Chapter Text
Night has fallen upon Mondstadt and Venti smiles at its usual hush. From his seat by his statue near Springvale, he enjoys the warm lights of Mondstadt’s nightlife paired with the spray of stars above. He hums a tune and closes his eyes, relishing in the way the breeze flutters his hair.
A storm, seemingly never-ending, had passed over Mondstadt with enough rain to fill the lake anew. It lasted for almost a week, sheets of rain sometimes giving way to drizzles before redoubling its efforts to make Venti wish he would banish the clouds himself. He does enjoy the rain, but keeping from the open skies for so long had made him practically vibrate with pent-up energy.
This morning, the clouds finally dispersed and the rain stopped. Venti spent the day enjoying the fresh air that weaved with remnants of petrichor, no longer stifling with humidity. Mondstadt’s inhabitants seemed to share in his joy; the city bustled with activity that carried on into the night. He would usually be at the tavern at this hour to partake in the celebrations but can’t bring himself to go back inside just yet. He’ll enjoy the night just a little longer.
The breeze that caresses his face twists with a new purpose, prompting Venti to open his eyes and tilt his head to listen to its musings.
“Oh? Do you wish to take me somewhere?” he asks teasingly. Wind spirits have a mind of their own, ones that Venti can easily attune with. They leave traces in the wind as messages; this gust rings with curiosity. “Lead the way! Let’s see what you have for me this time.”
Venti stands and lets the wind take him up and through the sky, bringing him to the plains around Dawn Winery. He’s guided to a particular stretch spotted with trees. He lands soundlessly and his eyes flit around to find the source of the spirits’ excitement.
I can’t see much through this darkness. He squints, trying to discern any interesting details through the faint moonlight. We’ll see what we can find. He walks further into the small grove and a gasp grabs his attention, amplified in the near-silence of the chirping crickets. Venti takes careful steps toward the noise and peeks from behind a tree.
A young boy is seated on a fallen log, dark and messy hair falling to his shoulders, head tilted up at the sky. Venti can discern the taut lines of his back, the way he seems to stretch toward the night sky. One of the boy’s hands reaches out slowly above him and he inhales sharply. He seems caught in a trance, hand splayed above him as he mutters to himself.
Venti doesn’t recognize him. He could very well be a traveller, but to see one so young at this time of night? A strange sight indeed.
He feels his curiosity swell up to match that of the wind spirits. He takes a few steps toward the boy and speaks with a soft voice. “Hello, what brings you here so late at night?”
The child jumps with a yelp and turns around, scrambling backwards and fumbling for his pockets. He unsheathes a small dagger and brandishes it in front of him, breaths coming in short gasps.
Venti flinches slightly at the reaction and puts his arms up in what he hopes is a reassuring manner. “Hey, sorry about that. I’m not here to rob or hurt you, I was just passing by.”
The boy stares at him for a few seconds then slowly relaxes and lowers his weapon. He lets out a breath and pushes long bangs away from his face. Venti can’t see his features clearly, but is surprised to see a dark patch over his right eye. Are those bandages? Or … an eyepatch?
Venti lowers his arms in turn, stepping over the fallen log and sitting down on it. “Sorry for scaring you. I was just curious to see another night owl like myself around at this late hour. Would you mind if I join you?”
The boy hesitates before sheathing and pocketing his dagger, not-so-subtly leaving his hand clenched around it. He takes slow steps toward him, sitting down at a respectable distance at Venti’s right. Keeping me in his field of vision, eh?
“I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have reacted that way,” the boy mumbles.
Venti starts a little at his voice; it’s barely noticeable but there’s a slight lilt to his words, the way he accentuates them gives his speech an airy quality. He’s never heard such an accent before, it’s oddly charming.
“Well, I believe introductions are in order. My name’s Venti, what’s yours?”
“Kaeya.” The name is mumbled in a voice so soft Venti only catches it through the wind.
“Kaeya? What a pretty name. Which family do you belong to? I don’t recognize you and believe me, I know everyone around here,” he chuckles.
“I’m no one. Just Kaeya. I don’t have a family anymore — or at least, I don’t think so.”
Venti’s expression falls. “Oh … what makes you think that?”
