#event: lantern rite 2023

[mcuntainbcrn]

She could practically feel his nerves...seems she wasn't wrong in her assertion that they were absolutely being tailed; it figured that the one time they were purposefully seeking to enjoy some quality time together that such a thing would transpire - wordlessly, she ran her thumb over the knuckles of his as he wove them through the crowds of people towards the booth of the tea seller.

The distracted edge to his tone spoke volumes - he was about as pleased about this as she was; best to press on and behave as they would even if they weren't being tailed and continue on with their day.

A measured breath as she ordered two cups of tea for the two of them, giving him a light tug towards a table to sit with her, setting the remainder of the lotus flower crisps between them two continue snacking on, all the while never once losing hold of his hand.

"There's also the option of going a bit out of left field and getting her something she wont anticipate - I noticed some rather nice hair ornaments that might suit her as well." beneath the table, she casually slid her foot out of one shoe, pressing her toes against the soil and reaching out to feel if that energy was still trailing after them and...it most assuredly was; now she had a face to associate with them as well - gold eyes that nearly mirrored her own, a short cropped haircut, accompanied by what appeared to be a fairy without wings...and she was looking straight at them.

Great.

At the squeeze, he'd glanced towards her in slight confusion, though perhaps that was her way of letting him know she was concerned? Reaching out carefully, he tried to sense the intent of those around him, not really pressing hard enough to enter anyones thoughts, since he couldn't do so without it being noticed, but just enough to feel the general buzz of excitement. Most of the surrounding citizens were either excited about the festival, seeing their families, or seeming to be looking for food to snack on. Nothing seemed out of place - well that was until he felt a familiar mind, one he'd touched before, eyes widening ever so slightly. Shit. Was that the traveller? Was that the person following them!? In someways, it was better than the Fatui, but it could still lead to a world of questions that he wasn't wishing to deal with, not right now. His free hand shifted to rest against the vision that hung near his chest, another soft sigh given. What was the best course of action to take here? He just wanted to spend a few hours alone with Maggie. Was that too much to ask for?

He just couldn't catch a break, could he? Wordlessly, he shifted deeper into the crowds, following the scent of tea that hung in the air. Maybe he could lose them and still pick up what he'd been looking for at the same time. "...yeah a puzzle of some type would be the ideal gift..."

[orchideae]

Lantern Rite leaks (I know these are just things so far, etc. usual):

Listen, listen, listen, I've been so highly anticipating Lantern Rite 2024 since it ended this year (it was my first one, it was amazing; one of the reasons why Liyue will always rate so very highly for me) and I'll be thrilled with whatever it is that we get, but!!! Light negative nancy incoming (understandably so, I think), forgive me, stop reading if you'd prefer: no Ningguang, no Beidou, No Madame Ping?? NO YELAN at all??! (Me: listen, I'll be happy to just see her, doesn't even need to speak, I will never expect more, it's perfectly IC)

Edit: Ok ok, we're better. I got so frustrated at the '19' that I missed the 66. But also, IS THIS STILL LANTERN RITE OR IS THIS CHENYU VALE?

[genshinmp3]

The Exquisite Night Chimes from Footprints of the Traveler Vol. 2 Peijia You, Yu-Peng Chen, Yijun Jiang, Xin Zhao, HOYO-MiX

[kc-art-stuff]

mahjong game 🀄

this is probably the most detailed thing ive ever drawn i feel so insane,, keep reading for some of the details you might have missed!!

first the shelf:

1st layer: shenyu and ganyu framed childhood pics

2nd layer: suspensus somium mechanism (furniture from xianyun's sq), the cloud retainer pet, the windmill thing from xianyun's trailer, the one she gave ganyu

3rd layer: scrolls and books one of them labeled "baby pics"

4th later: sunglo tea (the tea xianyun bought during the lantern rite event)

the side of the shelf has postcards from chenyu vale, and the kite shenhe and ganyu made leaning on it

ganyu dlsu grad pic AHJKSDF its a chinoy au now,,

for the calendar, there's no reason why i chose september 2023,, its just bc its the only reference i could find for this type of calendar. also the date encircled is sept 7 which is chongyun's birthday (重云 is written on it)

shenhe on the lower left corner bringing them tea, a fan is on the lower right corner. a vase of glaze lilies instead of guizhong huhu sorry

i tried my best to make the game as accurate and detailed as possible, ping is winning only waiting for the 三萬 tile (which is the one xianyun is discarding), ping also has a kong which is more points afaik (ty for the info poppy <3) mountain shaper is losing bc he has no consecutive tiles or 3 tiles of a kind. zhongli and ping also have flowers which also gives them extra points. this is all based on how me and my family would play mahjong so if its not accurate,, idk HADFAJSDF also i didn't count all the tiles bc there are 144 and i want this piece to be detailed but not THAT detailed,, anyway THAT'S ALL <3 i spent around 3 days working on this it's kinda insane.

[4dango-the2nd]

4Dango Comic Masterlist

These are mostly twitter links right now. I’ll slowly replace them with the tumblr posts as I upload the comics here!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BIRTHDAYS Anthology

Bennett’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Childe’s Birthday (twt 2021) (2022)

Diluc’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Eula’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Jean’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Kaeya’s Birthday (twt 2020) 

Kaveh's Birthday (2023)

Kokomi’s Birthday (2022)

Razor’s Birthday (twt 2021)

Rosaria’s Birthday (twt 2022)

Sara’s Birthday (2022)

Xiao’s Birthday (2021)

Zhongli’s Birthday (twt 2021)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CELEBRATION Anthology

Secret Santa (2020)

Father’s Day (twt 2021)

Christmas (2021)

New Year (2022)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MONDSTADT Anthology

Albedo-centric:

Voices in Ice & Snow (Corrupted Albedo dj, Completed) [twitter] [webtoon]

Cold Tolerance & Homunculus Body (ft. Albedo, Aether)

My Sword (ft. Albedo, Aether, CW: GORE)

Ghost AU page test (ft. Albedo, Aether)

“Father” (ft. Albedo, Subject 2, Dainsleif)

Fleeting Shadow (ft. Albedo, Subject 2, Aether)

Teasing Huffman (ft. Albedo, Huffman)

.

Dawn Winery centric (Diluc, Kaeya, Adelinde):

Eye (ft. Diluc & Kaeya)

Badass Adelinde

Diluc’s Raw Strength (ft. Diluc, poor hilichurl)

Long Live The King (ft. Kaeya, Diluc, Kaeya’s father)

500 Years (ft. Kaeya, Kaeya’s father)

Rain Anthology flipbook animation

.

AUs:

LUPICAL (Modern AU) [webtoon]

Mondt Gala [twitter thread]

.

Others:

Klee’s Big Bang skill (animation)

Use Your Claws, Boy (ft. Razor, Rosaria)

If You Hurt Him (ft. Razor, Rosaria)

Shadows (ft. Diluc & Rosaria, crack ship)

Growing Up (ft. Razor, Klee) [part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]

Ties (ft. Diluc, Razor)

Summer Event (ft. Razor, Diluc, Kaeya, Albedo, Dvalin)

Viktor & Lily

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LIYUE Anthology

Ancient Liyue Collection

Burning Karmic Debt (Indarias’ death)

Farewell Havria

Xiao’s Hobby

Qiqi’s Wish (Lantern Rite comic, ft. Qiqi, Xiao)

Resonant Wave zine entry (ft. Tartali, Childe/Zhongli)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INAZUMA Anthology

Teppei’s Ambition (ft. Teppei, Aether, Scaramouche)

Familiar Fatui Recruit (ft. Aether, Childe, Chouji)

Grand Aspiration (ft. Kazuha, Kazuha’s Friend)

Orobashi & his Generals (character fandesigns)

Rui & Kanna Kapatcir (character fandesigns)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCARAMOUCHE Anthology

KAGOME [Webtoon compilation]

Kabukimono's Tales of Tatarasuna

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4]

If Niwa, Katsuragi, & Nagamasa comes back to life (ft. Wanderer)

If Niwa comes back to life (ft. Wanderer, Kazuha, Niwa)

Kabukitty

Standalones not featured in my books:

Catharsis (ft. Wanderer, Dottore)

Wanderer animation (based on Deko’s illustration)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUMERU Anthology

Bug Talks (ft. Collei, Cyno)

Following Footsteps (ft. Cyno, Collei)

Caretaker & Protector (ft. Collei, Cyno, Tighnari)

Pay Attention, Or Else (ft. Collei, Cyno, Tighnari, Aether)

Do You Remember (ft. Nahida, Aether, Lumine)

Ashes & You (ft. Kaveh, Alhaitham)

Samsara (ft. Dottore, Nahida)

Flower for my most gallant knight (ft. Dehya, Dunyarzad)

Your Turn, Milady (ft. Dehya, Dunyarzad)

.

NPC-centric:

The Gilded Sand’s Lullaby (ft. Jeht, Jebrael)

Falcon’s Sunset (ft. Aether, Tadhla)

Child of Snow & Forest (ft. Alphonso, Rana, Arana)

Waiting Forever (ft. Alphonso, Aether, Iotham)

Zandik’s Dream (ft. Zandik/Dottore, Rukkhadevata)

.

