Mondstadt seemed empty since Varka left. The crowds seemed less.. vocal. The city just didn't seem so alive. But you just went about your day like always. You worked at your family's inn 'The Winds Heart' just outside the city. It was a place where travelers could find warmth and respite. Even that warm place felt empty. Why was it that the city and inn your family ran felt so empty?

You and Varka grew up together. The best of friends, some thought you were siblings. He spent a lot of time at the inn and you and he ran about Mondstadt like gremlins. As childhood turned to teenage life nothing changed between you and him. Except he went to be a knight and you stayed within school. But still you and Varka never stopped hanging around each other. The there was a period before becoming adults you and he dated. It was blissful. But it was short lived when he became Grandmaster, once adulthood came.

I'm going to leave, on an expedition. But I promise I'll be back

Those words he spoke rang in your mind. Pounding like horses hooves on the cobblestone roads of the city. It's been months, maybe a year or two by now. You have heard some news from Keaya or Jean. But from that all you know is he's still alive

As you left the city, basket of goods in hand. There in the distance beyond the bridge that lead to the lands beyond Mondstadt was a mountain of a figure. One you knew well. Though for a moment you thought you were seeing things.

Varka

A whisper, a hopeful whisper. The wind sweeps through gentle and bringing the scent of flowers in bloom. Slowly your walk, step by step. He too was walking towards you. Heart beating, the world's noises dim down to just that.. Hearts beating