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differences and divides [closed]
[ Mondstadt was beautiful this time of year.
They don't get many tourists, they were too pooped from making the journey to Liyue for the Lantern Rite. It was still a middleway point between national celebrations, the festivals growing far and few between until they hit spring. It was of no shame that Venti knows every visitor that steps past the city walls.
So when one arrives one morning during a farmer's market – he can recognize a fine Liyue attire enough to keep eyes on this faraway friend. Venti doesn't stop what he was doing. Playing his lyre on the steps leading up to the Church. A gathering of small kids sing along with the bard as if it was a song passed on through the ages. Each strum of his lyre brings another child to the fray, seated and paying attention to the tales of birds, flight, and wonder. Of heroes and villains. Of brandished swords and shields. Venti is an impeccable storyteller, after all. ]
So yes, little ones, keep your heads high,
And one day you may be the apple of Barbatos' eye.
[ If the Liyue visitor hears the finish of the song and thunderous applause from the youngins, so be it. But, Venti doesn't quite engage – if only because he wants to ensure he doesn't disturb this woman who visits from a land he recalls fondly. ]
They don't get many tourists, they were too pooped from making the journey to Liyue for the Lantern Rite. It was still a middleway point between national celebrations, the festivals growing far and few between until they hit spring. It was of no shame that Venti knows every visitor that steps past the city walls.
So when one arrives one morning during a farmer's market – he can recognize a fine Liyue attire enough to keep eyes on this faraway friend. Venti doesn't stop what he was doing. Playing his lyre on the steps leading up to the Church. A gathering of small kids sing along with the bard as if it was a song passed on through the ages. Each strum of his lyre brings another child to the fray, seated and paying attention to the tales of birds, flight, and wonder. Of heroes and villains. Of brandished swords and shields. Venti is an impeccable storyteller, after all. ]
So yes, little ones, keep your heads high,
And one day you may be the apple of Barbatos' eye.
[ If the Liyue visitor hears the finish of the song and thunderous applause from the youngins, so be it. But, Venti doesn't quite engage – if only because he wants to ensure he doesn't disturb this woman who visits from a land he recalls fondly. ]
no subject
When Venti sees the Liyue visitor approach... he places a pleasant smile on his face. ]
You humble my heart and fill me with song. Thank you, milady – [ As cheeky and dramatic as always. ] It's nice to know my music and tales don't have an age limit.
[ And curiously: ]
Oh? I find that hard to believe. Every day has a tale, if one pays attention.
no subject
Well, even if it was a little geared towards children, it doesn't take a child to acknowledge good storytelling.
[ His song brought back fond memories of when she was a child, of when she believed in heroes and valiant, fantastical fights. Perhaps her time as the Yuheng has made her a little more jaded, which, considering her age probably isn't for the best, but she misses those days sometimes.
Like now, for example, when he speaks. ]
That's true. ... When you have a lot on your plate, it's easy to forget to appreciate the smaller things that happen around you. I haven't had the luxury of time on my side lately, but I understand and appreciate the sentiment.
[ A pause. ]
Is this what you do for a living?
no subject
[ Because Mondstadt's liberation was the best tale of all. Venti's made it his duty to ensure as such, in honor of fallen friends and hope for his people. Venti's lyre was gone shortly after, tucked away for safe keeping as the crowd begins to disperse. ]
The smaller things are what make life great and it appeases me greatly to make them... well, even greater! [ Ok wordsmith, calm down. ] Ah, yes. Travel and sing, write and storytell. I take it you've not heard of my impeccable reputation, then?
rolls back in here!!
Perhaps that's something she'll ask him about before she leaves. From what he says, it seems like he's a regular around here, after all. She has a small smile on her face when he asks his question. ]
Sorry, but I haven't. I'm not from around here, as you've probably already guessed. [ Due to her attire and all. She certainly does stand out a little... What he probably hasn't guessed is that she's the Yuheng, and Keqing quietly reaches into a pouch she has strapped at her side and drops Mora into his cap. It's a pretty nice tip, all things considered. Mora isn't much of an issue when you're part of the Qixing, after all. ]
Please, have this. It's the least I can do for taking up so much of your time while you're on the job. I may also be here for working matters, but I feel as though I've shooed away your audience. [ Whoops!! ] Still, you can tell me more about your reputation once I've finished what I need to do here.
no subject
[ He was going to really sell it but instead, he watches as the foreign traveler drops a nice sum in his hat. Don't worry, he scoops it up and flips his cap back onto his head – cecilia flower intact. ]
Thank you for your contribution to the arts. [ He'll fund himself some nice booze tonight and maybe write some music? Who knows. Drinks are definitely in his future. However, curiously, he does try to put together who she was. From Liyue, he knows clearly from the style of attire. Morax did like outfits that were more intricate, that truly pulled into the beauty of the environment... but – ah, he doesn't get lose on the could be. ] Ah? Miss, my audience is overdue for a nap – they must have run home.
[ Children love him, locals think he's a menace most of the time. Venti's up and dusting himself off, standing not much taller than Keqing at all. Sunny with his smile, the least he can do is show some hospitality. ]
Ah? Do you need an escort? I know this city like I forged it with my own hands!
[ Venti... too close. Although technically, he didn't. It was the people that built new Mondstadt. ]
I'd be a rude bard if I didn't help those in need.
no subject
It's a pleasure, Venti, to meet someone so renowned around here. My name is Keqing. I'm part of the Qixing in Liuye, known as the Yuheng by many.
[ Of course, if Venti is unfamiliar with those terms, she's happy to explain. She's assuming, though, that word of the Qixing has probably travelled far enough for there to be some familiarity.
He is a bit of an odd one, she's decided, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Venti is full of energy and life -- it's strangely refreshing. However, while the company certainly wouldn't be unwelcome, Keqing is staunchly against burdening others with her own affairs. She gives him a little shake of her head. ]
I appreciate the offer, but I'm fairly sure I know where the Knights of Favonius headquarters is located.
[ She looks to her left and points: ] This way, isn't it?
[ It is, in fact, not that way. Perhaps the escort will be needed after all. ]
sorry for the delay!
Ah? All the way from Liyue, truly? I did not know I was in front of such importance, forgive me. [ He plays it off with a 'hehe', but that answers a few things but raises so many questions. Morax had often told of how he planned to have help along the way with Liyue, but rarely did he ever think he'd truly find it. The people inspired enough to make a difference? Brilliant, but he'd hardly tell his old friend that. ] News travels far on the wind and it is pleasing to know even the most busy of the Qixing can find themselves in the free city.
[ They have their back and forth and there's a dismissive but awkwardly little laugh – Venti's at her side, encroaching a little on her space without meaning too. One hand takes her shoulders and turns her mid-point to adjust the trajectory. ]
That would be the best tavern in Mondstadt. Save that for later. Up the stairs, however, you'll find the proper offices of the Knights and the Church. Can't miss them, they don't smell like a winery. Allow me, I was visiting the statue of Barbatos soon.