kaisou | Text | UN: makeitaventi

[............................. of course he's interested in the wine tasting. Some things never change. He's not wrong, though; some of the world's greatest vineyards for grape wine are in France.]

Europe is diverse, and there's more to France than simply Paris. I'm sure we can find somewhere decent to spend the time. [He's not even pretending it isn't a date at this point, but that would involve knowing on some level it's a date. Sorry Venti.]

I've been to the States before, though most of my time was spent in New York. I visited again in the late seventies. [His eyes settle on Venti. Despite the wine addict talk, his expression is mild.] If it's that notable, I'll have to make the time.

[But they've gotten off topic.]

What did you do after you awoke?

Edited 2023-05-31 09:46 (UTC)

[Speaking of things that never change... Ye gods, man, why is Zhongli like this? Venti isn't about to say anything yet, though. They've been dancing around this for a long time already.]

Of course! And I barely count seeing only one city as being here, for the record.

[Ahhh, right, future date talk can wait. He finishes cleaning his face, gently dabbing at his eyes to prevent further irritation. Venti doesn't speak up again until he set the washcloth aside.]

Well... The first thing I did was make my way over to the Temple of Artemis, with a couple of detours to figure out how long I'd been asleep and generally get a cultural update. A language update, too. At least this time it was just a hundred years.

[That slips out accidentally, but Venti is fine with it. His first long sleep happened long before he met Zhongli and Xiao. Not that he's ever spoken about why, if he's ever mentioned that happened at all to them.]

Unfortunately, I couldn't leave anything there with all the tourists that started visiting with all those innovations in transportation. So, I figured the best way to let you know I was awake was by finding you. I wasn't sure if you were in China still. I should've known better, really, but with how much safer overseas travel had gotten, I had the idea that, if nothing else, I could have some exciting and new stories to share about what's across the Atlantic!

[His eyes light up as he starts getting into the story, though. Even though Venti has gotten older and has slowed down, relatively, it's clear that his spirit of adventure has never truly died. It's only been tempered by time and experience.]

You should've seen the ships! It was a little nerve-wracking at first. Big, hulking metal ships that looked like they had no right to float, yet still had the spirit of their wooden forbears. The waves out at sea felt gentle, like we were cutting through the water instead of just bobbing along at the whims of nature. With the speed we were going at, the winds were always whipping at our bodies. Took a while to get the salt out of my hair and clothes, but it was incredible!

To be more accurate, I've now seen two.

[WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS ZHONGLI. Considering how rough the past fifteen minutes have gone, it's possible he's trying to cheer Venti up in his own way.

He listens to the story, though. And that slip? It confirms something he's wondered for a long time, but he doesn't call it out. He'd rather let Venti talk, since they haven't had the opportunity in a couple hundred years or so.]

I still visit China when I can, but the Order is based in Europe. [They really did just miss each other. Awful. That's it for the interruptions because he's just as engrossed in Venti's story as Venti is in telling it. The way his eyes brighten and he begins getting more animated, even a little more poetic...

Truly, there's nothing better than hearing a tale from a bard or a storyteller. It's a shame it's something of a dead art form in modern times. He can't help a tiny smile at Venti's praise of the ships they had at the time. Zhongli had similar feelings when he crossed the Atlantic a little while later...]

I'm surprised you didn't spend a century or two as a pirate.

Edited 2023-05-31 18:19 (UTC)

[It does succeed in cheering him up a bit, if Venti's playfully exasperated sigh is anything to go by. Of course Zhongli is like this.

He does laugh at the pirate comment, though.]

It was pretty tempting! But the only skills worth their weight in salt at the time were archery and music. Hardly worthy of a pirate. And the only sights being open ocean would have me bored after a while. However, I most certainly admired the spirit they had.

[He's more revolutionary than sea dog, but he understands the appeal, certainly.]

Some time after I arrived in the loftily lauded Land of the Free, I started hearing some rumblings about this Temperance Movement going on. Didn't really pay too much attention to it until they started talking about what alcohols would be banned. I thought, 'surely they wouldn't!' Oh, but surely they did.

[The bard sighs dramatically. He's definitely hitting his stride, now.]

