#and that is not fair

[anemoi-i]

You Conjure Such A Beautiful World

Diluven | 1.3k Words | Rated T | Canon Divergent/Different First Meeting | No Reposts

The first time Diluc crosses paths with Venti after his return to Mondstadt.

Hbd Diluc (even though I was late) ♥

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Credits: Title Banner: Me. | Divider Credit

There was a time where Diluc would much rather be alone, yet that choice became fleeting as he grew. He didn’t know how or why it happened, but his feelings changed and albeit slightly, he opened his heart. He remains ever cautious,  but realized at some point, subjection to the joys of what Mondstadt once brought him in the past is something he misses—sometimes, he even goes too far back. Those days as a child he spent at Dawn Winery’s grapevines trying to steal a sprig of grapes for himself and Kaeya only to be lightly scolded by Master Crepus, for instance.

If only it could be so simple. But it isn’t. It never is.

When he were younger, going from Fatui camp to camp and lighting them aflame to find out the truth behind his father’s death, he’d say, “I had so much going for me, what happened?” He looked at the blood on his hands after a Fatui Agent fell by his blade and wondered if he too, were a sinner.  At that point in time, it was too late to have regrets nor was it too late to feel remorse. From the Ordo Favonius forsaking his father and in turn, himself, Diluc knew he had to find the truth by any means necessary. The day the Harbingers caught up to him, he felt defeated, willing to accept such a fate if it meant peace.

But he awoke to a new beginning, rising through the ranks and soon taking over an elusive Intelligence Network which were the eyes and ears that the Ordo Favonius didn’t want to acknowledge. Despite everything, Mondstadt was still home. He was away for four years, but it was still home. He loved Mondstadt and needed to protect it. Feeling as if he alone could do this, Diluc took on a new identity, leaving not a trace of evidence that it was him leaving tied up criminals in front of the Ordo Favonius building with a note of “do your fucking jobs correctly” in elegant cursive or he was the one who stopped the Abyss Order and Fatui in their tracks. Recognition was not what he wanted, though he’d pay some serious mora to be called anything but the “Darknight Hero.”

While his return to Mondstadt was overshadowed by… himself, though Mondstadters did not know, Diluc felt like he was being watched. Whether it be out of sheer paranoia due to the enemies he’s made or just a strong feeling, there have been a pair of eyes on him—ones he cannot find an identity to. He begins to tread more cautiously. He doesn’t take up any nightly activities and does modest work in running Dawn Winery. Things eventually change on an early night when all but roudy taverngoers are asleep and Diluc comes across a figure sitting on the fountain and playing a lyre.

Venti, his mind supplied.

“How do you fare, Sir Ragnvindr? Isn’t it a lovely night?”

There was distance between them. He looked at the bard skeptically, eyes narrowing. The bard had no reason to be awake at this time, as those who would like to listen to his tunes were long gone.

“For what reason are you here?”

Venti smiled, “Can I not enjoy Mondstadt so quiet and peaceful? Why do you look at me with such a scary gaze?”

Crossing his arms, Diluc began to close the distance between them and walk closer to the fountain.

“I would have expected you to try and annoy my bartenders again with your excessive pleas.”

“It is not my fault you cannot accept I am older than you and your bartenders. Anyway, I am not here to talk about my love for wine.”

Diluc sighed. He could not get a read on this bard no matter how much he tried to. It was incredibly frustrating. Even his Intelligence Network failed to give him any information on him. The bard’s smile stay plastered on his face, but his eyes told a different story. He was trying to read into him, looking him up and down, daresay admiring  his features and ogling him. How bold.

“If you would be so kind to allow me a question, Sir Ragnvindr?”

“What is it?”

“How do you feel about Lord Barbatos?”

Diluc looked flabbergasted. What on Teyvat is this bard on?

“You wish to discuss our Archon with me?”

Venti chuckled. “Humor me.”

He doesn’t speak for a while. Being put on the spot like this is perplexing. What can he recall? Master Crepus taking him to the Church of Favonius, worship of Barbatos not being required but encouraged (which did fit the freedom the Archon wanted for his nation) and the holidays. He remembered giving a Windblume once as a child, a Small Lamp Grass. Remembered the Weinlesefest celebrations and how everyone welcomed Barbatos back home and the winds seemed to hug everyone on the end of that holiday as if he answered and said, I never left, I was always here. You never have to worry.

But what did all of that mean when he once felt abandoned by all? Even Barbatos?

Diluc settled for, “I don’t know.”

“Are you sure?”

Again. “I don’t know.”

Venti, strangely, begins to play a gentle tune on the lyre. It is one that he has not heard before. It is comforting, but as quickly as he plays it, the tune is over and in a display of magic, makes his lyre dissipate.

“Barbatos is part of a Thousand Winds. Each thread of those winds watches over Mondstadt and protects everyone from harm. When the cries are loud, he descends and dispels the calamities that threaten the City of Freedom. When he cannot save all, he rests their souls so that they no longer suffer, whether it be suffering from others or suffering from their own hands. He guides the Mondstadters that have died in the windless Mare Jivari back home so that they too, can rest peacefully. No soul is lost.”

No soul is lost.

“Mondstadt has suffered and when Mondstadt suffers, Barbatos suffers. He loves Mondstadt like no other and loves all who dwell in it… and takes special care to those that protect Mondstadt under the cover of night. They are not seen by the normal person, but Barbatos is not normal and Barbatos is always watching.”

Diluc’s eyes widen. It is at that moment Venti stands and walks closer to him.

