It's a Genshin Christmas

[startraveler]

Who: Genshin cast!
Which: Log
Where: Aether's (and Childe's) house
What: Genshin cast meets up for dinner and a small party, chaos ensues
Warnings: alcohol, will add more if anything happens!

[The temperature dropped, snow started to fall and it seems like Reverein is preparing for some kind of holiday. Aether observes all of that with fascination and decides that this is a perfect moment to gather everyone for a dinner together. Surely, a meeting at such a time will help them all get along!

...Hopefully.

Every person from Teyvat will get an invitation as Aether gets to work, and when the day comes around, all invited will be welcomed by the traveler and lead inside to the living room.

All kinds of dishes can be found on the table and everyone should be able to find something they like. Apart from various specialities from Mondstadt, Liyue and Inazuma, there are also Snezhnayan dishes, all thanks to a certain Harbinger who helped Aether prepare this feast. You can also find various drinks and teas to warm you up (likely a contribution from Diluc and Zhongli), though Aether did not foresee that a certain bard may be trying to add something to those drinks. Be careful not to get drunk!

Apart from food, you can warm up by the fireplace and there are also blankets stacked on the couch in case someone felt particularly cold today.

In the corner of the room there are many small boxes with bows, each one having a name tag. Apparently, this is a gift-giving season so the traveler felt the need to include that in his plans. The gifts are really not too much, many will find cookies and a colourful holiday card inside, but it's the thought that counts!

Sadly, not everything is planned. Aether could not expect that his house will be so inviting for Gumdrops. The small creature will float around, urging you to hug or kiss... or fight! Aether definitely does not like that last kind.]

Comments

Aether and trying to keep things peaceful

[startraveler]

1. It begins
[Even though this is supposed to be a moment to relax for everyone, Aether can be found being pretty busy. He always checks on food and takes away empty dishes or brings back more food or drinks. He can be also found giving out the small gifts that he has prepared earlier or checking on everyone.

At some point though, you may find him a little troubled as he's captured by one of the gumdrops that really wants him to hug the other person. Aether narrows his eyes at the creature, before sighing.]

If that's okay with you...?

[At least it's harmless, as long as it's just hugs.]

2. Fighting off the fighting
[But there are those gumdrops that are absolutely not harmless and keep on stirring conflicts. Aether's house has its rules and one of them is "no fighting in this house"! The traveler is thus very determined to get rid of every single gumdrop that dares to make people combat one another. In fact, one of them is sitting right above him on a wall, in a place that Aether can't reach. He's not having fun.

Getting a chair gives the little thing time to relocate and the traveler again needs to look for it. Moreover, he needs to be careful and not get stuck with someone underneath it. The last thing he wants today is a fight!]

3. Drunken hugs
[After making sure the evil fight inducing gumdrop is out of the house, Aether can finally rest and he so happens to take one of the drinks that is much stronger than he ever imagined.

...He gets drunk. His mood also becomes much better. Smiling bright and sunny, the traveler quickly approaches someone and without any prompting gives them a big hug. Or attempts to do so. Everything is spinning a little and Aether can barely stand straight, much less walk without swaying.

But at least he looks happy?]

4. Wildcard
[Let me know if you'd like something specific with Aether or just make up stuff! :D]

1

[gentryofhermitage]

[Aether was right about Zhongli helping to supply fresh teas and a few bottles of refreshments for the party, which he sets alongside some extra foodstuffs he thought would be appropriate for the party. After things are in full swing, Zhongli will see the familiar blonde darting to and fro to keep things in order. He'll wave down Aether with a smile.]

I hope you are taking some time to enjoy things as well.

[Though he pauses when he sees the little creature on Aether's shoulder.]

Oh? And what is this strange little being?

3

[whirlwindthrust]

[ A gathering is definitely not his idea of a good time. Rather, there are just too many people in one area for Xiao to ever fully feel comfortable or the like. That's not really unusual for him though. Maybe Aether doesn't expect him to come. Maybe he does or, just simply, hopes that Xiao will.

And, really, being there is putting him a little on edge. Yes, there are plenty of other individuals there are well. Ones that Xiao knows and trusts. That doesn't really make it all the easier for him.

