come_sailaway | (no subject)

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Who: Venti and open /o/
What: laaate post-event thing for him, waking up from a little stress nap and being tiny.
When: near september!
Where: hurikane mostly!
Warnings: none really except maybe coming back from death and trauma-y memories if he talks about that. other than that he’s just a small fairy being an idiot.

[ it's not very responsible of him, but 1) responsibility and 2) venti: pick one. he is actually the kind of person who tends to disappear at occasional moments, sometimes at the most irresponsible times. he's also the kind who could stress-nap entire decades away, so maybe a good couple of days or even a week is being almost responsible for him. there's darkness, then he wakes up in bed rather unexpectedly and painfully by his new roomie. he processes that he's returned to life and rafaela is back and instead of talking to her or going out and checking on other people, why not just... go back to sleep. so he does.

a day later or so, he kind of disappears entirely, like wind invisible that may float away.

and maybe a week after that, the wind may slowly pull himself together. but he is weak, he's not terribly strong, he's rather tired and maybe lost more faith in himself. venti himself hasn't been around in a good while but a fairy-looking thing, something small and white that practically looks like a bird from a distance, would be slowly floating through the ship towards a bar. you can maybe find this creature:

1. fluttering rather dazedly, like a dizzy bee, charting a little path through the ship en route to deck five.
2. it seems to take breaks every so often to simply sit on the ground, or maybe even float to sit tiredly on your shoulder or head if you're nearby and make a nice perch.
3. sitting on the ground staring up at the door to hurikane, looking bemused at how to open it, chirping tiredly at you if you're nearby to please open the door!
4. if he manages to get in the bar, the critter is sitting on the counter making half-hearted little chirps to the ghost bartender who apparently doesn't get the hint that he needs wine.
5. eventually, or maybe a day later or so, venti would find it in himself to transform back and simply be found in hurikane at a table surrounded by bottles. he needs this, he really does.
(6. wildcard/anything else!! i might just make this a catch-all for september too i don't know yet) ]

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[ worldly and a traveler, he does have some approximate knowledge of liyue language and how similar qingxuan’s name seems to be to it. hm, if ‘shi’ is the same shi as in shifu, that in itself is a title so that should be fine enough…

but more importantly, the fact that they share dominion with wind. it does actually seem to hearten him, there's a more genuine small smile now as the whisk of his wind flares a bit more, coaxing around qingxuan almost inquisitively. ] Mm, well! I wouldn’t quite say ‘control’, but that’s just a matter of details. [ he himself had once been wind. he had once been a strand of the breeze, he could flow over rivers and through forests, before he ascended. ] ‘Venti’ would be fine, Shi Qingxuan. And you…

… You’re like me, are you not?

[ not just someone who held power over wind, who could manipulate it, but one divine. he could feel it like he could recognize pirate jenny, once she’d shown her truer self. venti himself might feel not quite as strong in divinity; his godhood was taken, he’d been weak as a god in the first place when he didn’t ask of people or his own nation to worship him. qingxuan looked and felt more confident. ]

[ Shi Qingxuan chuckles brightly, not able to hold it back when the wind flares wilder and his hair is tossed about him. Ah, this is rather fun, like being teased by the wind! But he's not the one who's supposed to be cheered up here—with that in mind, he goes ahead taps his fingers against his glass again, letting a light breeze float about Venti's shoulders and fluff out the ends of his hair.

The difference between "control" and "not control," "Qingxuan" and "Shi Qingxuan," are lost in the shuffle as, truly, the wind is rather distracting! (And he is also, sady, stone-cold sober while being successfully distracted by a light and playful breeze.) His smile is easy and his eyes are bright and happy as he hums in turn: ]

Hm? In what way?

[ ...He is, unfortunately, asking in earnest. As far as he's aware, he went over the ways they may be similar? Indeed, Shi Qingxuan comes from a world where being able to actually sense divinity...isn't actually a standard or common ability, at least among the living. Even with someone with his own active imagination, to think of meeting another (former) wind god is simply too outlandish to consider. ]

If you want to go over the details, then we might end up having a lot in common. So, tell me what's on your mind!