“I was travelling with my father, we were just passing through the area during that big storm a few days ago,” Kaeya starts. There’s something about the way that he speaks that seems … off, though Venti can’t quite pin down why.
“It was really cold and we were running out of supplies,“ Kaeya continues. “He left me under a tree and said he’d come back for me, but he didn’t. I waited for two days until Master Crepus found me.”
“From the Ragnvindr household?”
“Yes. He took me in and is taking care of me until my father comes back —well, everyone says he is. I don’t know why, but I know I‘ll probably never see him again.”
They fall into an awkward silence and Venti finally understands what’s been nagging him. His story, it sounds rehearsed. And not in the sense that he’d told it many times; Kaeya speaks with an almost mechanical cadence that makes him seem detached from his own words.
Is he lying? Venti frowns. If so, why?
Kaeya shifts uncomfortably beside him and Venti realizes that he’s been staring ahead for a while. “I’m sorry to hear that, Kaeya,” he says, hoping his tone doesn’t betray his creeping sense of suspicion. “The Ragnvindrs are a wonderful family, I’m sure you’ll get along very well with young master Diluc.”
“Oh, yes, he’s very nice too,” Kaeya replies politely.
“I also know that while Diluc has a free spirit, he regrettably has a very strict bedtime, which I imagine would apply to you too,” Venti says. “If you don’t mind my asking, what made you sneak out so late?”
Kaeya shifts beside him again and Venti looks his way. His bangs cover his face, and he’s fiddling with his hands. Is he embarrassed?
“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me,” Venti says in a softer voice. He directs the wind toward him, hoping to catch Kaeya’s murmurs.
“It’s the first time I can see them,” Kaeya says in a quiet, almost sheepish voice.
“See what? There’s not much to see in this darkness.”
Kaeya shakes his head. “That’s the point.” He raises his gaze up toward the sky and tension drains from his shoulders. “The stars, they’re so beautiful.”
Venti looks up and smiles softly. “Ah, you were stargazing, then. You found a very good place to do so.”
“There’re so many,” Kaeya mumbles with awe. Venti’s not sure he heard him at all. “I tried counting them again and again and I keep losing count. If only Dain could see them, I’m so glad he was wrong.”
Clouds part, allowing moonlight to seep through. It highlights the leaves of the surrounding trees and bathes their grove in a soft shroud of light, mute colours of the grass and flowers momentarily filtering in with an almost ethereal glow. Kaeya gasps at the sight. Venti looks his way; the moonlight allows him to see more of the boy’s features and he’s surprised to note that his skin is darker than he first thought, his hair a bluish tinge.
Kaeya’s parted lips melt into a smile of childish glee. He lets out a breathy laugh. “That must be a full moon! It’s so bright, almost like a second sun. Ah, I lost count again…” Kaeya looks toward him. “Would you happen to know how many stars there are? There must be millions!”
Venti is momentarily drawn to the black eyepatch covering his right eye. Huh, so that’s what it was. His eyes meet Kaeya’s wide and uncovered one. “Actually, no one knows! It—“
Shock seizes his heart. His emotions drain in an instant before rushing back and slamming into his chest.
Kaeya’s pupil. It’s star-shaped.
Venti rasps in a breath. He hasn’t seen that eye since—
Memories flood his thoughts. Voices pierce through.
Is there no other way?— Must be done— Eradicate— No survivors—
Please stop! I’m BEGGING you!
Flames, the smell of charred flesh. Earthquakes, explosions. Splatters of blood staining his hands.
Why would you do this?! He was my SON!
What have we ever done to you?!
A sob. A scream, agonized and raw—
“Venti? Is something wrong?”
Venti blinks hard. The silence of the clearing rushes back. He shakes his head with rough jerks, trying to dislodge the voices that cling to his mind. One by one, they fade. “Oh, I—“ His voice cracks and he clears his throat. “No, no. Everything’s fine.” He exhales shakily and looks up toward the sky. He speaks again with trembling words. “My, the stars are stunning at this hour. Do you mind if we take a second to admire them?”
Kaeya gives him a quizzical look, but seems more than happy to return to his stargazing.