Character Fandesigns

Professor Cyrus [grandpa energy] [fandesign]

Pari [part 1 twt] [part 2 twt]

Sheikh Zubayr (doodle)

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata (before cutscene release)

Nabu Malikata, Goddess of Flower 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Others

Rhinedottir fandesign

We Promised (ft. Aether, Lumine)

“I’m Just A Feeble Scholar” (commission, ft. Alhaitham/Aether)

Albedo vs Childe rough animatic

Abyss Memories [part 1, ft. Kazuha, Kazuha’s Friend] [part 2, ft. Lumine, Enjou, Kazuha’s Friend]

Missing You (ft Aether, Lumine, Albedo)

Humble Wish (ft. Lumine, Dainsleif, Aether)

Deception (ft. Aether, Venti, Zhongli)

[khrysm]

Lantern Rite Reprieve

Just wanted to draw something for Lantern Rite before the event passes.

2023-01-25

[dropletpetals]

I See The Light

(feat. 2023 Lantern Rite characters)

❥⁠Synopsis: Lantern Rite has come once again in Liyue Harbor but this year is arguably the most anticipated Lantern Rite of all.

❥⁠Content Warnings: SAGAU, cult au, religious themes, yandereish behavior in certain characters, this fic implies that you've already descended to Teyvat

❥⁠Author's Notes: Happy Lantern Rite everybody! I tried to fit everyone but like eeeh

Lantern Rite.

One of the—if not the most anticipated event in Liyue.

It was not an unusual sight to find most people in Liyue to be busy preparing for said festival. What's unusual however is the jittery step that most people seem to have.

"Did you hear? Their Grace will be personally attending this year's Lantern Rite!"

"Really?! Oh, Archons! Then everything must be absolutely perfect for Their Grace!"

Rumors about The Creator abuzz the city, somehow making the lively city livelier with the talk about the Creator. Everyone was excited that Their Grace would be personally attending this year—but none could match the excitement that Zhongli feels.

The usual mysterious and solemn consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was giving pleased vibes and smiling much more than usual—not to say that he usually doesn't smile, but his smile was much more delighted than his usual polite one.

But indeed, how could he not be pleased when his Creator would be personally coming to Liyue? The other times that You had attended Lantern Rite was through the Traveler, only experiencing the beauty of his nation through possession. This time, You will experience it personally and he could show You his nation at it's most beautiful.

And although he had already made plans with Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper, he's sure that they would not fault him if he is to be sidetracked by accompanying Their Creator around Liyue Harbor as he asked the Traveler to get him some Nascent Bamboo Shoots.

Ningguang, Keqing and Ganyu are making it so that this year's Lantern Rite was the best so far. When presented with the idea of having the Iridescent Tour play at Lantern Rite, they had agreed immediately that it would be perfect.

Tales from the Traveler revealed that You quite enjoy music from the nations that You had visited with them and had participated in the festivals that involves music and the nations's traditional instruments.

They were sure that this was what was needed to ensure that Their Grace's first Lantern Rite after descending will be perfect.

After Dvorak had learned that Their Grace would be attending, he had made sure that everyone in the Iridescent Tour knew and that every musician has to have their piece played perfectly, even as he internally panic.

He was already nervous after hearing that the person—adepti that had saved his ancestor would be watching, but finding out that You would also be watching made his nerves raise to Celestia.

After all, it was an incredible honor for an ordinary person like himself to be at the same place as the Creator. Being able to entertain You and liking their music would not only be incredible but they would surely be notable and be noticed by the other nations.

The music they are playing must be absolutely perfect! As a Fontainian who wishes for You to also visit his nation, he must give a good first impression to Their Grace!

While the others are busy arranging things for the Lantern Rite, Yelan is busy protecting Liyue. She and the Traveler had already dealt with the Treasure Hoarder that was making a ruckus and has no doubt that similar incidents may occur while preparing for the Lantern Rite.

She had took it upon herself patrol around the harbor to catch wind of rumors of trouble. She will protect Liyue not only so the people can relax at the festival, but also so You could enjoy Lantern Rite without interruptions.

Similarly, Xiao is killing demons and monsters all around Liyue. He had been told by Rex Lapis that You would attend and so he must be more vigilant in his duties so that You can enjoy Lantern Rite.

He made it a point to know Your location at all times, shadowing You whenever You would leave the Harbor. He knows that monsters would most likely not made a move to harm You but one cannot be careful enough.

He made sure to keep distance but he couldn't help but be near enough that he could feel Your presence, Your aura a soothing balm to his soul that was tainted with karmic debt.

His soul wishes to be closer but his mind screams for him to not go near the Creator and inflict his tainted soul onto You, even as he knew that You wouldn't feel it.

Silently, he goes on to protect You, only leaving once You are safely in Liyue Harbor.

Yaoyao was excited. Not only did she meet with the Traveler and Paimon, but she also got to meet The Creator! She had never met them before and was happy that she finally could! She even got to finally be one of Your vessels like Xiangling and the others! This was definitely the best Lantern Rite ever!

Xinyan, Yun Jin and Hu Tao were busy preparing for playing for the Iridescent Tour. They hope that You would like their performance!

Hu Tao was pleased that she was able to invite the Traveler to dinner and had also extended the invitation to Their Grace. They promised they will mention it to You as soon as they could.

She giggled and hummed to herself. The dinner at the Kiosk would definitely be fun!

Xiangling was fretting about the dinner. Guoba had already volunteered to stay at Wanmin Restaurant so she could enjoy the dinner but she was pretty sure he was a bit sad that he couldn't see You. She promised that she would convince You to visit him. She's sure that You would like to taste Guoba's cooking!

Xingqui and Chongyun weren't overly concerned about said dinner, though that was mostly because they don't know who else will be attending. Xiangling had kept it a secret to them but they're sure it's going to be fun nonetheless.

Yanfei was busy doing her own thing but made sure that she would spend the day with her Granny. She made sure that she could at least greet You and spend some time with You before returning to her job.

Baizhu and Qiqi were also busy but had made sure that they would be able to watch the performance. Qiqi was insistent to meet You at some point and Baizhu all too happily agreed as he rarely gets to meet with Their Grace due to his duties.

Really, he wonders when his constellation would grace the sky. He had heard various tales of Your vessels as You possess them, longing to be one of them.

Venti had already caught wind of the music festival that was happening in Lantern Rite, having been the one to guide the musicain in Liyue in the first place in exchange of alcohol offerings in his statue—it was his statue after all so there's no harm in taking the offerings right?—and was definitely giddy to catch wind that You would be attending.

He wonders, will Morax be mad of he barged in Liyue and stole Your attention? It's not like one can fault him if he comes to Liyue as a free bard now.

Oh, he can't wait to meet with You and annoy Morax!

Beidou and Kazuha had also caught rumors of You attending. Beidou was already going to travel in Liyue anyways and had offered Kazuha to go with her. He refused however, and was content with watching the lanterns at the Alcor.

Although Kazuha do wishes to to greet You, he thought that You would probably have enough people bothering You and doesn't wish to be another. And although Beidou was already going because of Ningguang, she took it upon herself to greet You when she encountered You.

And as this was going on, the Traveler and Paimon was by Your side as they usually were, seeing the sights, greeting friends and enjoying the atmosphere.

They suspect that Zhongli's request of them getting Nascent Bamboo Shoots was both a genuine request and an attempt to have Their Grace all to himself. Especially when they found You with him, Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper.

They definitely felt as if they were played but they digress, especially after Zhongli had lovingly given You his specialty. They were a bit smug that You accompanied them back to the Harbor instead of staying with the three adeptis.

Paimon regalded You with tales of what had happened after You separated, mentioning meeting Yaoyao and Dvorak as well as seeing Xiao, Shenhe and Cloud Retainer as well as Madame Ping. They had also mentioned the dinner that Hu Tao had invited the three of them in.

And as they watched the festival with You, they feel more than content with this year's Lantern Rite and hoped You had enjoyed it too.

One thing that was only left in Liyue was to attend Hu Tao's dinner. And oh, what a comedy that was.

But perhaps that was best regale at another time.

❥⁠End Notes: Lantern Rite making me feel some type of waaaaaaaaay. Everyone's interaction with each other was so adorable but then there was Venti & Zhongli 😂 I was fucking dying at the dinner scene.

❥⁠Q: Which free character did you pick to get this year? I chose Xingqui cause I kinda need him ehehe

[xiaoaetherposts]

All Lantern Rite event, but it's XiaoTher

Summary of Xiao x Aether content in every Lantern Rite event so far.

Lantern Rite 1.3 event (2021):

☆ Aether helped Xiao perform various tasks.

☆ Aether visited Xiao in Wangshu Inn.

Aether: "You wouldn't go to the festival, so we brought the festival to you."

Xiao: "Does is serve any grander purpose?"

Aether: "This way you can take part in Lantern Rite."

☆ Aether prepared a dinner for Xiao and helped organize a small Lantern Rite celebration at Wangshu Inn.

☆ Xiao accompanied Aether to Liyue Harbor.

Aether: "O Vigilant Yaksha, please escort us safely to the city."

Xiao: "So be it. I shall accept your proposal."

Xiao: (...) Speak my name. Anywhere. Anytime."

☆ Xiao watched the lanterns and smiled.

I know, it sounds like two characters dating. It was like that. Sometimes even I'm surprised how canonically the Xiao x Traveler ship is treated by HoYo.