But he's not so distracted by it all that he won't catch Aether in his arms when the other seems to be swaying and about ready to tip over. ]

...?

2

[rotacalamitas]

[Aether really shouldn't have taken his eyes off of that gumdrop. It's chosen a new target to harass, its sights set on Bennett.]

Ah, h-hey! Cut it out, leave me alone already!

[Bennett's covering his face with his arms while the gumdrop flitters and slaps around his head, buzzing at him like a particularly annoying Cicin.]

it's time

[monoceroscaeli]

[The party has been really fun so far. Everyone from home showed up, even Xiao of all people, whom he hadn't even known was in Reverein until tonight! Ori too, he hadn't expected her, and that was a nice surprise. He's really enjoyed himself, and he's feeling pretty good from the vodka he's been drinking.

So now, he's seeking out Aether, curious to know how his night has been so far. He's seen him through the night of course, chatting it up with others and looking like he's had far too much to drink, which amused Childe to no end. Finally, after a few minutes of searching, he finds Aether in the living room, lifting his glass of alcohol up in greeting.]

And here I thought I'd never get a moment to talk with you tonight, haha. Seems you've been the life of the party.

[Aether's been a very popular figure during the party tonight, but it doesn't bother him in the slightest. It's not like he hasn't been spending a lot of time over here in the recent month or so.]

Venti | Genshin Impact

[concierto]

[a. ❄️ tis the season]

[There isn't anything called Christmas in Mondstadt but with all the hustle and bustle around Reverein it's hard not to get into the festive spirit. Learning about new festivals is one of Venti's most favourite things to learn about. So, as soon as Aether had proposed a party with everyone from their side of the starry sky Venti was the least likely to refuse.

He can be found dressing quite festive for the party as well. Dressed in bright fuzzy reds with a matching cute festive red hat. He comes with a small collection of gifts for the others as well although Venti's main gift to the party seems to be something a little more... to his tastes.

When someone isn't looking (or they are looking) Venti will happily bring out the bottle of bubbly champagne he got from some undisclosed place so he can share it with the others. Or he can be found around the drink table adding his charm of apple cider to the selection. Or adding something a little harder for all those hot drinks...]

Why, hello! It's quite the night for a party, isn't it? On a chilly night like tonight? Being together chases the cold away entirely! Ehe!

[Or his face is just warm from the drinking. That's what's keeping him warm.]

[b. ❄️ to be jolly]

[When you least expect it Venti might come up to you and drop a small baby dragon right into your arms. Hope you're good with children! It will wiggle and snap at any wayward fingers but is mostly a cooing ball of scaly cuteness all for the cuddling. Just be careful of the fire breathing.]

Here you are! Won't you hold him for a moment?

[Venti might be a little busy trying to grab two glasses of apple cider...]

[c. ❄️ fa la la la la la la la la]

[When Venti is not busy drinking or chatting the night away Venti might be found singing a song or two for the party. Tucked in the corner of the room with his trusty worn and old wooden lyre Venti plucks away gently at the strings as he sings...

But be careful it seems that Venti's singing is attracting a certain little creature to listen. How did it get in here? Who knows. But if you get close enough to it you might just be urged to give a kiss or a hug to a friend!]

[d. ❄️ wildcard]

[got something else? feel free to put it here!]

b.

[startraveler]

[Before Aether knows it, he suddenly has a baby dragon in his arms.]

Venti?!

[He did not sign up for this!! Plus, last time he had something to do with dragons here, he got kidnapped and then almost fell to death.

In any case, Aether tries to be very careful with this baby.]

...Is keeping a dragon really a good idea, anyway?

B

[gentryofhermitage]

[See, Zhongli was just minding his own business here, enjoying some of the refreshments that were here to be offered. When all of a sudden he lets out a breathless "oomf!" as something was dropped into his arms.]

[And when he looks to see what it is... he's surprised to see the infant dragon in hand, and a certain bard sauntering away. He frowns.]

...Venti. [He had to remind himself that he can't just call him Barbatos here.] Isn't it your duty as a parent to care for your child?

C!

[monoceroscaeli]

[The melody of a song he doesn't recognize floats over the dull noise of people talking and having a good time at the party. But his curiosity leads him to the corner of the room where Venti is. Looks like someone else has gotten the privilege of watching Zmei for now, though he's sure the dragon isn't causing too much problems for anyone. He's too young, for now.

