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

[startraveler]

[Now, what's this? Albedo eager to meet someone? Aether can't help but smile warmly, if not a bit proud of his friend. He's very happy that the alchemist doesn't shy away from making new connections. But then again, this world can definitely be relaxing, with no duties that need to be attended to.

Aether sometimes wonders if he himself has gotten lazy, seeing as he doesn't get commissions or requests every day when here.]

Definitely! I can introduce you, if you like.

[He has no doubt that they would find a topic for a long conversation. As for the comment... Aether only laughs softly.]

I meet all kinds of people during my travels... It's a lot of fun and I'm happy I can call each one of you a friend. [He puts a hand to his heart. He really means it.]

[creationary]

[ A friend...he sounds so sincere about it, and while Albedo thinks of Aether as one as well, it's still nevertheless refreshing to hear. He has colleagues and associates, yes, but few that would call him...friend. ]

I have no doubt about that.

[ A pause, one corner of his mouth tugging up just slightly. ]

Although, I must admit I'm rather curious how it is you became friends with a Fatui Harbinger.

[ There's nothing sharp or judgmental in his tone - just curiosity. ]

[startraveler]

[His eyes widen when Childe is mentioned and Aether opens his mouth to say something, but a small, almost strangled sound leaves him instead. Embarrassed, he looks away for a moment trying to collect himself. He knows Albedo is not judging him but it's still so hard to think of a proper reply!]

Er... w-well, it's a long story.

[That definitely does not explain much.]

I met Childe in Liyue and he didn't hide that he was a Harbinger. He helped me out... then things got messy, we fought and I beat him up. And then later, I ran into his little brother and Childe asked me to look after him.

[It's all complicated, okay.]

But... Just so we're clear, I don't like what the Harbingers are doing. [He gives Albedo a serious look.] And if Childe ever tries something, I will do everything I can to stop him. [His expression softens.] But at the same time I know that he doesn't like scheming and is interested in fighting strong opponents more than anything else...

[...It really is complicated.]

[creationary]

[ It's okay, Albedo understands complicated, given there's a doppelganger of him running around somewhere out there, to say nothing of his other "siblings"...

He gets it. The political situation in Teyvat as a whole is tense because of Fatui machinations, but it's far enough removed from him that he isn't all that invested. Plus, they haven't made their presence an issue as of late in Mondstadt.

And not to mention, his run-ins with Childe so far have been perfectly copacetic. His assistance was really quite invaluable at the power plant. ]

I see...it sounds as though the two of you have been through quite a lot together. I trust your judgment, and he's offered his assistance with my research before.

[ He pauses a moment, tapping at his chin. ]

Besides, I've found that things like this are rarely black and white. People are complexed, and nuanced...very few are wholly good or bad. Even a Fatui Harbinger may come to be a friend.

[startraveler]

[Now that Aether thinks about it, Albedo is probably one of a few people who could understand him well when it comes to this problem. The traveler smiles softly, somewhat relieved even, before putting his hand on the other's shoulder.]

Thank you, Albedo.

[He takes his hand away, his posture more relaxed than before.]

You're right. People are complex and they may not tell you everything either.

[He knows that too well, he's hiding so many things himself.]

But that doesn't mean we can't get along. Especially here, when there's no reason for us to fight.

[He suddenly laughs. It's a short, clear sound.]

...Except Childe loves to fight.

[creationary]

I do still owe him a battle from our first encounter...

[ Not that Albedo is all that interested in finding out how he holds up against a Fatui Harbinger. Not because he's nervous, but he's not particularly competitive, either. But he did make a promise, and he doesn't like the idea of not holding up his end of the bargain. ]

But I'll be certain to keep things cordial. Like you said, we're all in the same position here. Even if we had reason to quarrel, it would be fruitless in this land of dreams.

[ Will it make things more complicated when they wake up? Well, they'll simply have to figure that out when it happens. ]

[startraveler]

You... owe him a battle...

[Even Albedo couldn't escape that combat-thirsty Harbinger... Aether sighs, shakes his head but then he also smiles, completely resigned.]

I guess he can't go five minutes without challenging everyone.

[The traveler highly doubts anyone can change that.]

Anyway... thank you, Albedo.