singer-of-skyward-sonnets - Tumblr blog

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

⌈Let’s sing the night away⌋

Such a joyous season leaves Mondstadt feeling rather cozy, doesn’t it? A small town, a place where everyone knows everyone, and The Angel’s Share is looking to capitalize on that. It’s a karaoke night at the Angel’s Share, and you’re invited. Feel free to attend and help build community bonds through a night of singing and drinking (must be of legal drinking age).

[open]

Venti sat at the counter, nursing a drink as his eyes scanned the room with mild interest.

In the background, there could be heard music, though this time obviously not from yours truly (or any tavern-attending bard for that matter). No, this time – oh, this time – it was loud and slightly chaotic; even the normally secluded second floor wasn’t spared.

What’s the occasion, you ask? Why, Angel’s Share – the very Angel’s Share run by none other than the Diluc Stick-in-the– Ragnvindr – was hosting a night of karaoke! Well, would you believe that.

… Well, Venti had no choice but to believe that, as the… symphony… reverberating in the room could only be born of such an authentic event. Not to say sober – that it was certainly not. The musician could only pity the people living around the tavern. Of course, the Archon would never go as far as to call his people’s manifestation of inner passion awful, or horrendous, or cacophonous. However, the person sitting next to him definitely would, if their expression is anything to go by. 

Venti downed the rest of his drink, and his expression changed to a grin. Perhaps it was time to get up and show them how it’s done.

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

a certain alchemist in mondstadt has regaled kaveh with tales of a traveling bard—a green-clad fellow with a carefree spirit and a fondness for certain beverages. it is only fitting, then, that the gift is wrapped in a deep, emerald-green paper and topped off with a silver bow. resting on it is an envelope of a similar color, waiting to have its contents opened and read.

the package awaits the bard at the tavern he is said to frequent.

Although we've never met, I must admit that I find myself intrigued. Bards are a rarity here in Sumeru; you have a greater chance of spotting a falling star than encountering a strolling troubadour. But I digress. That's not the point of this letter. I imagine you find it liberating to roam about, untethered by anyone or anything. It's a rare and precious gift to be able to flit around the world with unclipped wings. However, it raises an interesting question — what does one gift a free spirit? What's a present that doesn't weigh you down and yet still serves some practical use? I've been thinking and tinkering for a while now. I can only hope that my creation will bring you some satisfaction. I haven't named it yet, so you're free to call it whatever you'd like. It might look like an ordinary pocket watch, but you'll find that it has many uses. Press the top of the clock's frame gently, and it'll pop open. Flip it around, and you'll discover an 8-key kalimba inside. I can't say I know what constitutes an emergency for a bard, but I figure it'd be useful to own an instrument of a smaller variety. Oh, and I've heard you're fond of drinks as well, so I made sure to factor that in. On the back of the pocket watch, you'll see a groove. Again, press down on it, and a metal piece will spring up. Voilà, a handy bottle opener on the go. I hope this gadget proves useful. Safe travels, Venti. May your adventures treat you kindly.

the letter is signed with a grand flourish,

A friend in Sumeru, - Kaveh

“Oh, how… befitting, isn't it? A clock…” he wondered, taking it in hand and looking at it from all sides. It was truly a beautiful creation, surely that of a highly skilled craftsman. It was hard not to appreciate such handiwork. And would you look at that – it fit perfectly with his outfit! What a piece of art.

Ah – he read the attached letter – but that’s not all! According to the sender, there should be a bottle opener (now, that will come in handy!)—

He took it out as instructed, marveling at the ease.

“Hey, mister bartender~” he called out with a lilt, “May I have the honor of opening the next bottle?”

His request was – reluctantly – fulfilled, and he lightly tossed the gadget up a few times with satisfaction.

“Mm, pretty sturdy!”

— as well as a kalimba?

“And if I press here… Woah!”

He looked with fascination at the built-in instrument. 

“Well, I have to try it out, don't I?”

He checked the distribution of the notes, trying them out one by one, then in an improvised melody. He adjusted the tuning where needed, and when he felt ready, he attempted to interpret an already composed tune.