[ a wind from a foreign god actually does quite a lot to encourage him than a lot else, like a rare bird that encounters another, not quite of the same species but maybe genus. he lets the anemo power of his breeze entwine with qingxuan’s, a brighter spark coming to his eyes as he straightens up, energy returning to him unexpectedly and,

ah. hm. well, it’s not as if he senses terribly clearly as a god, his godhood was taken from him. for a moment the words are there on the tip of his tongue, ‘you’re like me, god of wind,’ but for some reason he’s not sure of yet, he refrains. his smile freezes for a moment. ] Ah…

That we could move the wind, I suppose. [ … well, he could learn more about this person first, right? a fellow wind god, this friendly a drinker. it wouldn’t be bad to get along and befriend. he takes another drink to hide an amount of awkwardness of that response. ] Did you just arrive here? I’ve not seen you around before.

[ ...?

Shi Qingxuan stares with a look of mild confusion, but then, he just laughs it off, bringing up a fist to hide his smile. Venti has been drinking, and even if he's sounded so lucid, there's no escaping the effects of having drank so much! ]

Exactly, we can both move the wind!

[ Should I ask if they can prepare some tea for you here? he thinks, but teasing him when he's already gotten a little shy is too much. Ahem. ]

But you're right about me being new here too. It's only been about a week for me, so I'm still adjusting to the way things are here. I'm not sure if I've even seen every part of the ship, so it's no wonder we haven't met yet...

[ ...But he's at least gotten himself fresh clothing, so while he still looks expensive with all his jewelry, at least he doesn't stand out like a sore thumb as a walking cloud of fabric. Now he's just very loudly floral printed. ]

You must have been around much longer, though, right? I say, when you're feeling more up to it, you should show me what you can do. [ A pause— ] ...Unless you'd like to make a game of it?

I have indeed been around for longer. Several months… perhaps nearing half a year now? [ by gods, how time flies. and he is in the habit of getting punished by bitter sobering tea if he drinks to excess (which is often) but you wouldn’t do that to him would you qingxuan? we’re friends right?! nothing wrong with tea but an alcoholic’s gotta alcholic.

and he does appreciate that floral print, he’s almost exactly the kind of questionable taste who likes bright colors like the forest green he wears. ] You’re quite the newbie, I see. I’d like to give you a warm welcome but I suppose… [ ah, his mood is just completely shot. he’d normally be more helpful than this, promise. maybe. ] Well, I suppose, I really need to get drunk if even for today. I could fill you in on more information perhaps, but, maybe not quite… right now. [ and then falling quiet because what is there to say?

practically the sheer overwhelming reality of life on this ship and excursions presses down on him. the history of having died three times, each one getting worse than the last. he downs another glass. it must be the avoidance of someone used to ignoring and stifling his problems, but he doesn’t quite want to think of it. ]

What sort of game? [ he does love his drinking games though. ]

[ ~~(metaphorically) grips your hands. no my good wind god bro, qingxuan would never actually put you through that torture after experiencing it so many times himself...!~~ ]

A half year!

[ He echoes with wonder. That's such a long time to be trapped...anywhere. But, seeing how this new windy friend of his is already in such a low mood, Shi Qingxuan certainly isn't going to dwell on what's already a bad topic for anyone here. Even as a newbie, he can't be oblivious to that much.

Shi Qingxuan shakes his head, leaning forward to grip the neck of the one non-empty bottle and refill Venti's cup generously. ]

What are you saying? Aren't you already drinking with me? As far as welcomes go, this one isn't that bad!

[ Shi Qingxuan tops off his own glass, then sets the bottle aside again. There's no need for Shi Qingxuan to comment on the obvious current of sorrow in Venti's words and actions, and Shi Qingxuan holds no judgment, either. His voice and attitude are as easygoing and friendly as ever. ]

Let's not worry about sharing intel and gossip now. I have some catching up to do if we're going to play a game. But let's see...

[ He sure empties a glass of wine like a seasoned drinker! Then knocks the glass back down to the tabletop. ]

Okay! So, I'm not sure what games you know, but we can play whatever. There's shared poetry, and if one of us can't make a good line, then there's a drink penalty! Then, there's truth or dare, and if someone chickens out, there's a drink penalty! Or, we can have a little competition, wind master to wind master, daring each other, and whoever loses each dare drinks!