Childe quickly finds the source of the music, stopping to listen to Venti sing for a moment until it ends. He claps for the bard, pleased with what he heard. Guess all of Venti's boasting of being the greatest bard lives up to the skills.]

That was a beautiful melody, though I can't say I've heard it before. Something from Mondstadt, perhaps?

C

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc sits next to Venti and just listens, his expression uncharacteristically relaxed and unguarded. He seems wistful and perhaps a bit homesick.

He's also clearly drunk.]

It almost feels like I could close my eyes and we'd be back in a tavern in Mondstadt. The lively atmosphere... a bard picking tunes on a lyre...

C

[whirlwindthrust]

[ As if Xiao is going to pass up the opportunity to lurk nearby while Venti sings. In fact, he's practically drawn to the other the moment that the sound of the lyre and the tun reaches Xiao's ears.

But he's... Not going to disturb anything. Rather he's just going to lean against a wall, out of the way, and listen. ]

A

[rotacalamitas]

Hi, Venti!

[Bennett's all smiles seeing Venti here at the party. a bard is just what's needed to really make the party come to life, after all.]

You sure look festive today! You look like somebody that would appear in an old Mondstadt story!

[monoceroscaeli]

A. Yes, A Harbinger Cooked Your Food

[Well, he didn't cook all of the food, but he cooked a bit of it! Childe's dressed casually for this party, a change from the regular military uniform he generally sports. There's a few last dishes that need to come out of the kitchen, and he's carrying them out to set them on the table for people to help themselves to.

He's also happily explaining what dishes are what to those who haven't gotten to try food that's from outside of their nation. He even had a hand in some of the non-Snezhnayan food! Aether's been teaching him some recipes.]

So? What do you think? I've only cooked that dish a few times now, but I think it turned out quite well.

B. Come Meet His "Kid"

Now Zmei, be nice and say hello.

[There's a baby dragon in his arms, one that's happily munching on some fish that he's given him. Childe only looks up at you and smiles from the seat on the couch that he's taking up currently, you know, like this whole image isn't that big of a deal.]

If you'd like, you can feed him a piece of fish. I'd be a little careful however, seems his bite is getting stronger and stronger every day, haha.

C. This Is Why Aether Doesn't Have Peace

[It's because Childe's managed to get a hold of one of those fighting Gumdrops that have snuck into the house. It's not really a party unless he stirs up some trouble, right? Besides, it'll be fine if they fight outside. They'll need the extra room anyway.

He lets it out to float around when Aether isn't looking, and it looks like you're the unlucky contestant in Childe's roulette of who gets to fight him next, as the Gumdrop starts reciting its little clues of smash! and destroy!]

Oh ho, guess you'll be the one to have to fight me.

[Is the voice you hear behind you.]

D. It's Not Fire-Water, But It'll Do

[Anyway, with all the fighting and food done, he's been partaking of the drinks, noticing that he's not drunk per se, but he's definitely got a good buzz going on that's a little stronger than what he was aiming for. But he's feeling good and feeling loose and now's a good time to just have a nice conversation with him, though who knows what'll happen or what he'll do once you start talking.

Hit him up wherever, he's just drinking and having a good time.]

Closed to Aether

[It's earlier in the day, and Childe and Aether are both in the kitchen working on all the dishes they plan to serve to all their friends later. Nothing at the moment requires them to pay direct attention to it, letting the food cook while the Harbinger rests for a second. He sits in a chair, gazing over the entire kitchen as he speaks.]

This reminds me of dinners when all of my siblings would be home for a celebration or a holiday. I don't think I've made this much food in a long time.

[He glances over at what Aether is attending to, excited to try whatever that's going to end up being. A dish from Inazuma, perhaps?]

It's cooking time

[startraveler]

[Aether is happy to have an assistance with cooking. He doesn't think he would be able to make all those dishes if it wasn't for Childe, so when the Harbinger says that it reminds him of home, Aether can't help but glance at him with a small smile.]

Did your siblings help you with cooking?