Venti’s gaze unfocuses and the stars twist and fade as he sinks back into his mind.
Kaeya is Khaenri’ahn. The thought sticks at the forefront of his mind and the implications leave him reeling. They were all supposed to be dead, the land ruined beyond recognition, curses and miasma tainting all sources of life. The people of Khaenri’ah were either dead or taken by the curse that warped them into abyssal creatures. Then how is Kaeya here?
Venti’s head spins. There’s too much to think about, too many questions he needs answered.
If some Khaenri’ahns did survive the cataclysm, they were sure to hold a violent grudge against the Archons. And I wouldn’t blame them, Venti thinks with a spike of mixed emotions. He doesn’t think much about that night 500 years ago, partly because of the lingering horror but mostly because of the crippling guilt he feels over those he slaughtered.
Celestia had given them orders and they carried them out. But we didn’t need to, there must’ve been another way— He bites the inside of his cheek until he draws blood. Don’t. Don’t go down that path again. If he spirals into what-ifs, he knows it’ll be hours before he’ll crawl out of those thoughts. Nothing is ever accomplished from his debilitating guilt and self-loathing.
Khaenri’ah belongs in a dimensional pocket, a different plane of existence. Whether that’s a part of its curse or as a result of its extensive destruction, one thing remains clear: it should be virtually impossible to leave or enter. If Kaeya really did come from there, then his fascination with the stars is easily explained; it must seem like a near miracle, a masterpiece in contrast to their dark and grey sky shrouded in miasma.
But somehow, Kaeya is here. His aura leaves no trace in the wind, Venti can’t discern any particular scents either, safe for the soft spices of the Dawn Winery. This absence is more striking than anything else; it hints at the unnaturalness of Kaeya’s presence. There’s no doubt in his mind that, somehow, this boy found a way to leave his ruined country and come to Teyvat.
One question surfaces, one he’s dreading to answer: Why is Kaeya here? He can think of many reasons, none of them leading to a happy outcome for Mondstadt. If his goal is vengeance, then as much as I owe his people, I can’t let it happen. He’s the Anemo Archon, Mondstadt is under his protection. He’ll do what he must to keep his people safe.
Venti’s expression falls to a hard scowl, grim determination drawing him from his thoughts. He’s not one to jump to conclusions. If he has questions, he needs to find answers.
He forces himself to adopt a relaxed pose and expression, hoping the darkness will be enough to hide the serrated edge of his smile. “Say, Kaeya,” he starts casually, “when did you get here? There was a terrible storm over the last week. I imagine it must’ve been hard to travel through.”
Kaeya starts a little at his voice, having fallen into the lull of their long silence. “Um, not too long ago,” he says, shifting in his seat. “It’s hard to gauge since we were in caves or forests the whole time. There’s a lot I don’t remember.”
It’s suddenly much easier to spot the obvious twist to his words, the way he hides information under the guise of ignorance. “I see,” Venti hums. “Then it’s no wonder that the stars seem particularly beautiful to you. Your group must’ve been thrilled to have arrived in Mondstadt. Are you sure there isn’t a camp nearby where your companions would be?”
Venti wonders if his words are too direct. He feels Kaeya stare, but keeps his gaze to the sky. He’s never been too good of an actor in these situations, he knows his expression would betray a thrum of anxiety and suspicion.
“No, it was only me and Father,” Kaeya says finally. “We travelled alone, he’d planned the trip for a while but I wish …” he swallows, “I wish we would’ve stayed home.”
His whispered words felt like a confession, a surprisingly raw feeling of loneliness lacing them. That, at least, was not a lie. The air only trembles with a weariness Venti’d expect from people far into their years.
”You’re alone, then,” he whispers, words lost to the wind. He steals a glance at Kaeya. The boy had drawn a knee up to his chest, eyes cast downward with a forlorn expression.
Venti prides himself on his good judge of character from centuries of experience. Kaeya may be suspicious, but he’s not a bad person at heart. Venti senses no corruption or malice.
He’s filled with relief at his assessment. He was ready to do the necessary to keep his people safe, but it doesn’t mean that his actions wouldn’t haunt him for years to come.