Those are a few ideas, but Young Master Venti is the host, so the game is your choice.

[ He has no idea what games are shared between worlds, if any at all, so he just lists off a few and if Venti suggests something better, as the one doing the cheering up, Shi Qingxuan will play along. ]

[ honestly, qingxuan’s bubbly cheerfulness and understanding is practically as good a salve as the alcohol, if not more so. it’s true, venti is something of a social… if not butterfly, perhaps a bird who likes to flutter around and chirp and bother others and be a nuisance. and much rarer is this, after having wings broken and dragged down from the sky he could be so depressed.

but he does love his games, he noticeably perks, an unconscious smile coming to his face as he taps his cheek in thought. ] Poetry! Something like round robin poetry, I assume! Oh, I haven’t even mentioned as much but I am a bard by trade, a wandering poet, the only trouble is ‘wandering’ could be so questionable while we’re here. [ he’s noticeably instantly drawn towards the option of poetry but—

on second thought, he’s barely at all in the poetry mood, as much as it’s his livelihood, and that kind of speaks to how low he is. ] Ah… but perhaps we could try that some other day. A rain check, shall we say. I’ve played my fair share of truth and dare though, how familiar and classic that is.

Let’s go with that, shall we? [ he’s awfully curious about new friend, though he might not be very up for extremely active dares. in contrast to how he’d normally be bouncing towards more energetic or even reckless challenges. ]

[ Shi Qingxuan visibly perks up more at the mention of Venti being a poet himself, but when he declines the idea of drunken round robin poetry, he doesn't deflate, either. Rather, he nods resolutely. ]

Okay, it's a rain check for today, but you must share your work with me in the future. A wandering poet and musician, you must have seen much in your travels. I won't let you off the hook without hearing your songs later.

[ Seeing as Venti was happy to share these facts about himself, Shi Qingxuan doesn't feel even a modicum of guilt in being so shameless here. Poems set to music are one of the joys of visiting the mortal realm, and there's something especially exciting about meeting someone as friendly as Venti who's also lived such a life! It doesn't take much to catch Shi Qingxuan's interest and curiosity, but now he has to know more!

However, being unable to wander, carefree in the romantic sort of way Shi Qingxuan imagines he had before, must feel like being a bird with clipped wings. It's better, then, to not comment and dwell on it, to not push the subject and bring out the sadness his current situation would inspire in his poems. There's nothing wrong with poems about loss and melancholy, but there's no need to break the (somewhat delicate) good mood that Venti seems to be chasing after with glasses of wine, either.

Moving on, Shi Qingxuan pulls his folded fan from who-knows-where and taps it against his palm. ]

Now, for the game... [ The corners of his lips twitch, his smile turning more mischievous. ] Since you chose it, so I'll ask first: Truth or dare?

Mhm, I promise I'll share a poem or song to you. I'm... it's rare or even a shame, I don't quite feel like singing or reciting. [ actually, even admitting this has heat go to his cheeks in something like embarrassment that almost reaches a fraction of melancholy and sheer depression. it's practically unheard of for him, normally he could offer a song at the tip of a hat. ] But I'll owe you for keeping me company. Once I... once I, perhaps... [ he makes a rather uncertain, vague noise.

he's so out of it, for being a wordsmith even he barely knows what to say. and for being a wanderer who can't quite fly and travel like he's spent millennia doing, even far away from his country. he just wants maybe a single day or so to be a pathetic waste for a while who doesn't know what the hell he's doing, and then he'll put in more effort later. promise. just maybe.

for now maybe what he could put effort into is choosing a new wine for the game! he beckons for the ghost bartender who brings over a nice baijiu for the both of them, something he imagines might be a little suited for qingxuan's palate, then refills their glasses. ]

Let's start with a truth. I imagine it'll take a few cups of this and I'll be up for some dares, perhaps. [ a wink; it seems he's slowly pulling himself out of the rut, an attempt hopefully hastened with new wine. ]

[ He reaches around the table to pat Venti's shoulder. There's usually something almost comical to a person blushing and stumbling over their words, but there's something a little disheartening about it now. ]

Mhm, once you feel more up to it, then we can consider it. It's a shame, but what can be done? These aren't things you can force. I was just talking before; I only came by for fun, so there's nothing to owe me.