Lantern Rite 2.4 event (2022):

☆ Xiao invited Aether to Wangshu Inn.

Xiao: "When this matter is resolved, come to Wangshu Inn. In previous years, the Mingxiao Lantern has been visible even from there."

☆ Aether visited Xiao and bring him food and other presents.

☆ Xiao said Aether that:

Xiao: "If anyone wishes to see me, I know they'll come and find me"

implying that he would like Aether to do this.

☆ Xiao watched the lanterns smiling again.

What was especially cute was that when Aether arrived at Wangshu Inn, Xiao right away went up to him without Aether's calling and asked if he could help.

This happened at the first meeting and even during the Waterborne Poetry event, but it's rare when Xiao takes the initiative.

Lantern Rite 3.4 event (2023):

☆ Xiao saved Aether from the water and was very worried about him.🥹

*Someone carries you ashore, so quickly that you don't catch who it is...*

Xiao: "Glad you're okay."

Xiao: "...Your actions here caused caused others a great deal of worry. Do not repeat them again in the future."

☆ Xiao finally went to the Lantern Rite festival in Liyue Harbor because of Aether.

Xiao: "She told me that all the guests today would be "acquainted with elemental power." and I knew that you would be here."

☆ Xiao sat down next to Aether at the dinner table and then escorted him out.

Aether: "I ate too much. Could you come take a walk with me?"

Xiao: "Sure."

☆ Xiao and Aether talked lovingly in private:

Xiao: "Whenever I think of the ordinary conversations I've had with you, it feels... strangely novel."

Aether: "Strange in a good way?"

Xiao: "Yes." *little smile*

☆ Xiao chose Aether to be "the most distinguished guest." (so that even Zhongli was there, whom he deeply respects)

Everyone: "Who is the most distinguished guest here?"

Xiao: "One person here is well-acquainted with everyone else."

Aether: "(...Hm?)"

☆ Zhongli approved Xiao and Aether's relationship and gave advice to Xiao.

Zhongli: "Just as Xiao may seem unapproachable to most, but Aether has proved otherwise."

Xiao: "Rex La- I mean, Zhongli, what you're saying is..."

Zhongli: "Haha I meant what I said."

Xiao: "General Kapasis always said that we should live in the present and enjoy every little pleasant surprise. Perhaps that's what I should do with what I'm feeling now."

Zhongli: "It looks like you understood what I meant."

Xiao to Aether: "I appreciate your kindness. See you next time, then."⬇️

☆ Xiao and Aether finally watched the lanterns together.😍

Lantern Rite 4.4 event:

☆ Zhongli took Aether on purpose to the place where he knew Xiao was and wanted them stay together alone and fly a kite together.🪁

"Uh, why did you have us walk all this way?"

Zhongli: "I'll leave these two kites with you. Perhaps you can find a few friends with which you partake in the activity. You might find it to be enjoyable use of your time."

Flustered Xiao: "Oh, uh... Wait, who enjoy kite-flying?"

Zhongli: "Well, I would imagine some of your talent and wisdom is more the capable of finding out."

Xiao: Aether, when the Lantern Rite is over, come find me near Pervases' temple if you have the time.

Aether: "Absolutely."

Xiao: "Mmm." 😊

Zhongli: *plan succeed*

☆ Xiao invited Aether to visit him at the usual place and they released together the lantern that Xiao made.

Xiao: "Aether."

Aether: "It's just as I thought... You stopped short of stepping into the city again."

Xiao: "Being in the city isn't the only way for me to appreciate the lights and beauty of Lantern Rite. Look... Liyue Harbor lies just beyond this mountain."

Xiao: "As long as I stand at this vantage point, I may freely behold the sight of all the kites slowly ascending into the sky. ...For me, that is enough."

Aether: "Alright."

Xiao: "I invited you here because there is something I would like to do. I want to release a Xiao Lantern, and... I'd like you to be there for it."

Aether: "Did you make it yourself?"

Xiao: "Yes. I apologize for its crude appearance... I have little skill in that regard."

Aether: "No, no! It's amazing!"

Xiao: "...You're very kind, as usual."

Xiao: "Alright, it's time."

*they release the lantern together*

☆ With a nice metaphorical expression that Xiao said, it was hinted that Aether is the one who brings peace to Xiao.

Xiao symbolizes the lantern itself (to which the name Xiao Lantern refers), and Aether is the sky (his name means this in all languages).

Xiao: "Although, watching a kite gradually ascend into the sky does bring me a certain peace of mind. ...Perhaps they are a bit like Xiao Lanterns in that way."

This expresses Xiao's longing for Aether, which is also indicated by his idle animation (when he tries to reach the little light that goes towards the sky with his hand).

When he asks Aether to release the lantern into the sky together to bring the two things closer together symbolizes this beautifully.

Aether: "As the Xiao Lantern slowly disappears into the tranquil night sky, Xiao's expression softens."

Xiao: "... Aether. ... Thank you."

So as the Xiao lantern approaches the sky in a symbolic sense, as Xiao approaches Aether (which is referred to by the meaning of their names), as they have become closer and closer to each other over the years, and this has brought him calm and peace.

Twitter(X): @xiaoaetherposts

[kanonavi]

Something that will never cease to rot my brain is just how brilliantly mhy have developed Xiao's character over the past three years. I'm lucky enough to have started playing Genshin before he was added to the game (which does of course mean newer players have probably had a different experience of him, I'll get into that later) so I've been there for every single moment that Xiao appeared and it's always so amazing to me just how much effort has been put into him. (Long rant and Mild Spoilers for the Poetry Gala Event below lol)

Xiao in the Archon quest and in 1.3 (both in his character quest and 1.3 Lantern Rite) compared to Xiao in the most recent event is truly like night and day, and what's most impressive about that is that how he acts in the poetry event feels completely true to his character. Xiao has earned this gentleness over the past three years, as the traveler but also the other people he's met have urged him to open up and interact with others more often.

This really couldn't have been achieved without mhy taking advantage of every scrap of screen time Xiao has gotten. They absolutely have favorites and Xiao is for sure one of them. I'll use Moonchase as a comparison to the Poetry Gala. Back then we saw Xiao on screen for maybe 5 minutes at most, appearing because the traveler called him, tasting Xiangling's dish and giving her a compliment (at least for his standards for giving compliments) and then disappearing. But now we see him at the poetry event being invited to join by Venti and Hu Tao (and him not outright refusing!!), and then staying to socialize with Chongyun's group when everyone (not just the traveler) asks him to.

3.4 Lantern Rite and the Poetry Gala have felt like the biggest steps due to the fact that we see Xiao actively participating in activities of his own volition. Most of his appearances before 3.4 (and even after, counting Baizhu's quest) are dictated by about 2.5 factors. The first is his duty: protecting Liyue from evil, more specifically keeping its people safe from these evils. The second is being called by the traveler, an act which I would consider a symbol of their friendship later on, but in the beginning and probably still in a lingering capacity now I think can be attributed to a sense of debt towards them. They helped save Liyue in a time of crisis, after having no obligation to do so, and someone like Xiao who takes his duties in protecting Liyue so seriously would absolutely feel like he owes a complete outsider like the traveler a debt after they kinda did his job for him. So much of Xiao's character is about debts, after all. That even ties into the 2.5th reason, where he would probably feel some obligation to appear at Lantern Rite because Zhongli would be there, though it's unclear if Hu Tao mentioned he would be so it might not even count in that case.

Now we see Xiao participating in events on the invitation of Hu Tao and Venti who are seeking him out because they see him as a friend. We see him taking not only the traveler's feelings into account when asked to participate, but also Chongyun and Diona's. It's such a far cry from his "I don't associate with mortals" attitude that we saw back in 2021.

That barely even touches the shift we've seen in his demeanor either. Back in 2021, Xiao always spoke very curtly and in as few words as possible, always seeming displeased any time he had to hold a conversation, but now he's loosened up so much that the difference is honestly staggering. It even shows through in his birthday letters from 2021 vs. 2023 (And even here we see him going out of his way to socialize of his own volition, so proud of him!):

I've gone back and forth between EN and CN voiceovers in the past year, so some of Xiao's appearances I've only experienced in CN, but hearing him in the Poetry Gala event in EN I can only give his voice actress a thousand kudos for how amazing her performance is. Xiao's voice has softened with time, and it's such a small detail, but I honestly think that it's what hammers his growth home more than anything else for me. He's not only willing to have full conversations with people he's less familiar with now, but he also doesn't feel the need to speak as harshly to them either, and that's really amazing to hear play out in the game.

Xiao's voicelines are so fascinating to me for that very reason, because they act as a time capsule for how he was back in 2021, and that's just not what he sounds like anymore. Obviously, voice actors' performances of their characters will shift with time but Xiao is the only character for which I can say that his demeanor really has just changed with time. Of course, I think that in some cases this does actually make sense, namely if a newer player pulls Xiao and has only gotten to experience the Archon Quest and maybe his Character Quest. In that case, all of the time that has passed simply doesn't exist. But at the same time I can only imagine how funny it would be for a long-time player who simply never pulled Xiao for one reason or another to pull him and listen to his lines and hear his older, edgier self lol

Though on that note I do also need to point out the biggest downside of all of this, and what is perhaps my greatest sadness about Xiao's character development, which is that new Genshin players simply won't have the chance to experience it. There are many characters who get the short end of the stick with the nature of Genshin's serialized storytelling and limited-time events (Albedo, Kazuha, and a plethora of 4 stars who don't get featured much, just to name a few), but I think Xiao's actually saddens me the most, because I believe the time that has passed is the greatest strength when it comes to this development. People will get to see his arc from the Archon Quest to Perilous Trail (and thank god they preserved Perilous Trail as an Interlude), but even that is still a shadow of Xiao's actual progression over the years.