[Do you miss them? That question crosses Aether's mind, but he doesn't feel it's right to ask it. Childe loves his family, so there's no way he doesn't miss his siblings. Aether knows he misses his own sister dearly, especially in moments like these, where he can share time with others for celebration.

As they talk, the traveler stirs some miso paste into the broth for miso soup. This dish is definitely going to help warm up in the cold weather that settled in, but it's also nostalgic, in a way. Thoma used to cook it often and Aether doesn't think he can ever make a soup as cook as Thoma ever did.]

A

[whirlwindthrust]

[ There are several things going on here. 1) Xiao isn't really big on cooked meals. They are far too complicated for only a few minutes of satisfaction that one gets from eating. 2) This is a crowd of people. There are perhaps only 3 that Xiao actually feels at ease around. The rest are practically unknown factors to him. 3) Even if he was okay with #1, he doesn't like eating in front of people. SO! That leads to 4) Because of #1-#3, Xiao hasn't eaten anything.

But he is just standing there, off to the side. Watching others enjoy and converse and munch. And he's not sure that it would be wise for the Fatui to approach him but will wonders never cease. ]

I am not interested.

Zhongli | OTA

[gentryofhermitage]

A - General gathering
[Of course the moment Zhongli heard that Aether was hosting a gathering, he did his best to help. He spent a whole three days beforehand gathering various teas, drinks, and other foodstuffs for the partygoers to enjoy, and he himself is soon sipping a warm mug of spiced apple tea, which is quite pleasant on a cool night such as this. He can be found all over, either enjoying some of the foods prepared, standing near the fireplace for warmth, or generally milling about the house. If desired, he will greet those who come to approach him.]

Ah, hello there. I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening. Aether did a fine job setting up this gathering, hadn't he?

B - Special drinks
[Unfortunately, as the night wears on, Zhongli isn't as attentive to the details of the food, having already familiarized himself with them. And as time goes by, he drinks that flavourful cider and other warm beverages in order to keep warm and stave off the cold. It's a bit of a slow creep that he doesn't prepare, but soon enough, He finds himself pleasantly warmed... and pleasantly buzzed.]

[Those who notice him will find that he's smiling a lot more, and his cheeks look a little pink. And what's more, Zhongli will be laughing a little louder, and talking a little louder, and pulling people into conversations whether they want to or not.]

You there! Are you enjoying yourself? This festival is wonderful, isn't it? I have not attended such a gathering as this before, but I do believe such a festival could be adopted in Teyvat. Winter is just as pleasant a season as the others, and as such a festive occasion celebrating winter's wonder should be praised. After all, being able to gather like this is a blessing on its own...

[It might take someone a bit of time to realize that Zhongli isn't going to stop talking anytime soon. What do??]

C - Maintaining order(?)
[Unfortunately, as the night goes on, a few people become afflicted by the various Gumdrops around, including those who wish to fight. Zhongli, still a little less than sober from his earlier drinking, will see those who are trying to fight and decide that he should do something to keep the peace. This is a festive gathering, after all!]

Now there, is fighting necessary? The rules of this house are no fighting. Stop this at once! I will have order!

[And though he may not be raining down meteors, he might accidentally erect a Geo pillar in between two people who are about to fight. Or misfire and erect one beside someone minding their own business. Whoops...]

Wildcard
[Got something you’d like to try out? Feel free to write up a starter, or PM me here or at pocketnoivern to plot something!]

C LOOOL

[monoceroscaeli]

Hey-!

[Look, of course it was the Harbinger that wast trying to start a fight. The geo pillar goes up between himself and the other poor castmate, and he folds his arms over his chest at the former geo archon.]

We were just going to have a friendly spar, what's so wrong about that?

christmas with albedo (not featuring dragonspine)

[creationary]

[ Maybe it's just his proclivity for this kind of weather, but Albedo enjoys the winter season most of all. It's about the only time he really feels like socializing simply for socializing's sake, rather than holing up in his workshop. This party is no exception, even if he doesn't know some of the people in attendance. They're all friends of Aether, and so they're friends to him, as well.

He also shows up wearing this. Where did he get it? Who can say.