The rich and wealthy could have their drinks, of course! Just behind closed doors where the rabble couldn't see them. I thought I was going to have to cut my tour short, but then! I heard tell of some secret little joints where you could get drinks, if you were willing to take the risk of a police raid. You know me. I took that risk, and even did some gigs at the speakeasies after I'd learned some new styles of music. There were definitely some close calls, though. Sadly, I lost an instrument during one of the raids, but it was better than jail. I was heartbroken all the same since there was absolutely no way I could get it back.

[Honestly, Venti is still a bit sad about that. But it's not as devastating as it was at the time.]

So, after that, I headed up towards Canada. I heard about their famous Niagra Falls, so I decided to cross the border from there. Oh, you should've seen them! I managed to get there as the sun was setting. The roaring falls looked like frothing, molten gold. The banks were covered with delicate, sparkling snow. The river looked more like black steel, and the icicles hanging from the roofs glittered like crystal chandeliers. It was absolutely breathtaking.

Any ship would have been blessed to have a child of the wind upon it. Still, I understand your reservations. I prefer solid ground myself.

[Zhongli rests his fingertips on the base of his wineglass, but he hasn't yet grabbed it for a drink. It's not even like they need to toast, since this was poured so casually, but he's that engrossed in the story...

Such a time of change and upheaval in American history. It's just like Venti to embrace it wholeheartedly, only to realize that there's something deeper going on. That was how each of his adventures started. Venti undoubtedly has a nose for trouble, and Zhongli had pulled him out of it numerous times... but he'd done the same for this old earth god, too.

His brows knit as Venti recounts the loss of an instrument. Absolutely no way, huh...] That is unfortunate. What was it that you lost?

[He says it so casually, but Venti knows him well enough...

Anyway, he listens closely as Venti describes the Falls. They really do sound like something beautiful-- rivaled, perhaps, only by the Liyue he loved in his past life. There were some places in China that were still untamed, but they were growing harder to find, and so much of the beautiful earth has been taken by modern advancement. Zhongli truly belongs to another age. They both do.]

It sounds as if it was worth the trip.

I see your silver tongue has somehow become even better over the years.

[Venti will probably never stop sticking his curious nose into trouble. Despite being deathly allergic to cats, he's very catlike himself in some ways.

He most definitely knows Zhongli well enough to understand exactly where this line of questioning is going. However, given how important music is to him, Venti can't help himself from relenting. Whatever happens will happen, he supposes. And he does miss the old thing.]

Oh, it was a beautiful soprano saxophone. I'd heard Bechet use it in jazz and I just fell in love with the sound. It was so new, but it added so much depth to a jazz band that it was incredible. So, I started learning it myself. Der Messingdrache was what I named him.

[He grins, though, when Zhongli comments that it'd been worth the trip.]

Definitely! We should visit them some time. If you don't mind the snow, we can even make it a future winter trip.

Hmm. [He's not sure if that's a compliment or not.] My grasp of graceful language could never compare to that of the world's greatest bard, however.

[That was definitely a tease, but he also meant it.]

I see... [Venti can be assured that he's memorizing every detail of this conversation, and already putting some kind of plan together in his mind.] Was this in New Orleans or further north? Somehow, I can't imagine you would miss the emergence of a new kind of music.

[Venti is predictable like that. Just like Zhongli occasionally enjoys attending academic summits for things he isn't even a part of.]

I don't mind the snow. [Of course an old mountain wouldn't care.] Though, I've been told the winters here can be... intense at times. I suppose we'll see when winter comes if I still hold that opinion.

[It's.................. most likely a compliment!]

Ah, but the bard must know when to yield the stage to the public speaker! A pretty word here and there isn't always what's best, after all.

[Like trying to get a drink without people thinking he's faked his ID. Which he technically has, yes, but not in the way the poor service staff think.

Yeah, Venti's definitely suspicious. However, it's a great question that he can't really think of a way to not answer. Eh, maybe it'll be a good challenge for Zhongli to find it. He won't expect a miracle, though.]

Oh, yeah, it was N'Orleans as jazz began to emerge and gain in popularity. How could I resist learnin' a new form of music at the source? [Yes, he did just start talking in a Louisiana southern accent, almost flawlessly. Venti grins, but he drops the accent after that.]

They can be, if you're not careful. The really northern states and Canada get a lotta snow year-round, and the blizzards are no joke.