These days, newer Genshin players may have only seen Xiao in the Liyue Archon Quest before playing the Poetry Gala event (unless Perilous Trail is a prereq, which I don't know off the top of my head), and I can't even imagine how jarring it would be to see how he acts there and then immediately see him in this event. The way that time works in this case would probably just make it seem like mhy doesn't know what they're doing with Xiao when in reality three years of development have been compressed into a matter of weeks. Knowing that, I'm grateful to have been able to experience his story in its truest form, but it also cannot go unacknowledged that some aspects of Genshin's story have a shorter shelf life than others. It's a major problem with the game, from some perspectives, but at the same time it's just a consequence of how it's being developed.

Anyway, I just needed to gush after seeing Xiao absolutely steal the show in part 2 of the quest with his quiet participation and little smile (crying). He's so good and I love him so much, and it's so nice to see what they've done with him after he finally got some semblance of closure after Perilous Trail <3

[genshinimpactresources]

Hoyolab Avatar Frames | Event/Other

Timbre of Timber

Weinelesefest Preparation

Hoyofair 2023 New Year

Character Topic Event

Genius Invokation TCG

Starglitter Suite

Lantern Rite

HoyoFair Spring Wonderland

Wish Support Blessings

[kykyonthemoon]

Old friend

— Pairing: Zhongli x Guizhong (Guili)

— Tags: short, soft angst, event

— Summary: The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.

— Word count: 1286

— Masterlist

— Ao3

Inspired by Lantern Rite 2023 event.

As the roar of the zither from the top of the high mountain mingled with the music and the cheers of the festival at the harbor, everyone was stunned for a long time. The sound was not of this world, but came from the heavens, and the mortals would feel privileged to have heard it once in their short lives.

Consequently, no one noticed anything unusual at the time. Those who paid close attention could only notice a few unusual breezes carrying dust from all around Liyue to one area. Every stream of sand flew with the wind, from plains to hills; from narrow streams to vast seas. Then they met, swirled and merged  to become one being. A shadowy figure above the high mountain.

The barefoot maiden slid through the grass, her star-like eyes fixed on each of the xiao lanterns above her. That night, they were stars and moonlight. Peach lips parted slightly as she hummed a tune to the sound of her longtime friend’s zither. How much time had passed? Several thousands of years. Everything had changed, even her melody had been more or less altered.

Yet, she was content. Because, even though she was no longer alive, her music was passed on and was now a part of the current world.

She had been away for a long, long time. She had become part of the land, of the grass, of the wind and water, of the Liyue sky. But that night, perhaps the only exceptional night when her melody sounded, she could return.

Someone's footsteps could be heard from behind her. She could predict without turning her head.

"What a lovely evening, don't you think so, Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli's footsteps came to a halt. The maiden in front of him moved her head slightly, a smile spreading across her lips like a blooming flower. Fragile and fading, but not completely lost. Time stood still for a brief moment.

"It is true that you are back, Guizhong."

The young woman nodded gently. The sound of the zither was still echoing.

"Until this melody comes to its end."

Merely that one moment, for her to see him again. It had to be enough. She had already flown over to where Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were still enjoying tea. She visitedCloud Retainer as she began to work on the great lantern for her disciple. She had come to sit next to Streetward Rambler when the very first notes were played. And now, she came to visit Rex Lapis, who was standing silently beside her, gazing out at the sea of xiao lantern lights.

"Would you accompany me on a walk around Liyue Harbor?"

Guizhong had always enjoyed the lively environment. She would never sit quietly on this grand and spectacular holiday. Zhongli graciously nodded. She followed him into the prosperous harbor. A man walked quietly among the sea of people and lights, flanked by a shadowy maiden who was as pale as dust. Nobody appeared to notice them, or, more accurately, no one could see them. Side by side, they strolled together.

"How beautiful!"

Guizhong exclaimed as her palm softly touched a xiao lantern on the side of the road. It ascended slightly, as though taking advantage of the breeze. She laughed slightly and added that she could have invented some fascinating machinery relating to this particular xiao lantern.

Zhongli said nothing and simply nodded. Just like the old days when they walked the mundane world together. Guizhong had always noticed everything on the side of the road. She would be fascinated and want to touch or even purchase everything. Zhongli would keep following her silently, carrying everything for her. Her eyes would be so bright, and her smile would be just as vibrant.

Over time, things had changed, and they were no longer beneath the same sky. Nonetheless, certain things remained constant.

Like their feelings.

They came to a halt in front of a teahouse. When the tea was brought out, the song was drawing to an end. Guizhong sat across from Zhongli, still happily looking down at the bustling music hall below. Perhaps, she longed for once to be in the audience, singing and cheering enthusiastically. If she had existed in this realm not in the form of a ghost, she would undoubtedly do so.

From the mountain came the music, harmonizing but not being overwhelmed with the music below. Zhongli looked down at his half-empty cup of tea. Even the gods could not catch the moonlight that had fallen to the bottom of the cup. Just as the retention of the deceased who was now only dust; it was completely illusory.

"Rex Lapis." 

Guizhong spoke up. She wanted Zhongli to look at her. One last time. 

"Just like this place, Liyue, you have changed a lot. You have had a new identity, a new life, and new friends."

From the upper floor of the teahouse, Zhongli looked down below, where the hat of the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor - Hu Tao - stood out from the crowd. She was holding hands and pulling three of her other friends along to the diner. Zhongli recalled the meeting after Hu Tao's performance ended. Friends? Rather, it was a business relationship. But between people, or between gods and mankind, there is always a kind of contract. People frequently refer to it as fate.

"They would be delighted to meet you, Guizhong." 

"Really?" Guizhong eagerly responded. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could meet?"

I would be delighted too if you could stay a little longer...

Feelings that could not be escaped into words have lingered in the heart for thousands of years. However, Guizhong could understand. She had always read people's emotions and knew how to make them feel good. Even after she was gone, the feeling that she was always there provided those who knew her the courage to continue on their own paths. Like the way Streetward Rambler was finally able to replay her music, theirs.

"I was concerned for you." Guizhong carried on the conversation. "I imagined how you would manage after the battle, how you would deal with your loss... But now I realize I was overly worried. You have done well, Rex Lapis. You're smiling more frequently now."

The melody from the high mountains became faster than ever. Guizhong's silhouette turned blurry. The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.

"Guizhong... I sincerely miss you..."

The corners of Guizhong's eyes filled with tears. She did, however, smile.

"I'm glad to hear those words from you..."

The tune slowed down, gradually. Guizhong's body also became paler.

"You know, I'm always here, in Liyue. I am dust. I have spread everywhere. I have seen the world and countless of mundane lives. I've never really gone..."

Zhongli clenched his fist around the tea cup. The tea in the cup was rippling, as if his suppressed emotions were about to burst. Guizhong's voice continued to reverberate, becoming further distant.

"At this moment, I'm nothing but an illusion in front of you. Yet, I believe that at some point, we will all be reunited. You and I... Everyone... Therefore, as long as you remember me, I shall always exist."

"Would you make a contract with me?" 

Zhongli's offer caught Guizhong by surprise. She gave a tender smile:

"Yes. This is a contract. I will always be in your heart."

When the final notes sounded, Madame Ping glanced away and saw a figure smile at her before dissolving into dust and soaring away. By the side of the teacup opposite Zhongli's, there was left a blooming glazed lily, from which a melody could still be heard softly…

-The end-

[kiliinstinct]

Of Rumors and Almond Tofu

Series: Genshin Impact Pairing: Aether/Xiao ( m/m )  Rating: T for Teen - slight spice at the end but its super minor Setting: Canon Setting - During Lantern Rite 2023 A03: [ link ] Connected to This Art: [ Tumblr Post ]

I said I was going to Post for Genshin and now I finally am! I have literally been on and off working on this one-shot since February. @genavere beta'd it for me. (Bless her confused soul, she's never played the game and had no idea what was going on.)

Enjoy! - fingers crossed tumblr doesn't make the text goofy

---

The multitude of colors and decorations that collectively dressed all of Liyue Harbor during the Lantern Rite never failed to fill Aether with a childish excitement that thrummed inside his chest. Even being his third year visiting for the Rite didn’t diminish the wonder he felt each time he took a glance at the MingXiao lanterns. 

Unfortunately, with circumstances as they were, the Traveler from another world found himself blind to the world around him—face buzzing in an embarrassed heat—distracted by his thoughts for most of the afternoon.  The Funeral Parlor was his destination, but heavy footsteps took him in the opposite direction. In his absentminded haze, he moved towards the fishmongers instead, struggling to process the morning’s events.  

He could hear Paimon titter behind him. Commenting on the details of the City decorations, waving towards the denizens who excitedly welcomed them back. Aether paid them no mind. Not deliberately, but the citizens of the harbor were used to Paimon speaking for him by now.