Kaeya’s story may have been false, but there was a hint of truth in there. It’s obvious that his father hadn’t disappeared; he abandoned his son. Venti doesn’t know the reason behind his choice, but that’s a problem for another day. Kaeya’s in very capable hands and for however long he stays here, Venti will keep an eye on him. If ever he’s revealed as a threat … I’ll do what I must, he thinks grimly.
Kaeya hasn’t looked up from his position and the clouds cover the moon once more, hiding his almost dazed features. Venti slides slowly to sit closer to him, bumping his shoulder tentatively on Kaeya’s own.
The boy startles slightly and his head snaps toward him, surprise falling into a more closed-off expression. He doesn’t move away from Venti, but turns his head to the side. “Sorry,” he whispers with a strained voice, “a lot’s happened recently. I must be tired.”
‘Tired’ doesn’t explain the tautness of his frame nor his slight trembles of anxiety, but Venti lets him close the subject.
“You know, sharing stories under the moonlight is a pastime I really enjoy,” Venti says, leaning back against his hands. “I happen to be a very good storyteller. Is there anything you’d like to hear? Think of it as a welcome gift of sorts.”
“Oh, I’m not sure …” Kaeya trails off.
“Well, I have an impressive repertoire if I do say so myself. I’m proud to say that I know all of the local legends and epic tales of Mondstadt. I can go over the border too! Liyue —the neighbouring country— has some poetic ones about estranged lovers and muses of brotherhood. Though if that’s not your thing, Fontaine has some great stories about royalty and chivalry!” He grins. “Care to hear the tale of a young prince who escaped his castle to mingle among the townsfolk? It’s one of the current favourites of Mondstadt.”
The suggestion seems to amuse Kaeya, though Venti can only spot a hint of it through the darkness. The child huffs a laugh tinged with bitterness. “No, thank you. I’ve heard enough about royalty for a lifetime.”
“Oh? That’s a shame, I’m rather fond of that story.”
Kaeya shakes his head slightly, seemingly chiding himself. “Forget it. Can you tell me more about Mondstadt? I’ve only heard …” he croaks around a word, searching for the right one, “stories,” he finishes lamely.
Venti feels a flash of caution. Reconnaissance? Is he here as a spy? He forces himself to keep a straight face and hums pensively. I suppose there’s nothing revealing in stories, though I’ll keep this theory in mind.
“If you want to hear about our noble country, I can assure you that there’s no one better to ask!” Venti declares proudly. “How about I tell you some legends? There are many to choose from, but the stars above us hide fascinating stories that I’m more than happy to share.”
He summons his lyre and strums it lightly, relishing in the way the soft sound fills the grove. Kaeya gasps. “Oh, you can play an instrument?”
“Sure can, I’m Mondstadt’s finest bard! Come to me whenever you’d like to hear a good tune. I can always offer some verses too; ahem,” he pats his chest, “how the stars look beautiful tonight, though I admit, seeing you did give me a fright! Gripped as I was by curiosity, I do hope I’ve not offended you with my impetuosity. We’ve both come a long way to meet in this forest, let’s enjoy this night free from yesterday’s never-ending tempest.”
Kaeya looks at him with tentative wonder. “Poetry?”
“Yes, is it so surprising to hear?”
“Ah, no. Not at all.”
“Well, it’s not often that I give a performance to a private audience, but how can I not play on a night as beautiful as this one?” His fingers brush against the strings before dancing into a familiar melody, a prelude to his story. “Well then, which constellation shall we visit first?”
The sky above them is a familiar map, one that Venti has followed countless times. He picks the brightest stars, tracing them out for Kaeya before telling him of their name and their story. Kaeya’s tentative curiosity slowly gives way to awe and fascination, a twinkle of excitement shining in his eye. Venti only stops playing to point out relevant stars, but his melody follows them throughout his speech. Kaeya is a great audience, hanging on to his every word and offering laughs and gasps at the sway of his tales. After the first few stories, Venti lets his melody linger with a few strums as he ponders which stars to follow next. He looks to his side and notices Kaeya sitting up straighter than he had before, his gaze toward the sky.
“How are my tales so far, are they to your liking?” Venti asks with a grin.