Venti laughed appreciatively at the brief clapping coming from people in his vicinity when he stopped playing. It’s been a while since he’s picked up a lamellophone, but it’s certainly a nice change of pace. 

He downed whatever was left in his mug, paid and quietly excused himself outside. He then dug a hand into a pocket, taking out some emergency dandelion seeds.

“Thank you, Kaveh,” he said, blowing into his cupped hands – sending the feathery seeds flying upward, towards the midland.

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

gladiolus :   describe a moment from your muse’s life that they will never forget .

Oh, heavens! Oh, could you imagine the pain of– of getting stuck in cheese?! EW! Well, Barbatos, unfortunately, doesn't have to imagine. 

The wisp had been floating around Gunnhildr’s house carelessly, basking in the mouth-watering smells coming from the grand table, when suddenly it bumped into one of the people. Stunned, it lost orientation and fell straight onto the dish the person was carrying – a cheesy lasagna. In panic, it wiggled chaotically, unable to break free from the cheesy, sticky, gooey mess. When it finally managed to fly off, it did so with half of the cheese still attached to it – the other half tragically ending up on the floor. At that moment, a boy picked up a piece of freshly-baked bread and proceeded to chase the crazed wisp, in the end managing to detain it against the slice’s surface. Obviously tired out from the whole endeavor, and with the part of cheese that still hung off of it weighing it down, the wisp didn’t have enough energy to lift itself; it had then simply laid down on the bread. That made for a perfect moment for picking it out of the offending goo and letting it rest in a more comfortable place. 

As for the bread with the cheese—

“What was that for, anyway?”

“I mean, this is actually kinda good!”

“You ate it?!”

“I even added tomatoes!”

… Oh, Heavens… Hopefully, you can only imagine – the pain of losing a dear one.

The wisp – Barbatos – knew: this is fate; this is what hath been foretold. He understands the importance of this sacrifice now. But then, back then—

Wisps cannot cry. Wisps don’t have the bodily functions of humans, he knows; perhaps it was just his body imitating that of one. He couldn’t stop it, couldn’t do anything as tremors wrecked his little silhouette, the feathers he carried persistently through snow and storm all the way there long forgotten on the dusty ground.

It’s not that he knew not of loss: his appearance may be misleading, but the fact is he has lived long before that, seen many things. But to lose a friend, a friend, in such an unfair, so unfair way… Nothing he has lived through could have prepared him for that.

Unable to communicate with words humans are able to comprehend, yet all he wanted was to scream – to shout, to yell, to cry – oh, cry, if only he could…

Thus has marked the beginning of his archonhood.

The world around fell silent, but for what’d sound better if spoken in laugh: 

"Fly, fly away, like a bird in the sky.

See the world on my behalf,

To the heavens may you fly..."

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

❥     𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒    [   𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙳 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙿𝚃𝚂    ]   .

headcanon prompts with questions based on plants   &   what they represent in flower language .  happy roleplaying !!  ♡

abatina :   is there anything in life your muse has changed their mind about over time   (   due to becoming more educated on the topic ,   certain experiences  ,   etc .   ) ,    or that they   would   change their mind about under certain circumstances ?  

acanthus :   is your muse deceptive ,   or willing to lie or deceive to achieve certain means ?   why or why not ?   

aloe :   how does your muse handle grief ?

amaryllis :   what is something or someone that your muse takes pride in ?   how do they express that pride ?   

anemone :   how does your muse view the world ;   as a cruel   &   unforgiving place ,   a land full of wonders ,   or something in - between ?  where does that world view come from   (   what experiences ,   life lessons ,   etc .   ) ?  

angelica :   where does your muse draw inspiration in life ?   what motivates them ?

apple blossom :   how does your muse go about expressing or not expressing their sexuality ?  

bachelor’s button :   does your muse actively seek romantic companionship ,   or cherish the liberties of being single ? 

basil :   does your muse have a love - hate relationship with anyone or anything ?

bay tree :   does your muse seek glory   &   accolades ,   or do they favour a simpler ,   more personal life ?  