[ He says those words offhandedly, but he's no less serious. Not only is the idea of starting a friendship with a transactional obligation terrible, but the last thing an unhappy man needs is a debt hanging over his head. It will sour the friendship before it's even begun.

Then the baijiu comes, that's plenty enough excuse to forget about the clouds overhead again. Shi Qingxuan's eyes light up like a kid receiving an unexpected gift, and once the glasses are poured, he doesn't hesitate to reach out to grasp his cup delicately. ]

Besides, Young Master Venti has good taste anyway, so let's forget about all that and enjoy ourselves.

[ His eyes are still shining as he glances down at the pale liquid swaying in the cup. The familiar scent of the wine is as soothing as it is enticing; it's too tempting to keep in his hand without taking a sip, so he sets it back to the table before he gives in. ]

Working up to a dare is good, too. [ He laughs, and that wink only encourages him in the worst possible way. ] Now, let's see...

[ His eyes search over Venti from across the table, tip of his fan pressed to his lips. Usually, Shi Qingxuan likes to play to win (so to speak), so it's with a great deal of consideration for Venti's pride that his question is relatively tame now. ]

What's the most thrilling thing that you've experienced? Someone as worldly as yourself, surely you must have had many.

Fair enough… I did say ‘owe’ but really, I like sharing songs and poetry from all eras and nations I’ve known. It’d be more a favor to me if you might listen raptly, then. [ this too is sincere, a poet and musician like he might even so easily sing than speak or breathe sometimes. just not quite now, but even thinking or speculating about a song he could offer qingxuan later seems to be cheering him up.

and what an intriguing question. let’s maybe not mention his lifespan of over 2600 years, the wars and battles he’s seen though those could undoubtably be considered a thrill. something else… a memory that makes him near brighten like a firefly or so, as he happily taps at the rim of his glass. ] Oh, then! If it’s something like that…!

I am indeed well-traveled but this would be in my home country of Mondstadt—once a time very long ago I met a small dragonling, an elemental creature of wind much like myself. He was new to the world and attracted to my song as I played a little concert in the forest. We grew to be friends, and while he was a fledgling I would accompany him as I taught him more about the nation and even encouraged him to fly.

The day he made his maiden flight off the edge of a cliff in the Brightcrown Mountains, with my tailwind… that, I know, is a memory I would treasure for the rest of my days. And then later, he could grow large enough to carry me on his back. Flying with a friend could be even that much more fun than by yourself!

[ Shi Qingxuan nods along, as if to promise that yes! He will absolutely listen to his songs with rapt attention—and if that's what Venti likes too, then Shi Qingxuan really might just hold him to it. It's not a selfish request if it's a date they're both going to enjoy!

Then comes Venti's answer to his dare, and Shi Qingxuan waits excitedly, eyes shining as he hangs off every word. While the story is no less thrilling, the feeling it brings to mind isn't excitement so much as the contentment that goes with tales of genuine friendship and companionship, the happiness that comes with spending time with someone and seeing them grow. It's not something Shi Qingxuan himself has ever personally experienced, but (or maybe because of that) he feels moved; the image of flying with a dragon and longtime friend on a tailwind he created, that's the thing of stories. It's exactly the sort of thrilling memory one should treasure their whole life. ]

You're really something else. To think you not only befriended a dragon, but you were even his teacher. Having a friendship like that is thrilling all on its own! You look so young, yet you've already had such a once in a lifetime experience.

[ The fact Venti looks way too young to have this kind of role as a mortal human does prick at the back of Shi Qingxuan's mind, but he doesn't call it out any further. Instead, he raises his cup in a toast. ]

To friendship!