Kaeya nods with a slight hum. “Oh yes, it’s been a long time since I met a storyteller.” He pauses and seems to shrink into himself again. “I’m sorry if I’m keeping you here, it’s very late.”
“It’s no problem at all! I’m a night owl myself so this is just like any other day for me — though I’d usually be performing at the tavern with a few drinks down.” He chuckles. “Besides, it’s my personal duty to welcome any newcomer in Mondstadt, be it through song or tale.”
Kaeya nods shyly. “I do appreciate it. I’ve always loved hearing different stories, it’s like traveling through words.”
“That’s exactly it! And I get to share that joy as a bard, it’s truly an honour.” He pauses, choosing his next words. “Did you not hear many stories in your homeland?”
“No, I’ve only heard a few from my … friend.”
Venti decides to ignore the shaky answer. “Stories travel far, though. You must really be from a land far, far away.”
“You could say that,” Kaeya answers in a rough whisper.
Venti thinks of an answer and bites his lip to hold it back. In the end, he tightens his resolve. You know what? Might as well go all the way.
“You know,” he starts, keeping his voice light, “our talk reminds me of a legend I heard once about a foreign land that sounds like yours. Would you care to hear it? It may be familiar to you.”
Kaeya shakes his head. “I doubt that. It’s not a place many people would know about, let alone its legends.”
“Oh trust me, you’d be surprised. I’ve lived as a bard for many years and have picked up quite a few interesting tidbits on various folktales, it’s my pleasure to share them with you!” He leans forward to try and peer at Kaeya’s reaction through the darkness. “You never know — I may be sharing a bit of your home.”
Kaeya stays silent and Venti takes it as an invitation to continue. “Well then, let’s get to it. Forgive me if I might trail off at times, it’s been a while since I told this one.” He leans back and allows his memory to guide his fingers into a new tune.
From the first few notes alone, he can tell that Kaeya recognizes it. The boy only gasps and tenses slightly, but it’s more than enough proof that he’s heard the melody many, many times before.
If I didn’t know that he comes from Khaenri’ah, I most certainly do now, Venti thinks with satisfaction. He’s only performed this piece and told its story a few times over the 600 years since he’d heard it. No one else should know of it; after all, why would they hear the founding legend of a country destroyed 500 years ago?
“Our story begins with the journey of a lady knight with a heart of gold and strength of unmatched might …”
While it’s been decades since he last shared Khaenri’ah’s tale, he soon finds that its old melody helps shake off the dust. He lets the words take over as he always does, stepping back from his performance to let images flash through his mind.
Born of a country ruled by a family of no face or power, the lady had grown up in a land fraught by chaos and fear. While some had tried to rectify her country’s power struggle, none had yet succeeded. Deciding to take the matter into her own hands, she set off on a journey. She traveled by night and rested by day, relentless in her pursuit of the Guiding Star, the brightest light in the sky which was said to bring luck and knowledge to any who could prove their worth.
After a long voyage, she climbed to the top of the highest mountain and reached toward the sky. She felt warmth flood her frozen fingers and the peak was awashed with light. You wish to take back what has been lost, a celestial voice told her, however, my help comes at a cost.
I care not for the price I must pay, she answered, only that I may fight for the freedom of those who are seen as prey.
The Guiding Star was impressed by her spirit and sent her on a perilous quest: to bring back a drop of dew from the petals of a flower known to grow in the driest of deserts. Even while knowing the task was impossible, she accepted and set for a land that leeches the moisture from one’s breath. After a long trek through scorching and unforgiving heat, she at last found the flower nestled by a boulder.
The knight waited for three days and nights yet the mornings brought no dew. She felt the Guiding Star’s gaze upon her back, even during the brightest of days, and knew that she mustn’t let this chance slip her by. So the lady spoke to the flower. She spoke of her story, of that of her land and her family, of how she dreams of a day where one would look upon their country with pride.
She spoke for a whole night and once morning came, she found a drop, akin to a tear, gathered at the tip of the flower’s petal. It had listened to her story and wept at the injustice of her plight, moved by her courage and determination.
The lady gathered the tear in a glass vial and traveled back to the Guiding Star’s peak. She presented the gift to its warm light and heard it speak once more.
