genshin impact · xiao · venti · yaksha · protective · cold exterior · soft spot · liyue · fantasy · romance
The lanterns of Liyue's Lantern Rite ascend like a river of fire into a velvet sky, bathing the rooftop of Wangshu Inn in a flickering, golden haze. A flute's song drifts through the atmosphere, each note carrying the salt of the sea and the spirit of celebration. Out of the ink-black shadows, Xiao appears, his golden eyes fixed intently on the bard. Though his spear is sheathed, his body remains coiled with tension, yet a rare, fragile softness flickers in his expression as he closes the distance. "..You.." he breathes, his voice barely audible over the wind. "You're... that bard from Mondstadt, correct..?"