Albedo can generally be found mingling about and trying various food and drink. He will introduce himself to those he hasn't met before for some polite conversation, but he'll be up to a few other things as well:

a. [ Ah, well. It seems that one of the Gumdrops has taken to following him around the house. It is white or pink in color, and flits playfully around his head, nudging him towards other people who may or may not have the same kind of Gumdrop bothering them. ]

Alright, alright...but what is it you would have me do? Surely I'm already being social enough.

[ HE'S TALKED TO SO MANY PEOPLE TONIGHT. Chuckling, he waves a hand at the Gumdrop, as it dances through his fingers. That, ostensibly, is not good enough for this creature. It wants to see more. ]

b. [ Even before words starts to spread that there might be alcohol in the drinks, Albedo had thought something like this might happen. As he makes the rounds greeting other at the party, he presses a small vial into their hands, something he's been working on in his spare time. He figures this wouldn't be a bad time for a trial run. ]

Please, take this. It's a potion to alleviate the effects of hangovers, in the event that it's...

[ SIDELONG GLANCE AT VENTI, PROBABLY ]

...needed.

[ But surely it won't come to that, right...? ]

c. [ It comes to that.

Maybe Albedo should have played the role of the Designated Alchemist, but he's too deep in his cups before he even realizes he's drunk. He's gotten tipsy a few times recently (thanks Kaeya), but now he's feeling pleasantly warm and amiable, smiling far more easily than he typically does. ]

Would you like your portrait drawn? I'm in the mood for some simple sketches.

[ Oh no. ]

a

[startraveler]

[Aether sees Albedo and approaches him without a second thought, wanting to ask how he likes the party. It's been a while actually, since the last time they've spoken, so the traveler wonders how his friend is doing in general in this strange dream world.

Upon getting closer though, Aether finally notices the small creature that seems to have taken liking to the alchemist.]

So it got you, too...?

[Aether... had an encounter with one of these earlier. He tries very hard not to blush at the memory. Does this one also chants to Albedo over and over about hugs? The traveler peers at it both curious and suspicious.]

b

[whirlwindthrust]

[ His own eyes trail towards Venti the moment that the vial is presented to Xiao. The bard is already having quite the bit of fun. It makes the Yaksha wonder just how many bottles of cider Venti has actually been through. ]

It is my belief that is inevitable.

C

[rotacalamitas]

You... wanna draw me?

[He's feeling flattered. A portrait just of him...]

Gosh, Albedo... I've never had anybody offer to draw me before.

[What's the worst that could happen?]

b

[concierto]

[A sidelong glance right at his very holy and innocent face?! Venti watches Albedo give away yet another little vial of alchemic something or other and he has to tilt his head in question. Looking very sweetly innocent at any wrong doing.

When the alchemist is free he'll make his way over and smile at the other.]

Hello again, Chief Alchemist! It seems you're as busy as ever! Even on a holiday like this?

[Take a break... Have some egg nog???]

Oh! And with... Ah. Quite the taste in sweaters.

[Ew... cats.]

Diluc

[disdelusioned]

A. Inebriation Level: Sober

[Diluc arrives punctually with a bottle of wine as a gift to the host. He then makes his way through the party, helping himself to comfortable favorites and settling in.

He keeps a sharp eye on the gumdrops that hang around the outskirts of the group. He remembers last year, and doesn't trust them one bit.]

Are you aware of what these gumdrop creatures can do?

[It pays to help the rest of them be informed. After all, Diluc's the only person present who had to deal with them first hand last year.]


B. Inebriation Level: Drunk and Trying to Hide It

[It's not until the room starts spinning that Diluc realizes what's happened. Something he's had was spiked with alcohol, and somehow he didn't notice until the beverage was finished and the damage done. Part of him is impressed; it's no small feat to disguise the taste of booze in a beverage so well that it's easy for him to miss.

The rest of him, however, is just annoyed. And all of him is feeling quite drunk.

No one save one man present knows how much of a lightweight Diluc is with alcohol. And Diluc is determined to keep it that way, going to great pains to seem sober at all costs. But if you pay attention, it's easy enough to see through. His eyes are glassy, his speech is just a little too deliberate, his movements somehow both careful and clumsy at the same time.

To say nothing of the fact that the act of pretending to be sober is doing a number on his focus. He blinks at whoever's nearby, realizing that he has no idea what's just been said.]

I'm sorry... could you say that again?