“You’ve fulfilled your end of the bargain, now I shall fulfill mine; as long as your blood lives and thrives, let my light guide you with its shine,” Venti says in a storyteller’s cadence, bringing himself back to focus on the last few lines. “And so, the Guiding Star gave her a fragment of its heart, which she kept close to hers. With its golden aura in her eye, she united her people for the first time in many years. Under her rule, the laws were just. Her subjects looked upon her with nothing but trust. The people thrived under the Star’s watchful, golden eye. Thus began the eternal rule of a kingdom unmatched by the might of the gods in the sky.”
Venti lets his lyre fade away along with the last lingering notes. It wasn’t a perfect translation, he had to admit, but it still retained the essence of the original version. Kaeya hadn’t moved at all throughout his tale, offering nothing of the enthusiasm he gave to his previous performance. A heavy silence starts to settle and Venti sighs to dispel it.
“Well, that’s what’s said, anyway. Who knows what happened to that kingdom, no one really knows much of it.”
“Do you … know where this story comes from?” Kaeya asks, his voice surprisingly devoid of emotion.
“No,” Venti lies as he stretches his fingers. “I’ve only heard rumours of it. It supposedly had towers so high they breached the clouds, probably for studies of astronomy. They were linked by bridges and their architecture was said to attract scholars from all over the continent. The sun would dance off the waves of its lake and its forests hosted creatures so incredible and mystical, there was a festival specifically dedicated to their appreciation. The royal castle itself was said to be a sight to behold.”
It truly was a place of creation and wonder. The people were brilliant and innovative, uncovering secrets of the world through alchemical or technological means. It was the pride of humankind at the time and now, just a few centuries later, its existence has been wiped free of history and culture alike. Even its name was lost in the passage of time.
Even now, thinking about Celestia’s sheer power fills him with awe and revulsion, a shiver coursing down his spine.
He looks over at Kaeya, feeling the boy fidget beside him. There are many ways that Kaeya could interpret him knowing this information, but Venti only wanted to get one main point across. You’re not a wolf among sheep here; you may think you’re hidden because history forgot you, but I haven’t. I don’t know what you’re here to do, but I know of you. You won’t be able to hide.
If Kaeya came to his land to sow malice, Venti would uproot it before he would get the chance. Their meeting today may be a sign of good or bad luck for Kaeya, depending on his intentions.
He was careful to keep his descriptions of Khaenri’ah as impersonal as possible, opting to gauge Kaeya’s uninfluenced reaction. Any scrap of information would be useful.
Kaeya scoffs, startling Venti out of his thoughts. He doesn’t quite know how to interpret it, so he presses. “Have you heard of where this legend comes from, Kaeya?”
“Just a bit,” he replies — his voice tinged with bitterness, Venti notices. “Although, I’ve only heard worse things about it than what you’ve told me. I haven’t heard much praise.”
An interesting answer. He’s not a patriot, that’s easier to deal with. He won’t throw himself into an unknown country in the name of his own … is what Venti would think. But then, why come here? From his shaky story to his reluctant and tense behaviour, it almost seems like he was forced to come to Teyvat.
“Worse things? It sounds like such an interesting place, how would it be bad?” Venti asks, keeping his guise of innocence. He’ll see how far they can dance.
“How? I mean, they’re only rumours but …” Kaeya pauses, Venti can practically hear him warring with his mind before he steels himself and continues. “Are you interested in this country?”
Under any other circumstance, Venti would’ve taken the question as a subtle way to potentially control the flow of conversation. However, Kaeya doesn’t seem overly worried about Venti’s line of questioning. Better keep it that way.
“I’m a bard, of course I’m interested! I’m always looking to expand my repertoire, both in song and storytelling. If you tell me it’s a bad place, then that might change my performance and target audience. If you have more information about this legendary kingdom, then I hope that you’ll share it with me!”
Kaeya stays silent for a few seconds and Venti toes a rock with his shoe, not-so-patiently waiting for an answer.
“Well, I’ve never heard the name of it, but someone shared its legend with me before,” Kaeya starts, his voice slow and hesitant. “That same storyteller told me about rumours of corruption, of how the country fell to ruin and was destroyed from the inside and outside. It’s a cursed place, I wouldn’t call it glorious at all.”
