Chapter 14: Lost

In one of Mondstadt's quiet inns, a man with black hair and green eyes lay in bed, eyes fixed on the stars beyond the window. His hand gently rested on Spark's head as the loyal dog slept beside him.

"Logan… thank you for teaching me," Riven murmured softly. "I'll take good care of your buddy. As for your last request…"

He paused, his voice catching slightly.

"I thought about giving your granddaughter the bag through someone else. Because if I hand it to her directly… she'll ask about you. And I don't know if I can handle that."

Riven sighed, watching as the first light of dawn crept over the rooftops. But he'd made his decision.

He would face her himself.

With quiet resolve, he rose from bed and began getting dressed. His new clothes, purchased in Mondstadt, were practical yet stylish: a white tunic with a sleek black coat layered over it, fitted black trousers, and matching shoes. His gloves black leather slipped easily onto his hands.

As for his sword, the old one was too damaged to save. He had picked up a simple, serviceable replacement and slid it into the sheath at his side.

"Right, Spark?"

Woof.

"Let's go find that girl."

Woof.

Riven strolled slowly through the bustling streets of Mondstadt, asking around about a girl named Amber. Every person he spoke to responded with warmth and recognition.

"Oh, Amber? She's usually out on patrol beyond the city walls but she does stop by Good Hunter in the mornings."

With that, Riven made his way to the cozy outdoor restaurant and took a seat. He ordered a simple meal, something warm and filling and settled in to wait. As he sat there, he couldn't help but reflect.

Finding out who he truly was… that was part of his journey. But what about after?

He let out a sigh, glancing down at the bag beside him. "After I give this to her… what then, Spark?"

The dog looked up at him, ears perked.

"Maybe we explore the rest of Mondstadt. Take on some commissions, earn more Mora. Who knows, maybe even buy a home one day." He paused, eyes drifting up to the blue sky. "But where is home for me?"

Before his thoughts could wander further, a cheerful voice caught his attention.

"Morning, Sara! I'll take my usual, please!"

A girl with a bright smile had just arrived at the counter. Her chestnut brown hair bounced with every step, and a red ribbon tied like bunny ears perched atop her head.

Riven narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the energetic girl chatting animatedly with the cook. Her cheerful voice and signature red bunny-ear ribbon left no doubt.

"That must be her," he muttered. Amber.

Taking a breath, he stood and approached.

Amber turned at the sound of his footsteps. "Oh! Hello, mister! I haven't seen you around before, need some help?"

She hopped over, bright and curious.

"Well…" Riven rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not sure how to say this, so I'll just be direct."

He set a worn bag down on the table between them.

"I was asked to give this to you."

Amber blinked and looked down. Her smile faltered the moment her eyes landed on the bag.

"Wait… This is—this is my old bag." She picked it up carefully, as if afraid it might disappear. "Why do you have this?"

Riven's expression softened. "Your grandfather… he wanted you to have it."

She looked up, stunned.

"I… I'd suggest you look through it privately," he said, already rising to his feet. "If you ever want to find me, I'll be around. I don't exactly have a home right now."

With that, Riven turned and walked away. He didn't want to see anyone cry—not today.

But just as he walked away, he noticed something: Spark had stayed behind.

He turned back.

Amber was kneeling beside the husky, her hand resting gently on his head. Tears were silently streaming down her cheeks as she hugged the dog tightly.

Riven let out a breath. "Guess Spark's better off with her…"

Riven wandered aimlessly through the streets of Mondstadt, turning a random corner. Families bustled about nearby shops, laughter filling the warm afternoon air. 

Then—thud

A small child bumped right into him.

"Oh—sorry, mister!" she said in a cheerful voice.

Riven looked down to see a small girl with bright teal-blue eyes and a wide, innocent smile. She giggled and quickly skipped away, returning moments later hand-in-hand with her father.

He watched them walk off, warmth in their laughter.

Then he glanced upward, his gaze catching on a bird's nest nestled in the wooden beams above. A tiny family of birds chirped softly, huddled together in their cozy little world.

Riven's expression softened.

The warmth around him suddenly felt distant.

I'm alone, he thought. No family. No memories. No one.

His shoulders dropped, and he quietly took a seat on a nearby bench.

"Spark…" he murmured. "You probably knew Amber. You stayed with her because deep down… you knew where you belonged."

As if summoned by his sorrow, a mystery boy appeared and hopped up onto the bench beside him, legs swinging playfully off the edge.

"Why so glum, traveler?" he asked, resting a hand behind his head. "This is Mondstadt—the City of Freedom! Here, you should drink, laugh, and tell incredible tales of your heroic deeds… or, if you're like me, tales of unmatched musical talent!"

Riven blinked, surprised. "…who are you?"

The boy grinned. "Name's Venti. And you look like someone in need of a good tavern song."

Riven gave a tired chuckle. "It's just… being in a world where you don't know who you are—no past, no one waiting for you, it hits harder than you'd expect."

Venti tilted his head. "Mmm. That does sound lonely."

He suddenly lifted his lyre from behind his back and strummed a gentle note.

"But you know," Venti said with a wink, "when you've got nothing, it means everything ahead is a blank page. Better than being stuck in an old one, no? Go have a drink! Make memories. Find companions. Sometimes, it's the friends you make on the road that become your real story."

He stood, the wind fluttering his cloak like wings.

"Besides," he added with a playful spin, "if you've lost yourself, perhaps it's time to let the wind guide you back."

And with that, Venti danced off into the street, whistling a light-hearted tune, as if he'd never been there at all.

Riven sat in stunned silence, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"…Maybe he's right."