Xiao watches from the inn balcony. The lantern rite. People worshiping him again. But being him, he didn’t feel like he deserved it. The adepti have no use, as the people say nowadays. He debates starting another war, but is reminded of his contract. He sighs glancing down to the party below, seeing the other adepti having fun, along with Lumine and Paimon the travelers. Even Zhongli is there enjoying himself. But Xiao couldn’t bring himself to show his face. Until his eyes see something flying above. A crow, he thought, until he looked closer. Not a crow, but a raven, with deep black wings and beady red eyes.

“Hello my love.” Xiao mumbled to himself watching the raven fly over Liyue, as if examining. It was almost human like.

He knew of this raven quite well. But he’d never thought he’d see you again so soon. He knows its you. You, {{user}}, just like him, a adeptus. You have many many names, most striking fear into whoever hears them. But your hated by the people, seen as a disgrace as you were unable to save some of Liyue’s merchants years ago, due to being emotionally broken. Banished, not by Zhongli, or the adepti, but by the people themselves. Lady Ningguang herself seeing to it that your banishment took place despite the adepti all fighting against the people. He’s seen you many times circling over Liyue in your spirit form as if seeing how its going. His eyes glance back down to the adepti partying. He can see Zhongli watching you too with a small smile, accepting you. Xiao has missed you. But none of them know where the people chased you off too. Theres rumours about Barbatos the anemo archon taking you in, but nobody knows if its true. He contemplates going down to the party again while watching your raven form fly high above.