“Is he doing okay?” Aether vaguely recognized a voice that might have belonged to a Millellith guard as they passed. Rather than respond, he trusted Paimon to wave the man off, chirping her eager reply. “Oh, he’s fine!” 

His shoulders relaxed. Yes, he could leave it all to her while he mulled over his actions at Mt. Aocang. How could he have assumed his time at the Rite wouldn’t end in complications one way or another? 

His clung to him like a second skin, still damp from the cool waters of the morning. The face of disappointment Xiao had fixed upon him affixed itself in his mind like a blaring sign. How humiliating … Aether bit back a whine of shame. How was he going to face the Vigilant Yaksha again?

He briefly wondered if he could offer Paimon up as a sacrifice. A silly thought he knew wouldn’t pan out. Not only would Xiao refuse, but it would only serve to tease his floating companion. A terrible, vindictive part of his mind  thought the prank would do wonders for his mood. Was he feeling petty that Paimon’s dubious plan to feign drowning had turned out so horrible? Yes. Yes, he was, but he knew better than to place all blame on her small shoulders. 

After all, he could have said no. 

“It’s really not a big deal.” He heard Paimon speak to one of the kids who often played Pirates with her friends, and caught the tone of mischief too late to interrupt, “He’s just upset because his crush had to save him from drowning, that’s all!”

What.

Aether stopped mid-step. Finally registering just how far from their targeted destination they were. In the course of five seconds his heart sank to the pit of his stomach and bounced right back into the back of his throat, choking him of any and all words. 

“Oh, Mister Traveler has a special someone?" Little Lulu’s eyes glistened in wonder. "That’s so nice!” “Yup!” Paimon laughed, eyes twinkling, appearing unaware of the danger lurking behind her as Aether gawked, fingers twitching at his side. “But don’t go telling anyone else. He gets really embarrassed about it.”

He sprang into action, grasping the back of her clothes and yanked her back to his side. Mind working overtime to form the words that spilled from him too fast for his mind to keep up. “Paimon! What are you doing?”

If she was put out by suddenly losing her free flight, Paimon made no comment, opting to laugh behind her hand instead.  Her eyes glinted in amusement, “Just fielding questions. You weren’t responding to anyone so Paimon did it for you. Like the best traveling companion should, you know!” Aether couldn’t be bothered to respond, frantically looking back to Little Lulu, but it was too late. The girl had already run off to join the two boys she played with, shouting enthusiastically at them without a care in the world.  His earlier humiliation bloomed again and he noticed the surprised expressions of her friends as they glanced in his direction. He rounded on Paimon in consternation.   “Who else?” He demanded. Paimon had the audacity to look confused, “Hm?” “Who else,” he asked again, teeth gnashing together. Aether desperately wanted to stay calm, but was failing, “did you say that to?”

“... not that many.”

“How. Many?”

Rubbing her chin, Paimon hummed in thought, eyes glancing to the sky and all around them as if taking careful stock of every interaction she’d held within the past hour or so. “Including Little Lulu, just a couple more? Maybe three? I’m not sure, Traveler, you’ve been ignoring people quite a lot today.”

His expression was anything but amused. How distracted had he been? The morning was full of conversations, planning, and the gentle hope they could solve the mystery behind a mystical savior. Not only had they learned more about the old Adepti of the Past and the relations between them, he had also visited Madam Ping with Cloud Retainer, hoping to breach the subject of her music without touching on the old wounds of the past. All in all: he was exhausted and still had much to do before the concert that night. 

Ignoring the embarrassment of Xiao dragging his body out of a lake with Shenhe worriedly looming over the two of them, Aether felt the day had been full of social interactions. Could Paimon really blame him for being lost in thought?

Though, now that he had a better look of his surroundings, he couldn’t help feeling sheepish. “Zhongli has been waiting an awful while.”

“Oh, yeah. Paimon tried to get your attention about that, but you were so lost in thought that you paid no attention when Paimon tugged at you!” She circled his head, lips pursed in the tiniest of pouts, huffing. “If Paimon wasn’t so understanding, Paimon would demand you make it up with a grilled Tiger Fish!” Aether blinked, mystified. Was his thoughts on Quizhong’s life and Xiao’s expression of worry that distracting? Clearing his throat, he turned his back to the gentle, harbor waters, quietly hoping he could claim the heat of the sun was the culprit for his flustered face. “We should go then, before I make you into Tiger Fish, instead.”

“H-Hey! Why would you say that to Paimon?” “I can think of a few reasons,” He muttered, patting the top of her head, “Telling people I have a crush is certainly at the top of the list.” “Please- It’s not as if anyone is going to remember” She scoffed, dismissing him, “the Lantern Rite is tonight!”

Aether made a mental wish to the stars that Paimon was right.

She wasn’t. 

Not by a long shot. 

In fact, Paimon had been so wrong that by the very next day, with the sun barely rising and the lantern rite winding to a close, Aether thought he had misheard the local gossip. During the time he spent with Ningguang in the Jade Chamber, he was made all too aware of how fast rumors spread from the citizens of Liyue. Even Beidou’s warnings of the Qixing keeping watch on his comings and goings rang in the back of his mind like a siren. 

Despite this knowledge, he wasn’t prepared for the offhanded statements that followed his every move. They flew about him in all directions well into the afternoon. 

“That’s the traveler, isn’t it?”

“It is!”

“Didn’t you hear?”

“He almost drowned yesterday.” 

Aether never considered spending his attention on the background noise, all too accustomed to it after the last few years. He felt a stutter in his heart when that embarrassing reminder came back to snipe at him. 

So, they heard of his fake drowning attempt after all, albeit a little inaccurately.

“Doesn’t he know how to swim?”

“Of course he does, but things are strange at the Karst…”

“Is that why he was saved?” “By who?” “His lover!”

If he had been paying less attention, he would have toppled right off the pier and into the sea. Instead, he choked loudly on his own spit, face flaming a brilliant red as Paimon tittered around his head, fingers covering her mouth to hide her surprised squeal.

“Um, P-Paimon never said you had one of those!” She squeaked incredulously when Aether fixed her with his horrified gaze. “Wow, they really goofed it up, didn’t they?”

He couldn’t manage a reply. The words were gone, frozen in the back of his throat while fingers twitched and apprehension spread through all his nerves. Shut them out. It’ll blow over in a day or two. It had to. Right? Resisting the urge to throttle Paimon for the cough she faked to hide her laughter, he made a hasty retreat to Wanmin Restaurant for breakfast. 

An impossible task with whispered rumors and curious, mystified expressions following his every move. The rumors grew more exaggerated from person to person and Paimon failed to dissuade a few onlookers from spreading their overdramatized versions. 

It was too late. 

The world loved its gossip too much to be convinced of the misunderstanding. He could only quietly thank Chef Mao for allowing him to eat his breakfast in peace inside the kitchen, rather than stand among the crowd that couldn’t shut up about his non-existent love life. 

Unfortunately, that didn’t stop him from hearing tidbits each time a customer called upon the Chef for a tasty order..

Paimon had to choke back peels of laughter when they heard the list of ‘suspects.’ No one received a name, thankfully, but that left each new gossiper a question with no answers. 

Who was the traveler with? Ningguang? (“Can’t be, she wouldn’t be in Jueyan Karst during the Lantern Rite, would she?”) 

Perhaps the Yuheng, Keqing? (“She never left the harbor either!”)  

No, obviously Ganyu. (Aether hid his face in the palm of his hands at this one, quietly distressed.) Yes, Ganyu had become the popular choice among the many and Aether desperately hoped she’d be far too busy to catch wind of it. 

How could he explain this to her? Let alone anyone else? And keep Paimon from eating her foot any further than she already had while he was at it.

“Well, at least they were smart enough to realize Ganyu had been with us yesterday,” Paimon interjected between bites of her mostly finished breakfast. “Those other options were so far from the truth though. Talk about crazy. Paimon wonders what they’d do if they knew it was Shenhe and Xiao who-”

“Paimon.” His voice pierced through her rambling, far more intense than the roiling, desperate emotions simmering inside. The desperate stare he gave  his floating friend was enough to snap her mouth shut, effectively cutting her off..

“Sorry,” she amended, voice lowering a few notches as she floated beside him. “But, you have to admit, it’s crazy. They’re not even getting the gender right…”

Aether said nothing, letting his expression do the talking for him. 

He would thank his lucky stars that Chef Mao knew to be discreet, despite being a bystander to this conversation. When they left, the Chef sent them off with a cheery wave and a box full of jade parcels and lotus crisps to snack on. 

Paimon was ecstatic with the gift and Aether wouldn’t be surprised if they were all consumed before lunch.

Leaving the Harbor until the evening was the best way to save Aether from the crowd and it’s ever growing rumor mongering. By the time they’d escaped to Pervases’ temple, the gossip had grown so out of hand that Aether wasn’t sure what it would evolve to upon his return. Paimon continued to chitter her apologies, claiming time and time again that she never expected her jab towards his ‘crush’ to explode as it had. 

“It’s not even a crush,” he groused, setting incense at the temple while laying out a freshly grilled Tiger Fish in honor of the long-gone Yakshas. He treasured the peaceful quiet of the hall Wang Ping’an happily kept his distance, keeping watch at the door for more visitors. (Aether doubted more would come. The temple was always depressingly empty when he visited.) He ignored Paimon’s dramatic roll of her eyes and clasped his hands together in a customary prayer pose. 