C. Inebriation Level: Too Drunk to Care Anymore

[He may or may not have had more spiked drinks since the first. He can't tell the difference--stupid dreamotion, probably--and has given up on trying.

As the party goes on, Diluc can eventually be found stretched out on a couch, fighting the urge to nod off. Or, depending on how late it's gotten, he may have already lost the fight.]

c but mostly a wildcard

[hearthwarming]

[ Busy as she's been between sword training with Beatrix, helping enchant items with Somnus, both in addition to her usual flurry of errands for the townsfolk of Reverein and other such engagements, Ori is sorry that she couldn't attend this dinner gathering with Diluc in earnest... But at the same time, she's grateful that he has the chance to spend some time with other people - and especially other people of Teyvat. Especially now that Kaeya is here.

She knows how much he cares for his homeland, after all.

While she knows he'll certainly come to regret this when he wakes up with quite the hangover in the morning (or afternoon), she's still glad he came here. And proud of him for it, too, knowing that such gatherings aren't really his style.

There is a very gentle and familiar touch on his head long after he's lost the aforementioned fight, very late into the night when things have quieted down. Should he wake and turn his head, Diluc would find Oriphi kneeling next to the couch with a look that spells bemusement across her features. Should he not wake and turn his head, she will regardless say with a crooning voice, ]

Diluc...? How are you doing?

miss oriphi not actually a genshin impact

[hearthwarming]

[ At some point well into the night, as the evening's festivities have begun to quiet down, there's a very quiet rapping at the door as Oriphi arrives... She is here to pick up her one (1) drunken Diluc Ragnvindr. Was she informed of his state, somehow? Or did she perhaps come knowing that he might be unable to get himself home?

Only the wind knows...

She gives a very polite bow when she's allowed inside, especially since she's not quite friends with everyone here, and holds out a bowl of freshly cut fruits. You know, to help stave off the impending hangovers, you filthy animals. ]

Hello, I'm here to...

[ Maybe she spots Kaeya and/or Childe out of the corner of her eye. ]

Um... Drop these fruits off.

honorary genshin impact then

[startraveler]

[She's going to be welcomed by Aether, who quickly makes his way towards her... stumbling upon all the furniture and walls as he... walks. He's drunk, that much is awfully obvious, but there's a bright, sunny smile on his face.]

Ori...!

[He waves to her, then he has to support himself against the closest wall, unable to keep himself standing.]

Ah, sorry... I'm not sure how to stop the house from spinning.

[HE'S VERY DRUNK.]

[whatsthehurry]

1. inebriation is the spirit of the season;

[ kaeya has absolutely no idea what this holiday is, or how it's celebrated, but he is a fan of parties and drinking, so he'll absolutely show his face here! and he will absolutely enjoy the spiked drinks. in fact, he seems to have a nose for picking out each and every drink that has been, ahem, altered. this eggnog is the best.

he's got quite the constitution, however, so it takes many, many drinks before he's nice and drunk, so feel free to find him in varying states of inebriation.

nursing some sort of fruity looking red drink, kaeya flings himself down in front of the fireplace, lounging as bonelessly as a cat, his face nicely flushed from the booze. he avoids the blankets, for now, as he's already feeling warm enough to have shed his bolero jacket. ]

I could get used to a festival like this, even if it hardly holds a candle to Weinlesefest.

2. not the gumdrop buttons;

[ oh look, you've had the excellent luck to become trapped beneath one of the gumdrops with kaeya! white or pink, take your pick, but no fighting tonight, because if i'm honest i don't feel like writing out a fight scene!! he's also had a bit too much to drink to be pulling out his sword. ]

Now, what could you want of me, you problematic little cutie?

[ the gumdrops bounce above his head, weaving and bobbing and squeaking, nudging his shoulders toward the closest person in the room. ]

2

[startraveler]

[By this time Aether already had a drink or two that made him feel a little... light-headed. The traveler notices Kaeya and gives him a smile and a wave of a hand. Then, when he approaches he notices the tiny creature and shakes his head. He's ran into those so many times already that he doesn't even mind. Especially, in his current state.]

More hugs? [He says looking at the creature, before shrugging, smiling wryly and spreading his arms.] Fine, fine...

[And he will attempt to hug Kaeya now.]