's done this before), examines the title then with a long, gloved finger, pushes it back in.

despite the semi-cheeky little look of victory on his face, he does linger near where the book presented itself to him, curious to see if it does so again. ]

[ With the book pushed back in, it's immediately sent flying forward – shooting across to the opposite row. There could be a hundred reasons for why a book would move on its own. It could be haunted! There could be a precise librarian moving a misplaced book. But, no. An ex-Archon peers through the opening left behind on the other side.

Pouting like an absolute child with brows furrowed down.

If Zhongli was to look.

If he doesn't, certainly, something else happens... ]

[ vroom.

there it goes, buzzing past his hips and causing the fake Vision to jingle at his rear. with slight pivot of his heels and a few steps of his long legs, he goes to gather the book carefully.

Venti gets humored, and Zhongli, with book in hand, leans down just slightly, bending at his hip, to peer a golden eye through the empty space where the book at once been. ]

[ By the time his tall form doubles down and his features were visible on the other side, he'd feel nothing but a rough gust of air blow in his face. Not enough force to push him back or such, just tussle his hair.

When he looks, Venti is peering on the other side with the faint glow of cyan braids lighting his face. ]

Find anything to take home to Liyue?

[ somehow, Zhongli retains his dignity while the bookshelf farts in his face. he raises and his hair falls back into place, brushing against his cheeks as he sighs and looks over the cover of the book that all but forced itself into his hand. ]

Rather, something has found me. [ with one arm crossed over the other, he lifts the book with his wrist, giving Venti a good view of its cover. ] Does this look familiar to you?

[ somehow – somehow – he doubts it. ]

[ It wasn't a fart, more like a raspberry. Chill.

Still peeking through, Venti has to squint and narrow his gaze more. It certainly... seems familiar but – ]

Ummmm? Enlighten me, dear friend. I – aha, dozed off after a few good glasses many times in my pillaging of Ms. Lisa's library...

[ Most of all, knowing that Zhongli did find something useful here felt earned. As if Venti understood him a little bit more. ]

[ raspberries are farts of the mouth.

it's fine – is it odd to say that he's a bit used to it? that he possibly walked right into it? given that Venti has a way of throwing him, he's become accustomed to a few of Venti's more annoying habits (he may have even grown enough to find them charming, even though he'd never, ever, admit it). ]

Biography of Gunnhildr – was the breeze not aiming for this, specifically?

[ that's somewhat amusing, and there's a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips as he spreads the pages in a flurry of settling paper to see where it may land. ]

[ Yes. Wear down, old stone. Let him endear himself to you in all his bullshit childish ways. ]

It... was not, truthfully. Perhaps fate brings us here in this moment. Isn't that a nice thought? [ And still, peeking through, Venti is still letting this dumb shelf divide them. ] Is this what type of insight would suit an old man like you well? History from a different perspective... enlightening as if it had just happened.

[ there's a breath that sounds like a puff of a laugh before he speaks. ]

I've never known you to be a fan.

[ except when he can use the term fate poetically, like he is here. well, at least he seems a little taken with it. ]

May the gentle breeze of Barbatos carry words of enlightenment and deliver them into the gaze of my readers.

[ bright eyes remain on the pages and, for a moment, glide over to Venti as there's some amusement in those words. ]

Barbatos was not, so they say, but what is a bard to change such strong winds?

[ Fate was an excellent subject to bring into stories. It's subjective, it's fearful, it's inspiring – a big conundrum that varies from person to person. It is why so many authors use fate as an antagonist... everyone can feel a pull of something with fate. Finally, Venti abandons the shelf that divides them and makes his way around. ]

Oh, yes, yes! I know this one as if it is so fresh! [ Venti clasps his hands together, a stuffy old voice mimicking the old scholars that studied lineage in the birth of New Mondstadt. They truthfully had quoted this line enough. ] And may the wind of freedom forever prevail in Mondstadt.

What is a bard to do but change such strong winds? These passages seem to think very highly of you.

[ Zhongli says it in a voice that hints if only they knew the truth. of course, he thought highly of Barbatos too, it just came with the territory for knowing someone else for several thousand years. ]

I'm exceedingly surprised that you're familiar with it.

[ does Venti read. he moves on, regardless: ]

Gunnhildr is a long family name held by your Acting Grand Master.

Aha! So you battle with words as well as me now. [ It was nice – for so long he has to downplay things. Sure, a drunken bard so quick to claim he was Barbatos when times were dire is one thing but... did anyone really believe his long tales? Were they inspired as they were so long ago in his other form? ] They do, but I believe I prefer the books that talk about the people. If I wanted to toot my own horn, I'd cast aside the Lyre, hm?

[ You know.

Toot toot with a horn.

Venti reads, okay. Leave him alone. ]

And she is living up to it marvelously. Unfortunately... families and their lineage cast a terrible burden on my people. There are a few looked down upon for being born into the wrong family, no matter how much good they do in this world.

[ Somberly, Venti drags his thumb to the spine of another book – Dawn Winery Market Report XXXX. He was too terribly sensitive over mortals, even now. ]

[ very clever, Venti. ]

Perhaps – there are those say that when people are born into this world, that they do so without weight. That's not exactly true, is it?

[ with an easy roll of his wrist, he shuts the book in his hands completely, then returns it to its place on the shelf with a methodical motion of his fingers. ]

No one exists without burden; that is the reality of fate. There are some things that cannot be changed, only endured, but that does not negate the good done in this world. Recognition is not a measurement of integrity – indeed, it's the defiance of cruelty which allows people to step closer to freedom.

[ he is still sensitive about mortals, but it's been long enough that Zhongli recognizes it. perhaps he was never good at reading the room, but the shift in Venti's moods became more noticeable, and over time, he began to realize what he needed.

Zhongli puts a gloved hand on top of Venti's hat as an offer of contact. ]

In times of suffering, they care for one other, just as we care for them, and that is the gift you've given them.

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