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If it was one thing Venti wasn't generally known for, it would be patience. So, the idea of posing for an absurdly long time as the subject of a drawing was downright exhausting.
''You say Albedo's teaching you how to sketch? I mean, I'm flattered to be your subject. But...why me?'' Venti just had to ask Aether as they strolled together underneath the tree at Windrise.
''Well, you...I don't know. He wants me to sketch something that's 'ethereal.' You were the first thing that came to mind.'' Aether struggled to get the entire sentence out. While he detected the faintest hints of a lie, Venti's eyes widened for a moment, and he placed a hand over his heart.
''Well, then. Who am I to deny such a heartfelt request? But I should warn you; of all my qualities, standing still is not my best.'' The bard managed to get a laugh out of Aether with his effortless rhyming.
''That's alright. I'll manage.''
''So, what's the location you've chosen for this portrait? I should hope it's somewhere with a lovely breeze.'' Venti chirped, eyes bright.
''I was actually thinking the Stormbearer Mountains. It's beautiful, there's plenty of flowers and animals...it would be a fantastic backdrop for you.''
''You continue to flatter me, my warrior,'' Venti smiles, offering his hand to Aether, ''allow me, then. The winds will carry us.'' Aether took Venti's hand, heartbeat quickening as the dark haired boy created a wind current. He created a path out of currents, simply by altering the direction of the winds in the vicinity. Aether used his glider to traverse, while Venti simply held close to him. After all, someone might find it suspicious to see the bard riding the air without the use of a glider.
Once they had reached their destination, Aether scouted out potential places for a drawing.
''I'm terribly curious, my friend, what made you take up drawing? Forgive me if I'm being nosy, it's not my intention to offend.'' The Wind God watched the Traveler analyze each location with such scrutiny. The serious expression on his face made Venti laugh a little.
''Um...well....It's kind of a silly reason.''
''As long as it comes from the heart, then I believe it's the perfect reason to make art.''
Aether was always so surprised by how mature and gentle Venti could be. Despite causing mayhem, all of his drunk tendencies and some of his more childish and playful mannerisms, Venti was also Barbatos , and the distinction between them was night and day.
Aether sat down in the shade of a fir tree, watching two foxes play with a pinecone in the distance, ''I suppose it's about time.''
''Time?''
''My Sister and I, we were always Travelers. And if we reunite....'' If was the only word that felt appropriate after seeing his sister once more, ''we probably won't stay in Teyvat.''
''Ah, that's right.'' Venti nods pensively, sitting across from his companion.
''I don't want to forget this world. I've never made so many friends and connections like this before. It's so hard to think of saying goodbye someday. If I leave, I want...I want something tangible to take home with me.''
As Aether explained, Venti plucked some Cecilias nearby and began to weave them together. He had to keep himself distracted, because it wasn't a pleasant topic. The idea of having to say goodbye to Aether was...painful, to say the least.
''Do you know why I was so drawn to music in the first place?''
''No...I don't think that's a tale you've told me yet.'' Aether manages a smile, driving away thoughts of Lumine for now as he leans back against the trunk of the tree.
''When he played it, the sound had an infectious way of lifting me up. Some of his melodies had me simply transfixed. As a spirit, the only thing I had known for so long was the wind; how it felt to be a part of something so beautiful and grand. Very few things can match up to the feeling of riding a gust of wind for me. However, music...it held a similar feeling for me. After he was gone, it was a struggle to play his Lyre. But I wanted to carry his songs to the future. I wanted other generations to hear his notes...and I wanted to even make my own. It's a simple reason, but it's good enough for me. At the end of the day, love for all those who have come before and all those who will be is what guides my hand. Pure and simple, I wish for everything and everyone to know what it feels like to have your spirits lifted when everything seems as if its coming apart. When Cecilias wither, and apples lose their flavor.'' Venti places the finished flower crown on Aether's head, touch delicate. Aether's honeyed eyes are wide, bright and expressive. Venti finds he looks adorable like this. Just as he's about to ask about the finer point of this portrait, Aether speaks up,
''I think it would look better on you,'' and just like that, Aether is removing the crown from his head and resting it upon Venti's. The bard isn't sure how to react to this; rarely has he let other people this close to him. Yet, he can't refuse Aether. Not even in the slightest. There is something deeper, much more intimate in the slow way Aether's fingertips brush against Venti's hair on their way back to his lap.
Barbatos has loved and been loved before, of course. Thousands of years of life often meant exploring all facets and aspects of it. Yet, he had never loved anyone quite as hard as Aether. So, the God of Freedom smiled, despite the iron stake in his heart. Love was all too fleeting, but he wouldn't miss a moment of it while Aether was still here with him.
