[open] invitation of windblume!

[concierto]

Sender: Venti
To: Everyone!
Subject: A rose by any other name is still a rose!

Hello there! It appears that this world is entering its Spring Solstice and with such a season brings new life and new flowers to everything the sun touches! I'd like to share with you a tradition during this time of year from my homeland, the beautiful and free city of Mondstadt. And that is the Windblume festival.

During this time of year, many will offer flowers in tribute to the god of freedom! Yet, what is more important is the tradition of gifting flowers to those you love and hold dear. The choice of flowers can say a lot about a person's feelings! When gifting precious flowers to those you love and adore the carefully picked flower should be one that means something to you and that precious relationship.

While this time of year doesn't necessarily have to mean these gestures are romantic there is another tradition of sending your most adored one a love poem. A perfect time to be confessing your heart's song to the one who holds your heart! Ehe, isn't that lovely?

I, as a travelling bard, have spent many years seeing the Windblume season! And with it, I have written hundreds of poems and know exactly how to weave love's verse. I would like to offer my assistance in helping you find the words to write your own love letter or poem to the one you hold dear or wish to confess to! Do tell me all about the one you hold in your heart and allow me to help you craft the words to express your heart's feelings.

Please, it would be my pleasure!

[Spill the tea on your love lives and in return Venti will help you confess in a love letter! Come on, get spilling! He loves the gossip!]

Comments

Sender: Chongyun

[pureyang]

The Windblume Festival?
I have heard of this festival, though I have never experienced it for myself. From my understanding of it, the Windblume Festival is as important to Mondstadt as Lantern Rite is to Liyue, correct?
Are offering flowers and writing poetry the only tradition that occurs during this time?

[concierto]

That's correct, Chongyun! Although I do have to say I like the sweet air of the Windblume Festival just a little more than the Lantern Rite.

[Any chance to throw playful shade at Morax, okay.]

There is one more tradition of picking a representative to provide the tribute of flowers to the god of freedom. Although I think it would make sense to skip that part here.

[pureyang]

Hmm... I suppose so. Although it feels a little dishonourable to simply leave out an offering to a god, even if their presence isn't here. Perhaps you could still leave an offering as a ceremonial action? I am sure the Anemo archon would appreciate the gesture, even if he is not present to receive it.

So, are you sharing these traditions to inspire others to participate in a kind of Windblume Festival here?

[concierto]

[He has to find this incredibly sweet but he has to laugh to himself at the same time.]

Hmm. I'm sure if anyone left out an offering or two the god of freedom would somehow feel it from far away. The wind is far-stretching that way.

And I wouldn't say I'm sharing it in hopes that people would celebrate! More, it's a reason to share a kind tradition of gifting flowers to the people you adore. I don't think that sort of tradition needs a particular day. Don't you think?

[pureyang]

I think the Anemo Archon would appreciate the gesture. If it is a ceremonial tradition, perhaps I can also offer something. I am not from Mondstadt, but it is always respectful to leave an offering to the gods.

[Offerings were often left to Adepti and to Rex Lapis, why not extend something to Barbatos while he's here?]

Hmm. When you put it that way, it does sound rather pleasant. And I agree, it is nice to offer something nice to those you care for.
You said this tradition is for any you care for?

[concierto]

[He is constantly amused at how sweet this Liyue boy is. Perhaps he was wrong that they're all rockheaded. love you morax]

I'm of the firm belief that from Mondstadt or not offerings to the god of freedom should be for all! What other way than to respect and cherish the thought of freedom and the skies.

And that's quite correct! This is not only for those who you might love in the romantic sense but for your friends and family as well. Are there friends you'd like to give flowers to?

[pureyang]

That is an admirable belief, and even though we are not from the same country, I can understand the sentiment behind it. I may not be a devout follower of the Anemo Archon, but I do believe that deities, be they Archon or Adepti, should be given due respect.

[He knows that Liyue was moving away from the time of Adepti and Rex Lapis, but he grew up in a culture that offered such respects to their deities. He just thinks it's the right thing to do, even if it's not for his direct deity.]

Hmm...

Well, I do have a few people who come to mind. I have my clan, some friends who I haven't seen in a while, my auntie who my family and I did not know was alive until recently...
If I had to choose one person, though, I do have one friend who comes to mind. His name is Xingqiu, and he is a close good friend of mine.

[concierto]

And in return that's very admirable of you, Chongyun.

[What a sweet boy.]

Hm! It seems your life holds many stories! A long-lost aunt? And a close good friend? Do tell me more!

[pureyang]

Well, I suppose it is a remarkable set of circumstances.

My aunt was someone who I originally only heard stories of from the elders of my clan. Her family was a branch family of my clan, one that... well, had tragedy befall it. We had all assumed that there were no survivors, so naturally we were overjoyed to hear that she was alive and well. We have attempted to reconnect with her, even planned for a grand reunion. But it turns out she is difficult to track down. I myself only briefly met her due to her helping to prevent me from being overpowered by an abyss mage and its allies. It's all a little confusing, but I am just happy to know she is alive at all.