Oh, whatever well wishes I give you now, Pervases, he thought dismally, please find a way to swallow Paimon up with me when these rumors take me out.

Paimon barely took the time to perform her own prayer, swirling about Aether’s head in agitation. “Oh sure, not a crush, you say, as if Paimon would believe that!”  

Tune her out, tune her out! 

“You were practically tripping over your feet when he pulled you out of the pond yesterday and don’t think Paimon didn’t notice you pouting when he left.”

It was getting harder to ignore her. 

“You looked like a kicked puppy who was denied a treat-”

“I did not!” 

Paimon’s expression was smug, staring at him through her lashes as she floated superiority over him. “And the blush on your cheeks is because…?”

His blasted body betrayed him by growing hotter at the question. He cleared his throat, turning his attention back to the Adepti monument, shoulders slack as he gave up. What use was there in lying to Paimon, anyway? She’d been by his side for so long, she was bound to pick up his tells. Almost as much as Lumine could rat him out…

Aether sighed, defeated. “It doesn’t matter, anyhow,” he muttered. “That’s a road better left empty.”

A crush? Certainly not. Whatever feelings he’d bottled up inside his heart for the last three years had grown far deeper than that. In the expanse of his own mind that twisted and turned around every possible mystery of Teyvat, all in his attempt to reunite with his sister, even Aether couldn’t lie to himself for too long. 

Xiao had certainly slotted into a place in Aether’s heart that he never knew existed. And in time, he couldn’t pretend it wasn’t there. A strange relationship that teetered back and forth along a thin wire. There was a tension between him and the Conqueror of Demons. A tension Aether couldn’t put a name to. Whether he fell or not, there was no knowing what falling off that wire would do to him.

In fact, he was determined not to find out. 

“Is it because you don’t think he feels the same?” Paimon cut through his reverie, slowly drifting to his side rather than staring down her nose at him. “Because Paimon thinks he looked really worried and upset yesterday so maybe he -”

“Paimon.” Aether’s stare was pleading. “Please, stop.”

“Oh- ok.” Her voice dropped to a tiny, disappointed whine. “Sorry.”

He knew she meant well. In fact, the thought of him holding feelings for another must have sparked an idea into her  head well over a year ago. What reason would he have to leave Teyvat in the end, if he fell into a relationship, after all? She must have taken his broiling emotions as a sign of weakness. A sign he could be persuaded to stay, but it was better not to hold onto false hope. 

That’s what he told himself.

Besides… muttering a final prayer to Pervases, Aether turned to leave, content to enjoy the outdoors until dinner with Hu Tao. He wasn’t certain how many the Director had invited, but the prospect of seeing old friends at a - hopefully - peaceful supper, helped ease his worries.

  It wasn’t as if Xiao would try and keep him here. The Yaksha had his own duty and that didn’t include convincing otherworldly beings into staying once their own was completed.  

That thought was enough to sober Aether from the many rumors of the Harbor.  He took in the air, smelling the sweat flowers and mints in the area as they soothed his aching heart. 

This world was beautiful. He would never stop thinking that. Even when it was nothing more than a memory.  With that thought in mind, Aether was positive he could tour the harbor once more, enjoying its festivities no matter what rumor trailed behind him.

A lover? Pfft, let them talk. Let them wonder. He knew the truth of it and that’s all that mattered. Even if the truth sank into the pit of Aether’s stomach like a pile of cor lapis. 

Aether would begin questioning all his decisions the moment he set foot in Xinyue Kiosk for Hu Tao’s big dinner plans.. 

Meeting all his friends in one place for a free dinner was more than enough to bring Aether joy and Paimon’s own squeal of delight. To sit alongside Xiangling, Chongyun and Xingqiu brought a light feeling to his chest and the sight of Hu Tao and Zhongli strengthened it. While they had seen the latter two only a day before, the prospect of a friendly dinner was enough to ease most of his worries. 

It didn’t matter what rumors still spread through the harbor. Earlier, he overheard a couple mention him ‘slipping’ into the water with his supposed ‘lover’ for a moment of intimacy. A mental image that made his face grow redder than the tomatoes sold nearby. 

How much crazier were these rumors going to grow before the townsfolk became bored?

Aether’s friends, young and old, seemed none the wiser, or at the very least, saw fit not to bring it up over dinner.  A fact Aether would forever be grateful for. At least, that’s how it should have gone, but the appearance of Xiao sent Aether’s mind into overdrive. Hu Tao’s mysteriously proud grin was the precursor to a meal he never expected. After refusing to enter the Harbor the previous Lantern Rites, seeing him a day after the traveler’s poorly executed ‘drowning’ attempt, set his heart thudding against his ribcage.  Not only was the Yaksha willingly in the harbor during Festival Season, but he’d been ushered to sit beside the other as if that had been the plan all along. 

The assumption wasn’t too far off. If Hu Tao’s knowing smirk was anything to go off of.

He felt his body turn to stone, heat rising along his neck at the proximity between them and he desperately hoped that Xiao’s penchant to ignore mortal matters would keep him far away from those embarrassing rumors. The adeptus always had a strong presence, not just from his inhuman energy, his intense gaze and stance always drew Aether’s attention. Now, however, it was difficult to keep himself from watching Xiao through his peripheral vision. The strong want to study his profile left Aether struggling to swallow, forcing his gaze ahead of him to keep his calm facade. “... is this, okay?” He was surprised, stunned out of his thoughts when Xiao’s pointed question struck him down with the faintest hint of insecurity. His confusion must have been obvious as Xiao, eyes averting back to the table, made a grumble of frustration toward repeating himself. “You are tense. I wondered if my presence was bothering you.”

Oh. 

“No-!” Aether snapped, voice far louder than he intended.  Gulping down as much water as he could manage, he ignored the raised brows of his peers and shook his head enough to feel dizzy. “It’s not that. I’m actually really-” Really what? Pleased? Excited? Flustered over nothing? Aether looked to Paimon for help as the words became sludge in his mouth. Her answering grin was sinister and he knew he made another mistake. 

“The traveler is actually really happy you’re here, Xiao!”  She hid her mischief behind her hand and giggled, “It’s almost like one of his wishes had been granted-”

Oh, if he wasn’t going to turn her into food yesterday, he certainly was now.  The glare he shot her was seen around the table, and he could feel the knowing, if perplexed expressions of the others who witnessed the scene. Zhongli, ever the silent observer, sipped his tea and turned his golden gaze towards Xiao instead, but Aether noticed the slight curve of the former Archon’s lips; and felt his lungs constrict further. Oh stars above, he knows.  Maybe he should have skipped out on today's dinner and called it an early night. Maybe he should have taken on an extra commission or a-

Xiao’s pointed stare froze him. The golden glow of the Yaksha’s eyes filled his shoes with cement before the gaze turned towards Paimon, and gave the briefest nods in acknowledgement to her. 

If Aether hadn’t been lost in his horror, he might have noticed the slightest hint of red dusting the tip of Xiao’s ears, but he couldn’t attend to that. Instead, he swallowed thickly, watching as Xiao considered his companions' words and resumed his stare at the table. “Hmm,” The non-committal grunt said so much and so little at once. It made him want to scream. “I see.”

The awkward tension in the room shattered like glass and chatter erupted around the table once more. Aether spared Paimon of a rueful glare in lieu of sighing in relief. It was easier to fall silent and listen, all while buzzing from the very presence of Xiao by his side. Talking was difficult and observing the other’s conversation removed all pressure from his soul. The respite was welcomed. Though it did not last long as chaos incarnate, the winds of Barbatos himself, saw fit to crash the party. If Aether had known he’d be in the presence of not one, but two Archons that evening, he would have mentally prepared himself better. 

Venti was a whirlwind of trickery and slid himself into the gathering with ease, as if he’d always been there. Upon his windy entrance, blowing open the doors with a giggle, the sudden tick at Zhongli’s jaw spoke of a quiet irritation. Hu Tao’s sudden interest in the new arrival gave Aether the strange feeling that the funeral parlor’s director was all too aware of the true identities of the feigning mortals at the table. A matter Aether tucked away to explore later. Much later. When there wasn’t the Lord of Anemo and Geo vying for most passive aggressive compliments the world of Teyvat had ever seen flying over his head. If Aether hadn’t known any better, he would have sworn Venti and Zhongli were divorced lovers. 

The mere thought made him cough back an amused snort that was waved away when Paimon sent him a questioning glance. The ‘I’ll tell you later’ went without saying. He’d rather enjoy the chaotic chatter while it lasted, enjoying his meal and observing the others around him. If his eyes happened to stray one too many times towards Xiao, he pretended not to notice. 

“Uhh-“ Though, noticing the stiff poise of the Yaksha beside him, perhaps it was a good thing he kept his attention on him. Xiao kept his hands under the table, fingers fidgeting at each new barb the Archons threw across the table. Each lie to cover up their identity made his body tense, as if becoming petrified wood would save him from the conversation. 

“I- uhh..” Xiao struggled to interrupt the onslaught of passive aggression, shoulders tensing by the second.

Aether frowned, and realized Xiao was not enjoying this. Brows furrowed together before he made a decision. It wouldn’t do to chase Xiao off from functions like this in the future. Anything to help the Yaksha relax and settle into the banter. 