[Zhongli has to admit he's right, but he's not going to play compliment tennis the whole night.] That's true, but I'll still defer to you for matters of poetry. [That should be fine, though, right?

He fights a little smile as Venti goes right into a perfect accent for the area and the time. Considering he's heard the man shouting in Welsh it's a bit of a change. But that's something Venti has on Zhongli in spades: being able to shapeshift depending on the company, and earning the trust of the people around him easily, even living like one of them. Zhongli could never, though he remembers longing for it.

It's just... not feasible for him. He'll always live apart, even if he's trying to live as a "mortal" and not a god.]

Northern China tends to have rough winters as well depending on the elevation. It's all beautiful to behold, but I'll admit to spending most of my time in the south. [He can't help it. The mild temperatures and the port cities are where he feels at home, that or nestled in the green valleys between the mountains, with pristine waterfalls the color of jade.]

Where else did your travails take you, old friend?

[Venti giggles at that.] Defer away, my fine, scaly friend!

[It's a good thing he's not a mind-reader. Still, Venti isn't about to venture into more serious topics for tonight. They've both had enough for one day. It's good to let their hearts rest and recover before the next one. Inevitably, there's always a next serious talk.

That's just how they are and always will be, most likely.]

Mm, I can't really see you being comfortable in snow, personally. Perhaps a bamboo forest or near a waterfall. That's where I can see you happy and at peace. Or maybe sunning yourself on a rock in a desert.

[A little tease at Zhongli. However, he soon gets back into telling his story at the prompt.]

Well, that time I spent in Canada turned out to be ill-timed. Not that there was anywhere I could've gone then that wasn't terrible. The Great Depression hit everyone hard, and Canada had to deal with a drought on top of it all. Another Great War was brewing in the few years I was there, and the storm clouds on the horizon were looking grim. Sure, I was a revolutionary a handful of times in the past, but this was war, where real soldiers were needed.

So, I just did what I could while I was there, you know? Sang songs of hope and tried to cheer people up, tried to be a shoulder for people to lean against until they could pick themselves back up. I avoided the draft when I heard tell of it by playing the part of a lovely lady. And then I started heading down south towards Mexico and South America after the war had reached its conclusion. Of course, as you're no doubt very well aware, that was just the start of a new kind of warfare as we got into the '50s.

[Ah, a giggle. Things are looking up.]

Well, you may be right about... some of that. [He is not a lizard but he puts up with it because... he is a lizard.] Perhaps one day I'll show you the mountains near where I was born. They were verdant and beautiful, and the mist often clung to them like a gown until it fell down the valley.

[That's right-- born. Because even though he has Rex Lapis's memories, there is a part of him that was undoubtedly human for a time, and nothing can ever really take that away from him except maybe erosion.]

Ah, yes... I recall. [Wars are rough. Even Zhongli couldn't escape it through his work.] They were fortunate to have you.

How far south did you go?

[Are you or are you not a lizard, Zhongli?

Good Lord, though. This is the third trip they're planning, and it's the place that Zhongli had been born. Venti can't help himself. This is a lot already.]

Ohh? I'd love to visit it. You describe it so beautifully and with such fondness. Although, I was beginning to think that I would've had to marry you before I ever got to see such a place!

[He's just saying. Still....]

Just a shame I couldn't do much more for other countries, but I'm glad I was able to do what I could.

[Venti won't dwell on it too much, though. At least, not tonight.]

I managed to reach Argentina before I came back to the States! The forests were absolutely gorgeous, and the food was delicious. I could've stayed for the music and dancing alone, but there were still things I wanted to see up in the States that I couldn't before. Unfortunately, that's about when I've had to slow down. National identification became more refined, and financially it wasn't feasible for me to continue like I was. So, I started being more... Stationary, though not fully. You know how it is. You can't stay in one place for too long or they start getting very curious about the neighbor who hasn't aged at all in the time you've known him.

The Internet was probably the best thing that could've happened for me, although it's definitely a double-edged sword as an entertainer. It's a whole lot easier for people to connect the dots, even if it's just laughed off as conspiracy.

[The hamster wheel in his brain crashes.]

What?

[... As with every weird thing that Venti says, Zhongli just. Moves right along after that because the Bard Is Talking Nonsense Again.]