[ he looks very young… yes, about that… ]

Ehe, well it might just be that youth is a state of mind more than anything. Enjoying good drink, good memories, friendships… remembering or focusing on what really matters and brings fulfillment could be worth the most no matter what age you are. [ honestly, he doesn’t even really have a good reason to be sly about who he is to shi qingxuan, it’s not as if he’s really that secretive about what he is. but he does lean towards secrecy, he could be careless and playful but hide his hand at least a little for now.

and remembering dvalin puts him in a more nostalgic mood as he accepts qingxuan’s toast, raising and inclining his glass with a tap to qingxuan’s. his smile wistful, maybe only a little pained; uncertain whether he might ever see dvalin again, if those memories of flights will stay only memories and he might never share the sky with his friend again. ]

To friendship. Whether we may see them again back home, or forge new friendships here.

So now, truth or dare for yourself?

[ What is that answer?? ... No, you definitely look young!!

And yet, Shi Qingxuan just finds himself laughing at it and not picking up on the possibility that he might actually be much older. It is a sentiment that he can agree with. And maybe he'll steal that answer for the next time someone here asks his age. ]

Mhm. How right you are. If you focus on living your life to its fullest, spending time you're sure to treasure with friends, then you'll always be young and rich in the ways that matter. Of course, that means here, too. True friendship doesn't have limitations. It's fate either way.

[ There's no need for that "or"! It's easy for Shi Qingxuan to say things like that when, no matter how many times he hears it, the true hopelessness of never returning home has yet to sink in.

Regardless, he offered a toast, and now he takes a long sip of his drink before setting his cup back down. ]

Let's do another truth! That is, unless you have a fun dare in mind already?

[ He asks it with an almost challenging edge, like he wants to see just what he could get put up to here! ]

[ a truth, hm… true enough, he’s probably much more in a truthy mood than a dare-y one. still, there’s a bit of a pause of consideration as he finishes his glass and then refills it, reaching to top off qingxuan’s cup as well if needed. ] Well…

There’s a question that a friend… that my lover likes to ask people sometimes. A rather thought experiment kind of question that I hadn’t even thought of before, before I came to this ship! Yet it kind of feels like it might reveal much of a person, if we really think about it.

Imagine that there’s a track upon which a trolley runs, and five strangers are tied to the road and they would be killed by the oncoming vehicle. You can save them, but only if you turn a lever and re-route that trolley onto another track… one to which a close friend or loved one is tied.

What would you do? Let the five strangers die, or save them by sacrificing your friend?

[ Oh. ]

I say, isn't this question unusually heavy for a laidback and easy game?

[ He was going easy on you!! He was going easy!! ]

But all right, since you asked, let me think on it and say we won't question the mechanics at play here... Either way, aren't you still choosing to murder someone, whether it's your own loved one or some unknown people? Even if there was only one person each here, this whole problem would still be unsavory... There's really no winning here.

[ He trails off, running each scenario through his mind. His best friend, even his own brother...or five unknown people. His eyes stare down into the clear wine in his cup for a long while. If anyone should die in this scenario, then shouldn't it be...?

He slumps in his chair, planting his cheek against his palm. ]

No matter which answer I choose in that scenario, I wouldn't be able to look my loved one in the eye again afterwards... [ Sigh! ] All right, all right, the good Master Venti wins this round, so Qingxuan will take his penalty shot!

[ Or, since Venti just refilled their cups, it's more like a penalty triple-shot Shi Qingxuan knocks back (and back, and back) when he grabs up his cup.

Aaand it's empty again when he sets it back on the table, eyes a little more watery than when they started, but he's still energetic! ]

All right! I won't go easy on you for the next one, so please choose wisely!

Ehe, sor~ry, you're right, that was a really heavy question. [ he might just be in a mood, and he's a mess, and he's pretty drunk, and... ] There really is no right or wrong answer at all. And when I heard about this problem, I...

Months ago, when the first round of passengers were brought to this ship, Miss Friday held an 'icebreaker' party and encouraged us to talk and answer questions of each other, to be rewarded with star stickers. Someone asked this trolley problem of me and other people so cheerfully, it really took me aback as well! But I think I can understand now, even the way people think of this question, reasoning and deliberating or being troubled over what would be right or wrong... no matter what the answer might be, even if you can't answer, being divided or unsure of yourself might just show your effort to find the right way.