With a careful glide of his hand beneath the table, he grasped Xiao’s twitching fingers with his own. The speed in which Xiao’s eyes flickered to him made the Traveler wonder if he’d made a mistake, an apology already formed upon his lips. 

But Xiao didn’t withdraw. Citrine eyes stared intently for a moment, as if looking for Aether’s inner thoughts. Coming up with nothing, he glanced to their adjoined hands before giving Aether’s an experimental squeeze, fingers sliding between his own. Aether had to bite back the surprised exhale that ran through him.

‘Are you okay?’ He wanted to ask, but that would garner everyone’s attention, breaking the spell weaved between them. Instead, Aether smiled and resumed eating. Almost like a child, Xiao’s grip tightened, ignoring the meal in favor of watching the others.

Like Aether, Xiao observed, but unfortunately, Aether’s actions were nothing more than a bandage for an issue far deeper than nerves. Venti and Zhongli were still in the limelight, spreading their flowery language from person to person. Even Hu Tao joined in, eyes glittering in mischief.

“Ah such lovely compliments my guests have for each other on this fine day.” The director curled her lips as she eyed everyone over the rim of her glass. “It’s so nice to see everyone getting along.”

Something in her tone spoke a different language to Aether. A niggling instinct that pricked the back of his neck, whispering tiny assumptions about Hu Tao. There was always something about her and the way she looked around the room that hinted to a knowledge vastly greater than she let on. Alarm bells rang as he witnessed her excited eyes glance from Zhongli to Venti, enjoying their banter like an afternoon play. It was a wild thought, Aether realized, but maybe the only ones unaware of the Archon’s identities were the other three guests, watching the spectacle in stunned silence. 

Paimon’s excited squeal and Xiao’s grip becoming tighter yanked Aether from his reverie. His flying companion had received seconds in the form of Xiao nudging his plate to the side and spared no second to curb her enthusiasm. The interruption gave way to more chatter along the table, pulling the attention off the archons for a short period.

“While I’m not partial to it, one could almost feel elated enough to have a glass of wine,” Zhongli said, taking it as a chance to once more explain how he was truly the one honored by everyone’s presence that day.

Venti jumped upon the self-indulgence without a second thought. Sitting straighter in her seat to hold his cup in the air, ignoring how tea splashed from the cup. “This MUST be a great occasion, indeed, for one as esteemed as yourself, huh?”

Aether held back the urge to roll his eyes. Paimon didn’t.  

He registered a shift in the man next to him. The tension was back and the Yaksha’s grip was crushing. Xiao had reached his limit. 

“I- I uh, I think-" It felt wrong, Aether decided, watching as Xiao struggled to put words into sentences. Words were difficult. He understood on a deeper level than most, but this was new territory. Attempting diplomacy when forthright honesty was more his style. Before Xiao could finally put his thoughts into verbal communication, Aether struck.

“Wow, I have eaten WAY too much,” he chirped, glancing at Paimon as he made a show of patting his stomach. The action released his hand from Xiao’s, causing the Yaksha’s eyes to widen and arm jerk from the motion. Ignoring Paimon’s confused hum, mouth still full of fish, he turned back to Xiao, “I think I need fresh air. Come with me?”

If anyone needed it. It was Xiao. Who eagerly accepted the out, eyes worriedly searching Aether for any further sign of discomfort. Convincing Paimon to stay behind was a harder task. Her shock and betrayal garnered everyone's attention, making his face grow heated.  He couldn’t blame her. After what happened in Sumeru, how could he? The Sabzeruz Festival was not so easily forgotten. Not half as easy as what was erased from Irminsul at least.

With a few well thought out words, and some added help from the others, she relented with a threat to eat his food along with her own if he took too long. He smiled fondly at her, patting her head as he left the table. A lost meal was a consequence he was willing to take.

Now that the opportunity was made available, Xiao was too oblivious to his ruse. The Yaksha stood by the double doors, arms crossed and shoulders so tense, Aether feared he’d turn to stone. His fingers tapped against his vision as barely contained impatience brimmed in the bright gleam of his eyes. He all but ran out the door the moment Aether swung it open, reveling in the fresh air and sunlight that greeted them.

“Are you all right?” Xiao demanded as soon as he was paced away from the building, posture far more relaxed now that they were free of everyone's gazes. “I should be the one asking that,” Aether replied, an eyebrow raised in concern. Somehow, words were easier when it was just the two of them. Simple. Upfront. 

Xiao’s eyes couldn’t stay focused, glancing from Aether’s face, before they swept around the street, eyeing every passerby as if a demon hid amongst them. When he deemed their location private enough, Aether witnessed the tension slowly bleed away as the seconds passed. Not to the extent the Traveler would have preferred, but it was something. He sighed in relief and was content to wait as Xiao answered, opening a line of conversation that was more relaxing than the cacophony inside. 

When it came to conversation. Xiao was often short lipped, but time after the Chasm incident must have changed him. With his willingness to speak of matters of the past and his own discomfort, it was clear their previous meetings had opened Xiao’s heart more than anticipated. A welcome surprise that created a gentle smile to cross his face. 

Unfortunately, relishing in the light conversation Xiao provided was not an easy task when beside one of the busiest roads in Liyue Harbor.

“Who's that with the Traveler right now?”

“That can’t be the one, can it?”

Aether cursed as a couple passing by whispered far too loud to keep their conversations secret and a mortified heat began to creep along the back of his neck. Oh no. No. No. No. Not now.

He trailed off lamely, distracted from their conversation. He assumed Xiao would notice and think something was wrong, possibly assume the worst, but curiously, the adeptus tilted his head, eyes gleaming in confusion. Something had caught his attention. Enough for his eyes to rove over the crowd on the streets before fixating back on what was now a very disgruntled traveler. 

“... What is- “ Xiao tested the words on his tongue as if his question was foreign to him. “Traveler, what is dating?”

At that moment, Aether wished he could curse in all the languages he’d heard in his travels, but he didn’t have the time to recall them all. Or the energy to speak them. What had Xiao heard to ask that? Aether worked through the palpitations of his own heart to consider the question, mouth running dry as the words jammed in his throat. 

“Why-?” 

No, dumb question. Xiao didn’t ask about human customs much, questioning it now may cause him to withdraw entirely. Aether didn’t want that, did he? “You don’t-,” a moment of insanity passed through him as he wished Paimon had followed along after all. She could handle this question better than him, right? 

Then again, catching the stares of a Millellith soldier across the road made him grimace. Never mind. Paimon would definitely have made everything worse. “You haven’t heard the term before?”

That.. was a safe response. 

He hoped. 

Xiao considered the question, nose scrunching in a way that made Aether’s heart twist. The curiosity the Adeptus held for humans despite his claims otherwise endeared Aether to him each time he was blessed to witness it. Despite the embarrassing context of the question, he clung to the visual to hold in his memories for later. Just as he had with all previous interactions he had in the past. 

“Mortals talk incessantly,” Xiao said after a few beats of silence. “Perhaps I have heard it before, but I never bothered to pay it any mind. The customs of mortals are… odd… to me.”

Somehow, that answer was very… Xiao.

Aether grinned, “Have you heard of courting then? Suitors?” What other words could he think of that may ring a bell… Aether was about to explain in further detail when recollection lit up in Xiao's eyes.

“How uninformed do you think I am?” He snapped, clicking his tongue derisively. 

Once upon a time, Aether would have suspected annoyance, but the hint of red he spied at the tip of Xiao’s ears spoke more to the truth than any words the Yaksha could say. 

“A mortal passtime to find a lover and pass on their legacy through their progeny. Of course, I know what that is-" He paused blinking. “Ah, so that is dating.”

“Words change over time,” Aether stated, still amused by his obvious discomfort.

“Ridiculous.” The retort came swift like a gust of wind before Xiao’s attention pulled back to the crowds behind them. His silence became a palpable curiosity that filtered through in muted measures. Aether wondered what was going through his mind in that moment, but chose not to ask. Whatever it was, Xiao would ask if he wanted. Something spurred the Yaksha to grumble, words muttering under his breath that Aether couldn’t catch. Watching him through his lashes, Xiao frowned, a strange irritation filling him. “So, then you -" 

After a few seconds of no follow up, Aether broke his silence. “So, I…what?”

Xiao shook his head. “Nothing. Just forget it.”

Silence befell them. When Aether realized Xiao wasn’t going to continue, he cleared his throat, thinking back on their earlier conversation. Steering the topic back a few paces would be ideal and the more he looked down the street, witnessing the onlookers slowly grow in number, the more Aether regretted his decision to escape the others in the first place. 

But something was bothering Xiao now, he could tell. Xiao’s gaze flickered from the street and back to him, brows furled together in thoughts that he refused to verbalize. Had he heard something else? The Traveler couldn’t be sure, but just when he had a mind to ask, the door to the kiosk swung open and both their gazes met Xiangling’s as she approached, lips bitten insecurely.. “Sorry!” She said swiftly, her smile felt out of place, far too timid for the cook’s usual expressions. “Am I interrupting anything?” “Not at all,” Aether answered in reflex, barely catching the quiet ‘tsk’ that escaped Xiao. This was the perfect change of topic. Already the tension from before bled away as if it never existed. “Were we taking too long?”