As for Xingqiu, well, I have known him for a long time. He is well-read and very knowledgeable, and always willing to extend a helping hand. He always provides me with lots of reliable information. In fact, he is the one I usually go to when it comes to finding leads on evil spirits to exorcise. He always goes out of his way for me and never seems to mind, and he often has something interesting to say. I'm quite glad that I get along with him as well as I do. If it weren't for my pure-yang spirit, I would have already vanquished numerous demons because of him, I'm sure of it.

[concierto]

A lost family member from your branch family. Hmm, I may have heard of a story similar to this. I'm happy that your family found her well!

And it seems you're quite fond for your friend Xingqiu! What a powerful friendship I'm sensing!

So, if you were to gift both you dear aunt and friend flowers which ones come to mind for them?

[pureyang]

You have? There are such similar stories in Mondstadt? I must admit, I am not familiar with the local lore of Mondstadt... but in any case, I am also glad. Now, if only she were easier to track down and speak to...

Ah, yes indeed! Xingqiu is perhaps one of my closest friends. In fact, he had given me a hand-made tassel as a gift once, as a sign of his belief in my becoming a successful exorcist. I was nearly moved to tears by the gesture, and made him one in return after coming home from an expedition. He may have his moments of mischief, but I truly could not ask for a finer friend.

Hmm... well, for my aunt, I am not entirely sure. I do not know much about her, other than the stories from my clan and my brief encounter with her. She did mention roaming the mountains, and the only flowers I know that grow in mountainous climates are qinxin flowers, so perhaps one of those..? As for Xingqiu, the answer is easy. He adores silk flowers, and always has them in his room or admires them when we pass by them growing in Liyue. His family runs the Feiyun Commerce Guild in Liyue, which also use silk flowers extensively in their silk manufacturing and trade. I think that they would be fitting for him.

[concierto]

[✔️ Close good friend.
✔️ Lists several compliments.
✔️ Handmade tassel as a gift.
✔️ Moved to tears.
✔️ Made him one in return.
✔️ Knows his favourite flower.

Excuse Venti as he completely ignores everything Chongyun was saying about his auntie.]

My, it seems you might already be in love.

[pureyang]

[Excuse u Venti that his his Auntie--]

[But Chongyun has to pause, re-reading that one line several times. Wait, what. What??]

Excuse me?

[concierto]

[He wrote what he wrote! Does the boy need to read it again?]

The way you write is like someone recounting all the ways that you love someone. Don't you think?

Are you sure you don't want me to help you write him a poem for him?

[pureyang]

[Excuse him Venti, what??]

[What??]

[There is a noticeable delay in Chongyun's reply, because Chongyun is just... What?!]

I think you are mistaken. Xingqiu is nothing more than a close good friend. One who has stuck by me through many ordeals.

[concierto]

Oh, I'm sure. But that doesn't mean you can't love him. Isn't that right?

[This boy absolutely has love for his close good friend. Be it platonic or not, it's there. Undeniably there.]

[pureyang]

I

[For a moment that's all that appears on the journal, as Chongyun struggles to come up with a suitable reply. It's a good thing that this is all over the journal, because he would be sputtering like a fool in person. Just what is Venti implying here?]

It is true that I care for him, as he is a dear friend of mine. He has done much for me and I am grateful for him sticking by me all these years.
Though on the matters of [And here there is a brief pause, and when he begins writing again his characters are shaky] love, is that not something shared between those in a romantic relationship?

[concierto]

[Venti waits patiently for the thoughts to appear on the page. Sometimes those sorts of things take time and he can tell that Chongyun is thinking it through.]

Why, of course! Love can be romantic!

But love can also be platonic or familial. The love you feel for your friends and your family is just as important as the love you might feel for someone you wish to kiss.

[He picks the word "kiss" carefully. But then he shitposts immediately,]

Although I do find sometimes one does want to kiss a friend.

[pureyang]

[HE'S JUST GOING TO... IGNORE THAT SHITPOST. Or just rationalize it as some sort of cavalier mindset that's common in Mondstadt. Yes, that's it. It's not like Venti's suggesting anything, right?]

Huh... so, talk of this kind can also refer to familiar or platonic love..?
I must admit, your phrasing was rather confusing at first. I cannot say with certainty that I am used to all of Mondstadt's traditions.

[And then, after a beat.]

Then... I suppose I can agree with you on some points, at least on a familial and platonic sense.

[concierto]

[Hmmmhm. Sure, Jan.]

Of course! Love can speak for itself in many ways! Either way, would you like to try writing something for your dear friend?

[pureyang]

Well, perhaps it would be okay to do something... although I cannot say I am well-versed in poetry writing, nor would I be able to match his calibre. He is a published author, after all.

[concierto]

How impressive! Even more reason to treat him to something like your own writing someday. I can guarantee it would pull at the heartstrings of an author.

[pureyang]

Hmm... perhaps I could give it a try, then. I may need some guidance, though. I'm not sure where to start.

[concierto]

Allow me to help you get started! You've already told me a bit about your friend but what are some words that you would use to describe him?

[pureyang]

Hmm.

Well… he is a very honourable person, and strives to follow a code of chivalry like what he reads in his books. He is dedicated and hardworking, and very well-spoken and knowledgeable. He is also a talented writer, even if I do not fully understand all that he writes.

Though… he also has something of a mean streak to him at times. He can be an incorrigible prankster, even if his pranks are harmless. I have fallen for his tricks more times than I should admit…