begonia :   how cautious is your muse ?   are they prone to noticing red flags ,   or paranoid to the point of untrusting most everyone ?   why or why not ?  

belladonna :   how does your muse respond to silence ?   do they take comfort in soundlessness ,   or seek to fill the void with noise ?   

bluebell :   does your muse learn from their past ,   or are they prone to repeating the same mistakes ?  

carnation :   what is your muse’s relationship with their gender ?   how do they express or not express this relationship ?  

chamomile :   what is your muse likely to take away from a painful experience ?   are they one to be haunted by adversity ,   or to use what they’ve gone through to become stronger ?  

chrysanthemum :   how does your muse express romantic love ?  how do they feel about love as a concept ?  

daffodil :   is your muse one to be loyal in relationships ,   or are they likely to quickly move from one bond to another ?

daisy :   did your muse ever feel as though their innocence had been lost ?   what moment in their life could be described as the end of their innocence ?  

edelweiss :   what was the bravest moment in your muse’s life ?  are they known to be courageous from then on ?  

fern :   does your muse believe in magic or cosmic forces ,   or are they more likely to think their life is ultimately a matter of their own control ?  

forget - me - not :   has your muse ever forgotten something that is or was important to them ?   are they afraid of forgetting things like that ?  

gardenia :   is your muse one to confess romantic feelings early on ,   or to conceal them for long periods of time ?  

gladiolus :   describe a moment from your muse’s life that they will never forget .

goldenrod :   does your muse believe in luck or fortune ?  why or why not ?   where do they believe these things come from ?  

heliotrope :   does your muse believe in soulmates ?

hibiscus :   how does your muse view the gentler ,   daintier things in life ?   as things worth preserving   &   caring for ,   or things only bound to wither   &   disappear ?  

holly :   how strong is your muse’s sense of intuition ?  are they aware of it ?   do they ever fear that it is only paranoia ?  

hollyhock :   how strong is your muse’s sense of ambition ?  what’s something they strive for in life ?  

hyacinth :   is your muse athletic ?   does it come naturally to them ,   or have they had to work for their physique and/or skill ?  

hydrangea :   how much does your muse value communication in their relationships with others ?  are they prone to being misunderstood ?

iris :   if your muse could convey one last message to someone they have lost or left behind ,   what would it be ?  

ivy :   what are your muse’s views on marriage ?   do they believe it is something strictly for love ,   or an institution rooted in business   &   social benefits ?   do they desire or have they desired to be married ?

lavender :   how easy is it to gain your muse’s trust ?  once their trust is broken ,   how might one go about mending it ?  

lilac :   what was your muse’s childhood like ?   how has their upbringing affected them as they’ve aged ? 

lily :   how does your muse view their mother ?  

lotus :   has your muse ever felt as though they’ve been reborn ?  have they ever desired the feeling of a fresh start ,   or a better understanding of themself and/or the world around them ?  

magnolia :   describe your muse’s relationship with nature   &   the natural world .  

marigold :   is your muse prone to jealousy ?  how might they handle envious feelings ?  

mint :   does your muse view themself as virtuous   &   moral ?  what do these words mean to them ?

nasturtium :   describe your muse’s relationship with their birthplace ,   or homeland .  

oak :   who would your muse consider the strongest person they know ?  

pansy :   does your muse often reflect on their own actions ?   do they ever think a lot about the past ,   and what they could have done differently ?

parsley :   describe a holiday your muse enjoys ,   and why they enjoy it .

peony :   what would a   ‘  happy life  ’   look like in your muse’s eyes ?

poppy :   what comforts your muse ?

rhododendron :   is your muse receptive to warnings   &   advice given by others ?

rose :   how much does your muse value other people ?   do they wish to have many friends ,   lovers ,   and/or associates ?   are they an easy person to love ?

sage :   what is your muse’s legacy ?   what do they want to be remembered for   &   what might they actually be remembered for ?  

salvia :   is your muse possessive over people or things that matter a lot to them ?  how do they express that possessiveness ,   or lack thereof ? 

snapdragon :   is your muse merciful ?  why or why not ?

southernwood :   how seriously does your muse take themself ?   do they prefer a solemn   &   intellectual atmosphere or do they delight in jokes   &   banter ?  

sunflower :   what brings your muse the most joy in life ?  

tulip :   how does your muse view people in general ?  

violet :   how does your muse respond to betrayal ?

willow :   how does your muse handle sadness   &   depression ?

zinnia :   how has the loss of fallen comrades and/or loved ones affected your muse ?   has it taught them anything or given them any new perspectives ?