That’s … a rather accurate, if vague, description of Kaeya’s homeland. Venti’s surprised he shared it at all. Although, as it can’t be traced back to a specific country and is free from personal comments, he wouldn’t have guessed Kaeya to be from there. The boy is choosing his words well.
“Um, would you mind not sharing what I told you?” Kaeya asks. “I think an audience would much prefer the legend you told me.”
Wants to keep the information in a close circle, eh? “Hmm, you may be right about that one,” Venti hums. Celestia forbade them from talking about Khaenri’ah with the inhabitants of Teyvat, anyway. “Thank you for sharing this with me, I feel privileged.”
“Oh, it’s nothing special,” Kaeya mumbles. “Since you already know about it, I thought I’d share what I know, too. But I …”
Venti tilts his head as Kaeya trails off. The boy’s fidgeting had gotten worse, hesitance and nervousness clear in his voice.
“Yes?” Venti says, trying to prompt him to speak.
“I heard that it used to be better,” Kaeya finally says, his words spilling out of him quickly, like they were forced out past self-imposed mental restraints. “After that knight became queen, I mean. Everyone was nice, there were cool festivals, the weather was always good too. There was a lot to do and discover, but the people were in it together and there were rarely any internal conflicts. If there was someone in need, they would all band together to solve the problem. Everyone was your friend or your family, it …” His fidgeting settles as he relaxes. “It used to be better. Before everything happened.”
“I see,” Venti says softly. He’d only ever known details about the kingdom itself, not about its people. There must’ve been some texts that still shared memories of the past. “Then it’s a shame that we couldn’t visit it, it must’ve been an incredible place.”
Kaeya jumps a little and stutters. “Ah, um, it could be wrong! My information, I mean. I only heard it from that same storyteller. He, um, he could’ve been lying. Please ignore everything I said. But still ...” His hands fiddle with his sleeves. Venti notices that, throughout his speech, the boy had abandoned his grip on his dagger. “I’m glad that I told you about it. They’re strange stories, so I’ve never shared them with anyone before.”
“Well, I believe that we can learn a lot through stories,” Venti starts, linking his fingers together. “You told me something that I didn’t know; therefore, I learned something new. I’m grateful, thank you.”
“Oh, you’re welcome,” Kaeya says. His words are less guarded than before, as is his posture. “If you don’t mind, could you tell me more stories about the constellations? I’d love to hear more about them.”
Despite his previous nervousness, Kaeya almost seems more relaxed as Venti resumes his telling of the stars. Strangely enough, his performance of Khaenri’ah’s founding legend and Kaeya’s subsequent sharing seems to have lifted a weight off the boy’s shoulders; his laughs come more freely and, over time, he leans closer to Venti. Venti keeps talking until the stars start to fade away, grey light dancing off the morning dew.
Kaeya starts to nod off as Venti wraps up his recent story with a minor chord and allows his lyre to fade away.
The boy rubs his eye. “That was a really good one, thank you. What about the next one?”
Venti chuckles. “I’m afraid we’ll have to resume this session another day. It’s morning, there are no more stars to lead my song.” He stands up and stretches his arms over his head, humming contentedly. “Thank you for being such a good listener! I’m glad to have met you here.”
“Thank you for your stories, I really enjoyed them.” Kaeya offers him a smile, small but genuine. “And thanks for listening to me. I don’t talk to many people, but you seem like a kind person.”
You’re wrong, I’m not kind at all. I simply hide all but what I wish you to see. “My, what high praises,” Venti says after a hard swallow, keeping his voice light. “I apologize for keeping you for so long. Do you know how to get back to the Dawn Winery from here?”
Kaeya gives him a sheepish look. Ah, there’s my answer, Venti thinks. “Well then, allow me to be your guide! I know this country as well as I know its legends. We’re really not that far from there.”
Kaeya stands up and sways slightly, blinking slowly. He shakes his head at Venti’s questioning look. “Sorry, I’m a bit tired.”