There's an Argentinian restaurant in Brick Alley if you ever feel nostalgic for the time you spent there. [Your ever reliable tour guide, Zhongli.] Though I must recommend Nuestra Casita in Midtown myself.

[He nods as Venti talks about his troubles as an immortal in the age of fingerprinting. It's definitely something that concerns Zhongli, too, but the Black Order has taken care of much of that.]

It's admirable that you've settled as much as you have. For the past few hundred years, I've simply taken advantage of whatever accommodations the Order could provide. It wasn't worth the trouble otherwise.

Conspiracies? [He encounters batshit theories a lot as a history aficionado, and it's always someone who heard it from their uncle or something who swore it was true. His brow furrows.] Is it because of your magic?

[This is the expected result. Venti reaches over and pats the back of Zhongli's hand. There, there.]

Don't even worry your pretty head about it.

[He's certain that the brunet wasn't worrying in the first place. Venti retracts his hand and settles back comfortably into his seat, finishing an apple slice.]

Oh, wow, really? It's so hard to find Argentinian food here! I'll definitely have to check that out. Though, it'll be a far better first impression if I had a knowledgeable and distinguished patron with me. So I know what to try first, of course!

[He does so love a good tour, and he'll admit that he's not at all familiar with Kaisou like Zhongli has gotten to be. His good feelings sour slightly at the reminder that his friend is part of the Order, but Venti keeps that to himself with hardly any noticable change.]

It's fortunate that I kept my ears open for information like that to help make the decisions I did. As for the conspiracies... Well, the magic is one of them, though it's subtle. Wounds healing miraculously whenever they hear my music, but exaggerated to say that it's even cured terminal illnesses or grievous wounds completely, things like that. The other is the fact that I've had my picture taken before as commemorations of certain shows I performed in. There aren't very many, I've been careful about that, but still.

[Zhongli just looks even more confused at the hand patting. He doesn't say anything but his eyes are very Venti, what the fuck.]

I'll never turn down an opportunity for dinner with a friend.

[Even if he's being a weird, cryptic shit. Zhongli knows what he signed up for.]

Ah... that's a dangerous exaggeration on their part. [He can imagine the headaches such rumors could cause.] I suppose if you claimed to be a relation, that would be less believable as the years went on...

[Zhongli had access to the amnesia charm before coming here, so he was able to remain anonymous on Black Order business, but in its absence-- like when he's on leave-- he has to be careful. Now Venti has him wondering if he's been careful enough.]

If you encounter any troubles like that here, let me know. Kaisou is by far the most comfortable city for our kind. Coming here was the right choice, even if... [It puts Venti in danger.] Well, you're aware.

[He looks at his wine, still untouched.]

May I propose a toast?

Edited 2023-06-01 21:33 (UTC)

[Venti will never elaborate. Ever. Not even for a rare wine.]

Excellent! It's a date, then. Once we figure out when, hehe.

[It's fine, it's fine.]

Yeah, unfortunately. It was a good excuse like 30 years ago, but definitely not anymore. And the exaggeration of my skills was... Well, it was why I left quickly. That power is hard to control even on a good day.

[The wind isn't one to like being controlled. Music is perhaps the closest it'll come to being tamed, but even that isn't precise. At Zhongli's suggestion, the bard smiles gratefully up at his friend.]

Hey, I'm no stranger to danger! I look all cute and delicate, but I'm tougher than my appearance suggests!

[Venti hopes to put his friend's mind at ease. He'll be okay, especially if this place is going to start affecting him much more strongly in a magical sense. Whatever power he gets here, the black-haired man will use it to protect the people he cares about.]

Ohh, a toast? I can happily agree to one!

[He grins, bright and cheerful, as he takes his glass in hand.]

That is the question, isn't it? ... You should settle in first. Then I can show you around the city, and we can eat wherever you'd like.

[Naturally Venti will be footing the bill, though.

Zhongli has warm laughter in his voice when he responds to that argument with:] You are. [No guile whatsoever; Venti is cute but he's also strong in many ways, and always has been, in every world Zhongli remembers.] I certainly don't want you to test your strength on me. Why, I might fall like a lone tree against the wind.

[He raises his glass.]

To fond winds, old friends, and new memories.

You know what? That sounds like a good plan to me. You want me to text you later?