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

「Honey Moon」

There is someone in Venti’s life.

In truth, he has been there for a while. Ever since Morax saved him, his figure has always been somewhere hiding in the background: never front, never loud, standing somewhat awkwardly, somewhat shy. Ah, but for Venti——

For Venti, there could not be a more glowing, eye-catching, heart-stunning persona. Oh, how he would love to waltz up, take the other’s hands, take him for a dance — Spin him round, dip him low, look into his sharp, cat-slit honey eyes — sticky and gooey, and Venti would love getting stuck — look at the reflections of stars in the gloss, pen a poem — a sonnet, an ode — for his Sun, his Moon — his Muse—

Right now, they’re sitting on top of a tree, rice wine in hand — together, in Moonlit silence broken only by the delicate clink of the cups raised in toast. To what?— Who knows what He would say. But Venti would always answer the same: to the night, the moment, the Moon. Looking to the left, his hands suddenly too empty — he fills them with his flute, and plays: for the times gone by, the moment, the hope for forth days.

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

“Oh? Right, measure…” Venti looked at the ingredients he just haphazardly put into the bowl. “We can figure out the consistency along the way, no? More dough just means more delicious desserts!” He smiled and threw another ingredient inside before beginning to mix everything with his hands. 

Looking at him like this, he seemed to be radiating happiness all over, getting messy almost like a little kid with home-made plasticine.

Oh, you can’t get angry at him like this, can you?

As of now, everything appeared to be going well – at least, as well as it could with Venti doing the baking. (Honestly, doesn’t this just feel like babysitting? Ah, what a big baby it is…) He was adding some more of the dry or wet ingredients whenever it was needed, his – even though rolled up – sleeves barely avoiding becoming a host to the unforgettable guest that would be the dough.

“Ah, something still feels off…”

Suddenly, the forgotten butter moved towards the bowl. Wait, but– who moved it?

“Oh, right! Butter! Thanks!” Venti didn’t seem to be phased much by the strange occurrence.

“Alright, I think we can start taking care of the apples now,” he grinned.

「Should you fall asleep before I say goodbye」

[@lightcffireflies ]

“An old tradition in the city of winds has become quite the fun festivity for newer generations. It was once said that during these spooky months of the year, dead relatives would come to visit their families as an act of love and respect, but ghosts happen to be a little clumsy. As such, the people of Mondstadt would hide their knives, and prepare little cakes for their loved ones to eat before lighting a large bonfire outside of town to guide them back to the world of the dead. While ghosts are clearly not real, the tradition of taking the silverware out of the house, preparing a large feast, and lighting a bonfire as part of an Autumn festival still remains. Of course, there’s a lot of work to do, so hustle and help the citizens of Mondstadt out!”

In Mondstadt, there is constantly something going on; be it a discount on some exquisite wine, a battle of the bards, or – another joyful event. See, even after Weinlesefest, when the colder winds start to blow, it’s still not the end of festivities for the year.

During late autumn and winter, when living conditions used to worsen much, Mondstadtians had been doing what they could not to lose heart after the passing of a loved one. They believed that they came to visit them in their afterlife, giving subtle signs of their presence here and there. And so, another tradition was born: as the ghosts were thought to be friendly, people didn’t want to let them come to harm either, hiding anything that could be a potential danger. (What do you mean ghosts can pass through things? What if they’re a little silly and forget about that? We have to be prepared for every possibility.) They would also prepare a delicious feast for them, so they feel (ful)filled as they eventually leave the world of the living.

