isleofavalon | [ open ] Catch All

Entry tags:

genshin impact: venti

[ open ] Catch All

🧙 WHO: Xiao + you!
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch All
🕒 WHEN: Throughout March
🗺️ WHERE: Various
⚠️ WARNINGS: TBD

( Smoothies: options A and B )

[ Prior to this place, very rarely would Xiao partake in consuming human-prepared food. He doesn't understand the the need to combine things in a variety of different ways. Why all of this effort put into preparation? It seems like quite the waste of time and effort for a couple of moments spend consuming what had been prepared. Truthfully, he had only been passing by when the individuals selling these blended, flavored drinks seem to think that he is in need of them. Apparently it doesn't matter how much Xiao ignores them or attempt to pass by their wares, these sellers are persistent - even going so far as to shove small samples in his hands before moving on.

So, at first, Xiao merely sighs and figures that he might as well. No need to be rude. Butterfly pea-lemon tea seems to be the first flavor. There seems to be a calm that washes over him. Things that bothered the Yaksha in the past? Don't seem like such a big deal now. One can only wonder how this newfound inner peace is going to effect him. Maybe he'll try new foods! Or fall asleep in some random location... Or staring off into space.

The second flavor on the docket would be a strawberry-rose. It's a bit strong, of course, though over all Xiao finds he doesn't actually mind he cool, almost foamy and light texture of the smoothies. Don't expect him to be overt in his "flirting," if one can even call it that. Just a light touch here or there. A need to be closer than usual. When it wears off... Well. Won't that be a surprise. ]

( Bunny Café Chaos )

[ This should really be a simple task. How hard is it to poke a head into a café, scan said café for a particular rabbit, then leave? That's what his intention is at any rate. No need to linger.

Yet Xiao finds himself in a rather odd predicament. Odd for him anyway. ]

Move. [ He is telling this to a stubborn little thing that has taken the liberty to just block his exit. ] The one I seek is not here. I must move on.

[ Wait. Is he really being held captive by a couple of rabbits? Seems so! By the time anyone comes to check up on him, he's going to be covered in the furry little creatures, sort of frozen in place. ]

( Hay Fever: options A and B )

[ Originally Xiao had come along just for his own curiosity. This world does not have need for his particular skillset - not in the way that the Yaksha has always done - so he is still trying to find out where he fits in all this. Still feeling his way through. Thus Xiao thinks that it would be fine to simply observe.

What he doesn't expect is to be ushered along with other healers to perform this one-off spell. In fact, it seems as though he is about ready to argue over that. ]

I am no healer... [ "But you do have healing magic, right?" Which has Xiao making a slight noise and shift his weight. Whatever the case, he doesn't look comfortable. Looks like he might be in need of assistance in either 1) getting out of the situation or 2) being encouraged to proceed. ] That is of no consequence.

[ Additionally, all of this hay being tossed around is really stirring things up! Either Xiao or someone close at hand will soon have to contend with a next of those pesky pixies. They seem to really enjoy pulling and tugging on hair - be it Xiao's or whoever is working with him. ]

( Wildcard )

[ Obviously you know what to do either. Feel free to hit me up on discord or plurk. Or throw a comment my way on the meme! ]

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[Venti smirks off to the side.]

Now you sound just like Zhongli. Careful, you might get wrinkles just like him too.

[He giggles and then does unpack his old harp from his side.]

But- I think I can string together a few tunes for our fuzzy friends!

[ Xiao actively frowns at that. ]

You are mistaken. There are no wrinkles that mar his skin.

[ Don't you dare insult him, Venti. Xiao might allow certain liberties, but not that!

But he'll also back off as long as no further comments are made. ]

Play something inviting then.

[Such an easy button to press. Venti just smiles knowingly and gives a tiny wave to the yaksha. Maybe he'll ask Zhongli about his milky skin that Xiao thinks he has, later?

In the meantime, he will start serenading the little rabbits with a fun tune. A simple and sweet and bouncy melody. The bunnies seem to wiggle at it. Just the chorus!]

When the bunny go do what the bunny do~

[ The bunnies seem to wiggle at it, but Xiao? It does something else for Xiao. He closes his eyes. Folds his arms over his chest.

And just listens. ]

[Venti continues to play the soft simple song and looks at Xiao for a moment to see him enjoying the song...?

And well- He's never much of a worker himself so he won't nudge at Xiao that he should be looking for that rogue bunny. Instead, he'll continue to sing and play softly for the yaksha more than the bunnies now...]

[ It can't be helped. That first time it had been the flute that had calmed him. Had chased away the darkness that had plagued to take his mind. How could he not be susceptible to even the bard's song.

His hands are stroking the rabbit's fur instead. Maybe he'll remember soon that they have something they are supposed to be doing...

But maybe Xiao had also been waiting for this for a while. ]

[What is this... Is Xiao actually- relaxing?

Venti watches him with a curious peek. His voice doesn't stop humming and singing his soft bunny song, fingers still strumming leisurely across his lyre. There is something like joy in Venti's heart when he can see the yaksha enjoying his music. He likes it when anyone does but with Xiao? It's something just a little different. Something distant and close at the same time. Old memories that make something just a little achy inside of Venti.

And the cute little bunnies are still wiggling around. The one being pet by Xiao is starting to doze off...]

[ The feeling is mutual, of course. Hearing the bard's music, no matter what form it is, brings out an old painful longing. A desire that Xiao has held onto close for many years. Something akin to a wish. Oh Xiao does not think he could, nor should, actually pursue it. However in these moments, he can entertain those thoughts.