Under the light of dawn, Kaeya seems more thin than lithe, a sure sign of malnourishment. His clothes hang off his frame and Venti sees a shiver course through him. He moves forward, ignoring the flash of mistrust that spikes through his chest, and crouches down to offer Kaeya his back. He sincerely hopes that the boy won’t take the opportunity to put his dagger to use.
A confused “Huh?” is all that meets his offer and Venti looks over his shoulder.
“Hop on. The way down is steep and rocky, I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Kaeya purses his lips, hesitation flashing through his eye. Venti waits patiently as he makes a decision. After a few seconds, Kaeya meekly reaches out to wrap his arms around Venti’s neck. Venti grabs on to the underside of his legs and hoists him up, surprised at the little effort it takes.
He chuckles at Kaeya’s diffident ‘Thank you …’ and adjusts his grip. He starts to walk down the path leading further into the forest.
“Have you ever seen fireflies?” he asks after a few paces.
“What are those?” a sleepy voice answers.
As expected. He hums. “They’re found all over Teyvat, but are native to Mondstadt. Their abdomen shines with a golden light, I can assure you that it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s too early in the year, but they usually come out during dusk, especially around trees like these ones.”
“Oh wow.” Venti hears a hint of Kaeya’s previous excitement seeping through his exhaustion. “That must be beautiful.”
“It truly is,” Venti says. “They keep close to the ground and don’t fly very fast. You can dance through them as they flicker away, it’s like walking through a night sky. You can even try to catch them if you’re fast enough, though you have to be careful not to hurt them.”
“I’ll try that then,” Kaeya says in a whisper. “I’ll show them to Dain …” He trails off, the rest of the tension bleeding out of his body as he finally falls asleep.
Venti smiles and adjusts his grip, softening his steps. I wonder what Morax would say if he saw me carrying a Khaenri’ahn child on my back after a night of stargazing together, he probably wouldn’t believe me. He shakes his head. There’s no telling what the Geo Archon would have done had Kaeya come to Liyue instead. His friend can be kind, but he doesn’t let his emotions get in the way of his duty; if he sees a threat, he eliminates it. Venti’s no coward, but he’d rather know all sides of a story before reaching a conclusion. Kaeya seems to show him a small amount of trust by sharing vague details of his homeland, the least that Venti could do is to give him the benefit of the doubt and await any potential sign of malice. There’s no question in his mind that Kaeya is suspicious but he’s done nothing wrong so far; his secrets may be frustrating, but they aren’t incriminating.
The second he met Venti’s eyes, Kaeya was placed on a balance, a delicate one that could tip over the second he takes a wrong step. Venti knows his own side of the story, he only needs to figure out Kaeya’s purpose for coming to Mondstadt.
It takes a few minutes to reach Dawn Winery and he walks to the front door, awkwardly knocking on it with his foot and stepping back as a maid opens it.
“Yes, how may I help you?” She asks politely and shifts her gaze to Kaeya’s sleeping figure on his back. She starts slightly when she recognizes him and brings a hand to her mouth. “Oh my, did young master Kaeya get in trouble? Is he alright?”
Venti smiles, quick to reassure her. “Nothing of the sort, he’s alright. He was lost so I’m helping him get back home. He was practically asleep on his feet, seems like he needs a long rest. May I leave him in your capable hands?”
“Of course.”
After a few careful moves, Kaeya is soon in the maid’s arms. She steps back and bows. “Thank you for taking care of him, I’ll let master Crepus know of this.”
“No no, please don’t get Kaeya in trouble. He seems to have a penchant for wandering, I would recommend that you kindly warn him of the dangers around these woods.”
She inclines her head. “Very well. May we offer you some tea or breakfast before you head off? It’s quite early. You may also rest here if you would like.”
“Oh that’s very kind of you,” Venti says with a smile, “but Mondstadt isn’t too far from here and I’d like to get there before the day starts.”
“Then I’ll thank you again for your help. Don’t worry about young master Kaeya, I’ll see to it that he gets a proper rest.”
Venti nods and turns away as the door closes. He lets the wind swirl at his feet and lift him up toward Mondstadt. His eyes flit over his shoulders to Dawn Winery. I sincerely hope that my suspicions aren’t true, he thinks grimly. His mask will crumble with time, we’ll see what happens then.