Well, people of that time hadn’t really considered that those ‘signs’ from the dead could have been simply a trick of some playful wind current messing around with the not properly fastened door, but… 

Venti proceeded to put on a frilly, not-quite-just-white-at-this-point apron, preparing to help with the baking at Good Hunter. 

“Behind every piece of tradition, there is some kind of story, and every story contains some bit of truth, don’t you think?”

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

「Should you fall asleep before I say goodbye」

[@lightcffireflies ]

“An old tradition in the city of winds has become quite the fun festivity for newer generations. It was once said that during these spooky months of the year, dead relatives would come to visit their families as an act of love and respect, but ghosts happen to be a little clumsy. As such, the people of Mondstadt would hide their knives, and prepare little cakes for their loved ones to eat before lighting a large bonfire outside of town to guide them back to the world of the dead. While ghosts are clearly not real, the tradition of taking the silverware out of the house, preparing a large feast, and lighting a bonfire as part of an Autumn festival still remains. Of course, there’s a lot of work to do, so hustle and help the citizens of Mondstadt out!”

In Mondstadt, there is constantly something going on; be it a discount on some exquisite wine, a battle of the bards, or – another joyful event. See, even after Weinlesefest, when the colder winds start to blow, it’s still not the end of festivities for the year.

During late autumn and winter, when living conditions used to worsen much, Mondstadtians had been doing what they could not to lose heart after the passing of a loved one. They believed that they came to visit them in their afterlife, giving subtle signs of their presence here and there. And so, another tradition was born: as the ghosts were thought to be friendly, people didn’t want to let them come to harm either, hiding anything that could be a potential danger. (What do you mean ghosts can pass through things? What if they’re a little silly and forget about that? We have to be prepared for every possibility.) They would also prepare a delicious feast for them, so they feel (ful)filled as they eventually leave the world of the living.

Well, people of that time hadn’t really considered that those ‘signs’ from the dead could have been simply a trick of some playful wind current messing around with the not properly fastened door, but… 

Venti proceeded to put on a frilly, not-quite-just-white-at-this-point apron, preparing to help with the baking at Good Hunter. 

“Behind every piece of tradition, there is some kind of story, and every story contains some bit of truth, don’t you think?”

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

「Venti the… adventurer?」

“Oh boy.” After paying, the bard looked inside his purse with disappointment before closing it. “I might need to slow down a little with drinking this month… It would do no good to go completely broke.” He looked up to the sky in thought. “Well, when push comes to shove, I could always go freeload off of Zhongli for a while… –hm?”

He stopped in his tracks, feeling something other than stone under his shoe. He looked downwards, noticing a sheet of paper he happened to accidentally step on. 

“A commission from the Adventurer’s Guild?” He lifted it to inspect it further. “‘I need three apples to bake an apple pie. Payment: 2,775 mora’ – Almost twice a good drink’s worth, just for picking three apples?! Didn’t think people would actually put up such commissions…” he mumbled, leaning against the nearest wall.

“It really does seem to be this easy… Ah, nothing to lose, am I right?”

“And your age?”

“Thirty,” he said confidently, crossing his arms.

All of a sudden there was a commotion beside them. He turned his head in the direction of the sound– to see pieces of a pot lying on the ground, a calico cat standing in its previous place on the stone wall above. Its face projected a clear example of the look you’d normally give someone who was talking total… bullpoop, is how Diona would probably put it.

Venti sniffled.

He looked at his reflection in the nearest window. Well, he couldn’t exactly blame it, could he? 

It would be nice to not be treated like a kid, and in theory he did have the power to change that, however…

“Sir Venti? Forgive me, but are you sure this information is accurate?”

Ah, whatever. That oh-so passionate bard’s memory could not be thus easily forgotten. And what if people underestimate him? … It makes it all the more fun to mess around with them.

“Haha, sorry! I’m joking, clearly. Write down twenty.”

The puppet still looked skeptical, but this time noted it without further questions.

“So, when can I start? I’m quite eager, you see.”

[singer-of-skyward-sonnets]

Seeds of stories, brought by the wind and cultivated by time

An affiliated, closed roleplay blog for Venti from Genshin Impact