[Does Zhongli even know how to text. He knows the brunet texted him earlier, but he also isn't entirely certain he believes his own eyes.

Venti grins at him. It's good to hear that laughter in his friend's voice. So much better than tired and defeated. Hopefully, the bard can help buoy Zhongli's spirits, or at least fortify them so that he's not as fragile and the edges aren't as sharp.

He raises his glass and clinks it gently against his friend's.]

Cheers, Zhong! [And Venti will take a sip.] Oh, I haven't given you my address, have I? You and Xiao can drop by whenever you like! Errr, just, not this week, maybe, ehehe... I've still got a lotta unpacking to do.

Please do.

[Please no messenger pigeon jokes. He was the last guy in the Black Order to get a cellphone but still.

Venti's grin, the clink of glasses, and the wind-- he can almost forget that he started this conversation off with annoyance and something like pain. He hopes Venti can forgive him for that. After all is said and done, he's just... relieved to not be alone after all.]]

Cheers, [he agrees.]

That would be the settling in. I understand, so there's no need to worry about it. [He'll have to find a housewarming gift that's reasonable and won't get thrown at his head.] You can invite me when you are comfortable. [He pauses.] Unless you... need help arranging the furniture?

This apartment is still a work in progress, but such is the case when nothing over here is built according to the principles of harmony with the earth. I've at least avoided the major taboos. I could aid you in this as well.

[Venti's already forgiven him for the rude start to their conversation. It's not as if he can blame Zhongli for feeling as he did.

He raises an eyebrow at the question. This sounds like the brunet trying to spend more time with him using any available excuse. Even if it's not, the bard's enough of a sucker to accept.]

Hehe, sure? Why not? Just remember I like my space open and breezy! Airflow is very important, and so is the acoustics.

[Though, Zhongli may recognize that it's more that Venti has never been comfortable in a place where he can't feel the wind for extended periods of time. He's always had the windows open just a crack in any private place he's going to be in for longer than a couple of hours.]

All I ask is you leave the instruments to me for arrangement. I trust you, but, uh, you know how... particular I get.

[Zhongli doesn't mean to sound desperate. He just knows Venti is one person, and he happens to be short. Having an extra set of hands might be useful to him.]

Of course.

[He remembers. It isn't something he can fault Venti for, especially since Zhongli gets uncomfortable in tall office buildings. High mountains are fine, but there's no ground to be found in a 20 floor skyscraper.]

Hah, I wouldn't dare touch them without your permission. [HE KNOWS BETTER.]

[Venti can't really deny that logic, either.]

I'll take you out for lunch or dinner depending on when you arrive! My treat, 'cause I'm sure I'm gonna be too tired to wanna cook anything myself.

[It's going to be his treat anyway since it's Zhongli, but still. Unpacking and all is hard work, and that does deserve repayment of some kind!]

[He sips the wine. This Barolo is pretty good... Venti has taste. It's just, unfortunately, sometimes he's a bit of a lush.]

I think that arrangement suits us.

[Free lunch with a friend? Yes please.]

Besides moving, what have you been working on lately?

[Venti's eyes light up at the question.]

Well! During the evenings, I do some live entertainment on the internet. I just use a virtual avatar that can mimic expressions instead of my real face. Anyone watching can interact with me in a chatroom while I'm live, so they ask questions or tell me about their day, things like that, and sometimes I read those out to answer and provide my own commentary.

[It's clear that he greatly enjoys it, too. The audience can come to him no matter where they are in the world.]

Other than that, I've been working on finishing up a new album I've been working on. And now that I'm here, I'll be auditioning at the Vogue to join in their shows as part of a symphony or down in the orchestra pit. I saved up for a long time to get the crown jewel of my repertoire, a concert grand harp, and it'd be the greatest disrespect to not play it where it can shine!

[Zhongli looks thoughtful, but anyone who knows him well can guess he's trying to figure out what the hell was just said. He has to because none of those words are in the fucking Bible, Venti.]

That's... interesting. I don't think I've ever heard of that before.

[PROBABLY NOT, NO...]

Ah, so you've spoken to Zulius. [Zulius is definitely Venti's people.] He's been very kind. I think you will enjoy your time at the Vogue.

[He swirls his wine around his glass.]

I'll have to attend the next show if you are playing in it. It's been an age since I heard you play the harp.

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