Or something like that. [ maybe? he had no idea if that even makes sense. he's semi-wasted, but he'll join qingxuan in half-downing a glass as well, just to make it a liiittle more fair if possible. ]

I'll go for a dare this time~ not to worry, I can take it after hitting you with such a tough truth!

Mm... Well, it was a question you yourself were asked and intrigued by, and after being asked so happily too, it really would leave an impression...

[ He nods, feeling a little silly now for being so worked up. It was only a hypothetical question, but he really can't think of a way where it would end well. Maybe it does say a lot about a person by how they answer. Another time, he'll need to ask Venti how he'd answer that question himself. Or maybe what he initially asked back when it was everyone's turn to ask questions.

Shi Qingxuan is a bit past tipsy now, but he's still together enough that, when he hears "dare," he thinks: Isn't asking you to do something physical mean you would get hurt...? It's too bad, because there are fun dares to be had when he's a bit more together.

Having settled that with himself, he smacks the table. ]

Not to worry, the fun of this game is having what goes around come back around. Now, I dare you to confess something to me that you haven't told anyone else!

[ It's (unfortunately) not asking him to trade clothes with the most ill-matched person in the room or to perform some dangerous feat of wind magic, but it feels like a fair enough dare after last round! ]

[ oooh, now that’s an interesting dare. he actually has to think about it for a while. all things considered, he’s kind of secretive and he doesn’t particularly share a lot about himself or thoughts, preferring to learn about others instead but hmmm, what could he say.

… ] Maybe… I suppose…

I have a friend who turned into a falcon. And sometimes I think… honestly, I almost kind of envy her, and maybe it’d be a nicer life to be a bird rather than human. [ is that kind of a silly thing to wish?? maybe so, but there are idle moments he honestly thinks he could give up even incognito human life for being a creature of the sky. ]

Buuut that’d mean giving up wine and song, so I don’t suppose I could ever do that!

[ Well. That wasn't scandalous or juicy at all. Maybe Venti is just that kind of pure-hearted person without any such confessions to make—or maybe he's already said them all to clear his conscience.

Either way, Shi Qingxuan pouts, a bit disappointed that it's not something wilder. Who doesn't yearn for simpler life at times? Especially for someone who's loved by the winds, dreaming of life as a bird just seems like a normal sort of daydream.

But, it's still apparently a secret confession he's been told, so he'll hold it close to his chest, too. ]

It's true, if you were a songbird, you wouldn't be able to even finish three sips your cup before rolling over drunk out of your mind. It'd be no good if you couldn't resist.

Why have you kept it a secret, though? Being a bird sounds like fun. I would envy your friend, too.

[ He'll say that much, but more than that, this isn't a game of pry and then pry some more, so he moves on. ]

But, since you gave me your confession, then you can give me a dare, too.

[ it is a bit tame… not that much scandal or juice at all, maybe he could put it up to getting slightly miserably drunk and slightly wanting to just fly away from it all if he could. could there be deeper or darker confessions?? maybe so, and maybe they’ve been said, and maybe some are there still in the back of his mind and he hasn’t even considered them yet. ]

Hmm… it’s not quite a secret, it’s just something that I’ve realized I’ve never told anyone. [ a thoughtful sip of his wine, a little frown as he really tries to think of it more. it’s not as if he’s lived an entirely clean life. there are things he’s regretted, there are a few dark spots of history—but perhaps those haven’t really been secrets either, he could confide in a sparse few people back home or even here. he gives shi qingxuan a speculative look, ] It’s rather fun to be a bird, but I don’t suppose I’d stay as such. I’ve been human for much longer.

[ but the way he says ‘human’ might be a little in question. ]

As for my dare,

I dare you to sing karaoke with me! A duet, I say~! [ maybe his favorite thing to do with people…!! strangers, friends, even enemies if they’d put up with him. the enthusiastic wave of his hand like an offer, if qingxuan might accept. ]

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I'm sorry for HOB's questionable magic system :'''')

it’s all good…!!

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oh my god i forgot about this one

all good! o7

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