Eventually his eyes do open once more. The illusion isn't completely gone, but how long has it been? ]

No signs of our prey?

[Venti finishes his small tune. A few long moments of serenity before his fingers slow on the strings.]

Not quite.

[Not that Venti was actually... actively waiting for it to appear...]

Should I keep going?

[Because Xiao did look like he was enjoying himself.]

[ Perhaps because he had been enjoying himself. What a strange thing it is. ]

If you so desire it you may continue. For a while longer yet.

[ Maybe the bunnies will get up and then he can too. ]

If that's the case.

[Venti opens with another song this time it's something sweeter and light. It's not a song that's part of Liyue or Mondstadt history just something Venti makes up on the top of his head for the moment. Maybe something that makes him think of the both of them actually finding time to relax for a moment. Well, Xiao at least...

The bunnies seem to shift and wiggle closer to Venti this time. And low and behold maybe a few more start coming out from the sides to join them. Perhaps Venti has disney princess vibes after all?]

[ No Disney princess could manage to consume the sheer amount of alcohol that Venti does. However, in moments like these... Where the music dances in the space between them and these rabbits seem to creep closer? It's plain to see that there is something different about Venti. It's easy to be reminded that he is Lord Barbatos. The Anemo Archon. This is likely the image that the people of Mondstadt have in their minds when they gaze upon those statues.

While Xiao also sits there, attention focused on Venti... A peculiar little rabbit starts to come out of hiding...]

[Venti's pose is soft and regal as he plays. Fingers perfect across the strings and back poised and his hair just slightly hanging against his cheeks as he sings. He might have lost his powers as the anemo archon here but there is still that sort of air about him when he's playing. The lyre is still precious in his grip.

He might gaze at Xiao for a moment too before he glances off towards the bunnies that are joining them. Venti raises an eyebrow and doesn't stop for a single beat as he tries to give Xiao a look of, "Look over there."

Bunny- Get it.]

[ When the Archon is like this, it really is difficult to not be taken in. Perhaps more so for Xiao than others, likely due to his own biases. He cannot deny the fact that he is drawn to Venti's music in particular. While he does not feel that perpetual karmatic pain here in this world, the music still soothes his soul in ways that he cannot properly articulate. He finds that he can't even be embarrassed about it either.

Then he catches Venti's eye. Xiao follows the gaze and - ah ha!

Don't mind him as he gets up to go snatch the little missing rascal. ]

[How amusing it is to Venti that his music is going to be the backdrop to Xiao's sneak attack on a bunny now. He almost giggles over a note as he watches the yaksha go and try and capture the little scamp.]

Ehe, it seems we can get some work done together, after all, Xiao!

[Be proud of him??? Who says music doesn't pay.]

[ It doesn't take much. All of the rabbits - including this amorous creature - are all rather taken in by Venti's musical talents. All Xiao needs do is scoop the thing up in his arms. There's a bit of a fuss, but he isn't going anywhere in the Yaksha's grip. ]

I think it was pure dumb luck and coincidence more than any true work being done.

Sheer dumb luck and not the tune of music that helped?

[He's WOUNDED. Not really.]

At least we got our charge. They'll pay us for that, isn't that right?

I suppose the tunes were skillfully played.

[ He can't... Deny that. Not really. Nor should he right? It's...

They are... ]

Shall we return him? We will, indeed, get paid. Then if you so desire you can return.

[If that's as close as he's going to get to praise for his music from Xiao? Well- He'll take it for now. He winks.]

Let's return the little rascal to his home, then! And be paid in due for all our hard work.

[Look! He's done work for money! Real money! He hops up from his seat to follow Xiao. Oh- He also puts down those floating bunnies that he left in the air... Plop.]

The rest of the day spent with these bunnies doesn't seem such a waste to me, though. I might stick around.

If singing can be considered "hard work" of course.

[ All right. Xiao might be teasing a little. Just a little. He knows that the gift of song is a special one. It is one that he longs to have himself but does not see happening in the foreseeable future. In a way, he is rather envious that venti is allowed such a carefree life.

Not too envious though. ]

Come along then. I bet the wine you have tonight shall taste better than the rest.

Are you saying hard work tastes better? I don't know about that... Sometimes the sweetest tastes are things freely acquired.

[Although he might get an argument out of Xiao for this one. So straight-laced as he is.]

But today I'll see if you're right.

All I am inferring is that, perhaps, it is more satisfying to partake of a reward when you feel as thought you have earned it.

[ At least that's what it has always felt like to him? When he's actually taken a moment for himself. Anyway! Xiao hands off the rabbit to Venti. The Archon will likely handle it better than Xiao. ]

[He'll gladly take the rabbit into his arms. Even cuddling it gently with a nuzzle and a kiss to the top of its head.]

That's commendable, Xiao. We did do proper work today. I promise, I do feel satisfied.

[He might not want to work for all his wine but... he'll take today.]

[ As long as Venti works for it once and while it should be fine, correct? At least Xiao will find himself more at ease to aid in endeavors that allow the Archon to languish. It's a fair trade off, right?
]

Perhaps you could even ask for their finest as a reward instead of funds?

[He'll consider working for it once in a while...! It's not different than busking for a drink or two at the Dawn Winery from time to time.]

Do you think they'd agree to such an arrangement? I'll have to ask and see! There's no harm in that. Ehe!

[And maybe he'll find himself happy with a new drink tonight.]

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whirlwindthrust - 2021-03-26 02:28 (UTC) - Expand

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