“I think everyone is flawed, don’t you? Humans, Archons… Everyone is flawed. Everyone thinks they’re right, everyone tries to fight for what they believe in. Like you. A lost soul, who found his way back home. Despite everything, you did find your way back home. You love your home  and protect your home and in turn, the Archon who watches over your home loves you.”

All of his defenses shatter. Diluc sinks down to the ground on weak knees, looking at the cobblestone.

“…Are you sure?”

Venti sinks to his knees along with him and whispers to him, his lips gently brushing Diluc’s ear.

“I am very sure.”

Venti helps him stand and he takes this moment to regain his composure. With another display of magic, a bouquet of Small Lamp Grass appears in his hand and presents it to him.

“How… What—”

Then Venti takes his gloved hand and brings it to his lips, kissing it.

“It is not time for us to meet yet. In due time.”

Venti turns on his heel and begins to walk away. Diluc tries to stop him, but he can’t.

“Happy birthday, Diluc.”

Why can’t I stop him? Why can’t I reach out to him?

“In due time,” he repeated. “In due time.”

Diluc did not see Venti again—not until a certain Traveler arrived to Mondstadt.

It would turn out that Barbatos truly was watching, after all.

[monsieurenjlolras]

you've heard of "quiet quitting," now I'd like to introduce you to the next level, The French Work Ethic:

Do exactly what you're paid for and nothing more

Absolutely refuse to be available to contact when you're off the clock

Never prioritize work over your own health, wellbeing, or family because that would be insane, it's just a job.

Have a little glass of wine

Take as long as you feel like for lunch

Deeply understand that work doesn't matter

Make sure your boss knows they're always your second priority ❤️

[bumblebeebats]

Every time i purchase a moderately expensive item the Karl Marx on my shoulder is like "For shame... you purchase yet another pair of jeans when you have 5 already at home, you despicable commodity fetishist? In my time, a man with five outfits would consider himself blessed beyond measure, and yet you want for more, while there are children starving in the world??" to which the second Karl Marx on my other shoulder says "Objection! Those 5 pairs of jeans all wildly uncomfortable or have holes in the ass, due to the decline of clothing quality driven by the fast fashion industry, unfortunately making this purchase a necessity... Plus, by purchasing a slightly more expensive pair of jeans from an independent brand, seeking quality over 'brand recognition', they are deliberately trying to avoid engaging in conspicuous consumption!" to which the third Karl Marx clinging to my back like that beetle from Doctor Who says "Remember, my friend; the less you eat, drink, buy books, go to the theatre or to balls, or to the pub, and the less you think, love, theorize, sing, paint, fence, etc., the more you will be able to save and the greater will become your treasure which neither moth nor rust will corrupt — your capital. Buy the jeans," to which I say "I don't know if any of you have actually read Karl Marx"

[one-time-i-dreamt]

I was at a ren faire with my mom and I saw a belt with cool leather pouches on it for $3759 and I whispered to her, “You know, if it weren’t for the price tag I’d totally get that,” and she was like “Go for it! It’s only $3000! That’s nothing!” And I was like *surprised pikachu face*.

[the-forest-library]

“You should be at the club.” No, I should be at the scholastic book fair.

[skipppppy]

Watching Star Wars was a mistake. For years I’ve derived so much pleasure from seeing discourse on my timeline that’s like “it’s actually a pretty good writing choice that Glimbo Knutts manipulated the imbledimbians in the force to make Darth Freeble his personal jedi froogler. It gives the original trilogy more depth” and not knowing what the fuck anybody is talking about. But now I do and it’s ruined. I understand what you freak ass dorks are saying and it isn’t fun anymore. Glimbo Knutts making Darth Freeble his jedi froogler DOES give the original trilogy more depth. This sucks man

[sticksandsharks]

In wisdom of matriarch and of mother.

Sacred Bodies is a 55-page story about the marriage and relationship between Dualayim and Tolpan.

The peoples residing on the peaks of Spire unto Sky, those who live under the Light, have overcome great struggle to live in prosperity and in peace. Their hard fought-for sanctity and dignity is maintained through the Sacred Body and the tenants of its preservation.

Sacred Bodies explores the topics of desire and deviancy, and the cultural lines drawn between that which delineates one and the other.

Now available as part of the ShortBox Comics Fair 2024!

[vashti-lives]

I went to the county fair and there was a doll sized quilt show happening in the fiber arts hall?!

[pangur-and-grim]

I got too excited while playing chess and told my opponent that I was going to slit his throat and slaughter him like a hog. something to work on for next time

[eroticlamb]

Kinetica Art Fair, 2012, featuring 'Pony' by Tim Lewis  (video source)

edit: i feel the need to specify that this is a robot for everyone who's confused 😭

[aerequets]

this post was the catalyst for this comic, and i was also thinking of a desi song lyric (tere dil ke sheher mein ghar mera ho gaya / in the city of your heart, my home is made) and just... hmmm.... leaving your mark.... making a house into a home..... when the marks a child inevitably leaves behind (messes, scribbles, and in this case stickers) eventually fade away as they grow older and you're left with the memories stored in what hasn't been erased....

im not verbalizing it very well but catch my drift?

[stealingpotatoes]

i love comparing the fake stories that each twin was told

(commission info // tip jar!)

[holy-leapin-splits-batman]

[phemiec]

love the colours used in this game so here you go 🐴🚀🪓 enjoy

[daydreamerwonderkid]

RIP to Bruce. Can't get a single night to himself smh