''My dear companion....you certainly have a way with words.'' The coquettish way that he grinned left Aether near speechless.
''I, uhm...I think I found a really nice spot for you to pose.'' He was appalled at himself for just changing subjects like that, but Venti didn't seem to mind one bit. The bard simply flashed him a radiant smile and stood.
''Point me in the direction, then!''
Aether decided on a large rock seated atop one of the higher peaks of the mountain. It was surrounded by Cecilia, the light floral scent wafting through the air.
''Beautiful. But....hmm. I believe I'm missing something.''
''Missing something?''
There was a blinding light, and the wind in the area surged all around them. Aether clutched at his scarf, holding it tight so it wouldn't blow in his face.
''Ah, there we are.'' Aether was completely shocked to see Venti in his Archon form for the first time. This wasn't exactly how he expected it to happen, either.
''Y-you? But what if someone sees?''
''Don't worry, I have a plan in case that were to happen.'' His Godly attire fit the theme of ethereal quite well...dressed in the purest white, Archon tattoos fully on display. And those wings....like that of a dove, stretched out wide, his feathers ruffled by the breeze. So much skin was showing, Aether wondered how he managed to even be comfortable in his daily clothes by comparison.
Venti perched upon the rock, one leg touching the grass with the other rested upon the side of the rock. He remembered to use his Lyre, retrieving it and holding the instrument close to him while he strummed a few notes. He found a particular one he liked and held his finger over it, unmoving so that Aether might sketch that.
Despite his unwillingness to be patient, Venti did his best to hold still. Aether worked for what seemed like hours, tongue slightly sticking out to the side.
At long last, he called out when he was finished and Venti shifted with a deep sigh of relief.
''The joints of my wings were feeling a bit stiff!'' He laughs, rising quickly and stretching to the heavens.
''I'm sorry it took so long.''
''Not to worry! Can I see the finished product?'' The wind sprite didn't walk, but flew to his side. Aether seemed embarrassed, cheeks flushed and heart racing.
''I don't think it turned out very good.''
''Nonsense...I'm sure you did an incredible job.''
With Venti's reassurance, Aether reluctantly lowered his work down to eye level. Venti hovered over his shoulder, wings so close on either side of him that Aether could reach out and stroke them if he so desired.
The sketch was simple, but it had so much charm to it. It was clear that Aether was a budding artist with only minor practice put in so far, but he clearly showed promise. Venti admired how truly magnificent the details over his wings were. Even if the drawing hadn't been so lovely, Venti still would have loved it. Very few had created works in his image...and never had he been asked for something so personal. It touched his heart, and he had to restrain himself from pressing his lips to Aether's cheek as a token of appreciation.
''It's a work of heart.'' The God smiled, looking radiant and Aether's own heart felt like it might burst out of his chest.
''Thank you...you really think I did you justice?'' Venti laughs in answer, braids dancing in the wind.
''I believe almost no one in Teyvat understands Venti or Barbatos quite as well as you do now. You were the only man for the job.'' He said it with such fondness, such sweetness and care that Aether found his heart swelling.
Venti stood upon the ground once more, touching the crown of Cecilias upon his head lightly. He was about to say something when he caught the sound of a voice upon the winds.
''Ah...!'' In the blink of an eye, with a flash of light Barbatos was Venti once more and he quickly went to picking more Cecilias.
''What is it?''
''Someone is coming.'' Venti put a finger to his lips, motioning for Aether to hide the sketch with a playful grin.
Sure enough, a few moments later, little Barbara from the Church came strolling by.
''Aether? How blessed I am to see you're doing well! It's been a long time.'' She smiles excitedly, waving lightly.
''Hi, Barbara! Sorry, I've been pretty busy in Liyue lately.''
''Aww, no need to explain. You're always busy helping others!''
''What's a Deaconess from the Church doing all the way out here?'' Venti rubbed his neck innocently as if he hadn't just been in his God form moments before this. How did she not see?? Venti figured she must have been the most oblivious girl in all of Teyvat, as precious as she was.
''Oh! I came to gather some Cecilia to take back to the church. Only now, I'm struggling to find some.''
''There's plenty by the rock over there.'' He steps aside to show her. Barbara's eyes light up.
''Oh, thank you!!'' She races ahead to pick the blossoms.
''I believe that's our cue. Coming back to Mondstadt with me, Venti? I'll lend you the Mora for some wine.'' Aether offered.
''R-really???''
''You did just spend hours posing for me. I figure it's a good way to-oof!!!!'' Aether gasped loudly as Venti embraced him tightly.
''You are the best !!! Thank you thank you thank you!!''
Some things would never change, so it would seem.