Chapter 12

After finishing a hearty meal, Orion stood, adjusted his clothes with a practiced flick, and scribbled a quick note on a scrap of parchment:

"I'm heading out for a walk."

The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped into the lively plaza. In the midst of the crowd, atop a small stone platform dusted with petals, stood a figure cloaked in green from head to toe. A feathered hat tilted jauntily on his head, and a lyre nestled comfortably in his hands.

His fingers danced across the strings, summoning a melody that seemed to slow time itself. The notes swirled through the square like a gentle breeze, light and teasing—laced with joy, nostalgia, and something unplaceably ancient. Laughter echoed in one verse, a tear seemed to linger in the next. Even the wind paused to listen.

Orion stopped in his tracks, drawn to the performance like a moth to starlight. He stood there quietly, letting the music wash over him, unfamiliar warmth curling in his chest.

When the final note faded and the applause began, the bard hopped down with a grin that could charm the frost off a Cryo Slime. He approached Orion with bright eyes and a playful tilt of his head.

"You must be the new guy everyone's whispering about," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Venti the bard. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Orion gave him a once-over and shook the offered hand, one brow raised.

"Nice to meet you too... Miss Venti."

Venti let out a melodious giggle, clutching his chest dramatically.

"Oh no, I'm not a girl, you dummy!"

"I apologize for my rudeness," Orion said with a sheepish smile. "So... I take it you're the best bard in Mondstadt?"

Venti puffed out his chest with a grin that barely fit on his face.

"Indeed I am! I was just heading to the tavern nearby—care to join me?"

Orion hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I'm free right now. No duties, no responsibilities… and I'm pretty sure I'm technically not even supposed to be out of bed yet."

Venti clapped him on the back with a laugh.

"Perfect! I've been in desperate need of a new drinking partner. Let's not waste this golden opportunity."

The two made their way to the famed Angel's Share tavern, nestled just behind the bustling main plaza. A warm glow spilled from the windows, and the scent of roasted meat, mulled cider, and spiced bread hung thick in the air. Inside, the tavern was alive with chatter, clinking mugs, and the occasional off-key chorus from already-drunken patrons. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and a cozy fireplace crackled in the corner. Bottles lined the shelves behind the bar like a collection of forgotten memories.

Venti waltzed in like he owned the place (he might as well), and plopped himself at a familiar table near the back. Orion followed, settling into the chair across from him.

"So," Venti said with a wink, "what's your poison, mysterious bed-escaping stranger?"

"Oh right, I never introduced myself," the young man said, sitting upright with a sense of practiced poise. "I'm Orion, Crown Prince of Arian."

Venti tilted his head. "Arian? Never heard of it. Some hidden place I missed on the map?"

"It's… isolated," Orion said, choosing his words carefully. "A strong nation, deep in the frozen regions—far from where most people ever go. My family rules it, but we're not the highest power there. We serve under the guidance of the Cryo Sovereign."

Venti raised a brow, ordering a round of drinks without taking his eyes off Orion. "Cryo Sovereign? Like some kind of ice god?"

"Sort of," Orion said with a short sigh. "Up until recently, even I had the wrong idea about who the Sovereign really was. Everyone in Arian believes Seraphyx—the dragon who watches over us—is the Cryo Sovereign."

Venti rested his chin on his hand. "Let me guess. He's not?"

Orion shook his head slowly. "No. Seraphyx is just… the form that interacts with us. A kind face. The real power behind him is something else entirely. A being called VlastMoroz."

The name hung in the air, and the mood in the room seemed to cool just a bit.

"VlastMoroz?" Venti echoed, his tone shifting, suddenly more serious. "That's what you said?"

Orion nodded again. "Yeah. You know that name?"

Venti squinted, then leaned back. "Not a clue. But with a name like that, I'm gonna assume she's either ancient, terrifying, or both."

Orion gave a tired laugh. "Yeah… that checks out."

"And what brings the ice prince to Mondstadt?" Venti asked, brightening up just as the drinks hit the table. "You looking for peace, or just a good cider?"

Orion gave a dry laugh. "Not really. I didn't exactly come here by choice."

He picked up his drink, stared at it for a second, then took a sip. "They made it seem like some noble 'training journey,' but it felt more like being pushed out. Dressed it up nicely, but yeah… kicked out."

"Well then, drink up." Venti raised his mug. "If you're gonna be exiled, you might as well be buzzed."

He took a massive gulp, slamming it down with a satisfied sigh. "Ahh… that's the stuff. Regret with a splash of apple."

Orion raised a brow but smirked slightly, sipping more of his drink this time. The flavor was stronger than expected—rough around the edges, but warm. Fitting.

He glanced at Venti, watching him with quiet curiosity. "How long have you been in Mondstadt?"

Venti blinked. "That came out of nowhere."

Orion just shrugged.

"Well, if I had to say… since the beginning, really. Mondstadt's always been home."

Orion's tone shifted. "And how did you feel when Durin attacked?"

The question hit harder than the drinks. Venti's smile faded just a bit, and he took another gulp before answering.

"I hated it," he muttered. "Wish I could've done more. I tried to stop it before things got bad, but…" he trailed off. "Dvalin handled it. Him and Barbatos."

"Dvalin," Orion repeated. "That's the Anemo Sovereign, right?"

Venti snorted. "He wishes. He was born from pure Anemo energy, sure—but he's not the Sovereign. Only one of those can exist at a time."

Orion narrowed his eyes slightly. He leaned forward, drink in hand, voice low. "So you know how Sovereign Dragons are born."

Venti's expression didn't change, but his posture stiffened just a bit.

"You live like some wandering bard, but you're too familiar with things most people wouldn't even believe. And you've got that vibe. You know—the kind that feels older than it looks."

Orion tilted his drink back, watching Venti over the rim.

"Venti… you're Barbatos, aren't you?"

Venti froze for half a second. Then he let out a slow breath and drained the rest of his mug before replying.

"…What gave it away?"

Orion shrugged, setting his half-finished drink aside. "Honestly? Just a guess."

He smirked. "But I'm surprised you admitted it. Thought you'd at least try to deny it."

Venti groaned, facepalming. "It was just a guess?! You sounded so sure!"

"I was fishing." Orion raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect you to take the bait that fast."

Venti slumped into his chair, reaching for another drink. "This is exactly why I usually lie. Alcohol and honesty don't mix."

Orion picked up his glass again and clinked it lightly against Venti's. "Too late now."

"You sure aren't acting weird," Venti said, lifting another mug with both hands. "Now that you know I'm the God of Anemo and all. Doesn't it mess with your head a little? Knowing you're sitting across from one of the Divine?"

He tilted his head back and downed the entire thing in one go—zero hesitation, as if the wine was water and he had something to forget.

Orion gave a small sigh, smiling awkwardly as he swirled the last of his drink. "Divine, huh?"

He didn't sound impressed. More… tired.

"Well," he said, placing his cup down and leaning back, "after witnessing Lord Seraphyx in his true form—feeling the raw divinity radiating off him like a living storm… and knowing that he carries the soul of VlastMoroz inside him…"

Orion paused, tapping his fingers against the side of the cup.

"Nothing really surprises me anymore."

Venti had been pouring another drink, but his hand stopped mid-air. His face didn't change much—still that lazy bard expression—but there was something different in his eyes.

That name again. That damn name.