And off the conversation went with Xiangling beckoning the two back inside. Though, Aether made sure Xiao gave his due thanks for Xiangling’s efforts in bringing him an almond tofu, and winced when Paimon’s despondent waiting was brought up. As irritated as he was over the whole rumor debacle, he truly hadn’t meant to leave her alone for so long. Not since the Sabzeruz. He still remembered her terror at being left behind. It was a horror he felt in his bones and understood all too well.

Perhaps now was the best time to end their conversation, either way. They’d been invited to dinner. It wouldn't do to avoid the whole thing now, would it? Aether was certain Xiao would fare better a second time around and with the night still young, he wanted to bask in the social atmosphere a little longer before finally considering the years Lantern Rite officially over. 

When all was said and done, Aether could honestly say he never expected Xiao to invite him back to visit at Wangshuu Inn. “If you have need of me, call my name, but-…come to the inn, if you’d like to talk more.”

Somehow, it truly felt as if Xiao had changed. The events in the Chasm had opened the Adeptus in ways Aether could only dream to witness. Not obviously to most people, but just enough for Aether to feel as if he’d stepped through many doors that had been locked tight before. 

“Maybe those rumors will get it right now.” Paimon huffed that evening, stuffed full from the dinner and finally alone with Aether once again. “You two stayed out and away from Paimon for so long, everyone should have a good guess at this rate.” Aether cleared his throat, facing Paimon with a deadpan stare. “You get a pass. Just this once.”

Eyes lighting up in mischief, Paimon giggled, ecstatic, “Really? What’s the occasion?”

“It’s my apology for making you wait so long.” He ruffled her hair as he teased her. “I couldn’t believe it when Xiangling said you’d hardly touched your food. Maybe you’re sick? Is something wrong with my emergency food?”

“Oooh! Paimon’s had it to here with you! Paimon deserves more than one pass for that, mister!”

He laughed. Maybe, if he was lucky, he could put the gossip behind him. They were bound to die out the further from the festival it became after all, and he didn’t have the energy to stress over it further.

With the sun fading below the horizon, Aether decided that after all was said and done, it was an almost perfect night. This world may not be his, but in that moment, he felt just a little bit closer to home. 

Xiao’s offer wouldn’t be taken for another two days when Aether found himself in the area, exhausted from a day of commissions and curiosity burning in his veins. Would Xiao be there waiting? Or would he come to chat if called? It was enough for him to decide to stay for the night before making his way back to Sumeru. There was some time yet before he would travel to the region Fontaine, so there was no reason he couldn’t make a few more detours, right? 

“Three Hundred… Four Hundred… Five- “ Counting his recent payments, Aether’s eyes lit up, “Five hundred mora! Add that to the rest of our funds and we should have more than enough to stay at the inn. No camping tonight!”

“Didn’t we already have enough before you were paid? You’re practically a workaholic, you know,” Paimon said.

He shrugged, smiling unapologetically, “And I never hear you complain each time another bag of mora comes our way, do I?”

Paimon didn’t bother denying it and pouted instead. Their back and forth would continue all the way to the Inn, with Aether falling silent partially through their conversation, settling into their usual pattern.. If he were honest with himself, the Lantern Rite had burned his ability to socialize to an almost non-existent flame, and he relished Paimon filling the air with her chatter. On days like this, he could forgive her of the embarrassment days prior. 

After all, rumors from Liyue Harbor wouldn’t spread this far out into the Dihua Marshes. Of that, he was as certain as he was of the sun rising each morning. 

Skipping the elevator of the Inn, Aether prolonged Paimon’s prattling by climbing the stairs; enjoying the wind as it whistled through his braid, the view as the sun gleamed across sparkling waters, and the sounds of chatter from the many guests chattering throughout. Second to Mondstadt only, the locals of Wangshuu Inn never failed to fill Aether with a calm peace. 

It was a source of security, anchored down by the presence sheltered at the rooftop. A fact Aether refused to admit outloud, and certainly not in front of Paimon. 

Lantern Rite had been good to the Inn. Approaching the main Lobby, they spied Verr Goldett surrounded by a line of customers. Catching the gleam of Aether’s golden hair and Paimon’s crown, she waved pleasantly to them; her smile crinkled the edge of her eyes before she turned her attention back to her waiting guests.  There would be no conversation just yet, but that was okay. Aether wasn’t worried about finding a place to sleep. The Boss Lady of Wangshuu Inn always had a room available to him when asked.  It was a mystery he never quite understood how she managed to do it. “Okay!” Paimon’s voice shrieked closer to Aether’s ear than intended, pulling him from the unsolved riddles of the inn.. He flinched, ears ringing, but Paimon paid that no mind. Sadly, he knew it wouldn’t be the first time, nor the last. “Paimon is going to see Yanxiao for some food, you go on without me.”

Aether blinked, one foot on the stairs to the upper balcony and the other grounded in place. Raising one brow, he observed his Fairy companion silently, uncertain of her motive. Hadn’t she been angry at him for leaving her behind just a day ago? 

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t look at Paimon like that. You wanted more time to talk to Xiao, right? Paimon will join you later.”

Something about her tone raised alarm bells in his mind, but he couldn’t put words to it before she held out her tiny hand, expectant.

“But-”

“Bag please!” Her smile was devious. “Paimon has to pay for our meals somehow and you keep all the mora on you.”

“Is this your way of sneaking yourself an extra helping without supervision?” Regardless, the small bag he’d saved from the day was snatched from him as soon as it was offered.

“Paimon will make sure there’s still enough for a room, don’t worry.”

Aether couldn’t resist. “Too late.”

“Oooh,” she seethed, opalescent eyes sparked in anger. “Go up and see your Adeptus boyfriend already!”

With her loud exclamation, Paimon shot her way to the kitchens, leaving Aether flustered and frozen in place as every eye in the lobby turned towards him. 

Oh no. Not again! Paimon, I swear to all Archons who hear me and beyond, I am going to EAT you one day!

Noticing the all-knowing eyes of Verr Goldett on him, Aether attempted to wave off the eyes with a sheepish smile. Already he could hear the quiet murmurs spreading through the crowd.The Boss Lady of Wangshu Inn understood his quiet plea, lips curving in comradery.

“Come now, who's next? My husband won't be back for a few more minutes, so allow me to assist you.”  Beckoning for the line to move on, her voice rose above the chatter, calling attention towards herself as she laughed. “As if an Adeptus would be at my inn of all places. Could you imagine?”

And that was enough to break through what Aether could see as an all-new rumor spreading. Verr Goldett was true to her job, keeping the mystery of the rooftop—and who lived upon it, as secret as the day she’d met Aether. The ‘gentleman’ of the balcony would not be named and she made sure all visitors knew better than to ask. Feeling ashamed of their eavesdropping, the nearby guests cleared their throats and looked away, keeping their chatter to themselves. Relieved, Aether mouthed a tiny ‘thank you’ from the stairs and resumed his trip up, two steps at a time. He didn’t miss the glitter in her eye. No doubt, she’d expect a return favor in the future.  That was a problem for the future, he decided, and quietly he vowed to make Paimon help when the time came. 

The highest balcony of the inn never failed to leave Aether breathless. The view of the marsh and distant mountains gleamed with the waning sunlight with stars already beginning to sparkle above. The skyline of the towering peaks of Jueyan Karst and the lonely mountain, Dragonspine, framed the view from left to right. Ginko leaves scattered about the wooden deck, flowing with the wind around the lone figure watching the land below him. Aether gawked, stunned by the silhouette, illuminating Xiao’s outline, as flecks of teal reflected the light in his hair. 

For the first time in months, Xiao had waited for him. Aether’s mouth became dry as he struggled to greet the other, but there was no need. Even with his back turned, Xiao knew who had come to join him.

“So,” he began, head barely tilting to acknowledge the other, “you came afterall.” 

Words tumbled off Aether’s tongue in a rush, “Didn’t you invite me?”

Xiao hummed in confirmation, gaze still piercing the clouds above them, watching as another star began to shine. Aether took the opening for what it was and crossed the deck to stand by Xiao’s side. His own gaze struggled to choose between watching the scenery or admit the profile of his companion. 

“Then, why wouldn’t I come?” he asked when the wind ceased and the rustling of the tree above them came to a halt. Xiao answering blink gave Aether all he needed to know, cracking a grin as the Adeptus slowly accepted his reply. “You come when I call, don’t you?”

“That’s-!” Xiao paused, catching himself before his tone resumed its careful, quiet timbre. “That’s different. I promised to protect you.”

His smile grew. “And we agreed that it was time to let friends take care of their friends.” He chuckled as Xiao broke his gaze to stare towards the trees, the hint of an ear tip dusted in pink peeked from behind his hair.  “What sort of friend would I be if I ignored your invitation?”

“I-” He cut himself off.

“Yes…?”

Xiao sighed, the barest hint of a smile curving at the edges. “I still don’t understand you.”

Mirroring him, Aether leaned against the railing, enjoying the gentle breeze that weaved through his braid. “Then I’ll just have to keep visiting until you do.”

It was easy to talk or fall into companionable silence, after that, something Aether always appreciated. Words weren’t easy, especially in Teyvat. The language had proven difficult and confusing when he’d first began his journey. Xiao’s ability to listen and enjoy the moment without words was a small reprieve. Once upon a time, Aether knew the Adeptus would have disagreed with the sentiment, but he wasn’t so good at hiding his true emotions anymore. That or Aether had learned to read him easier. The slight hint of a smile, the soft tone of his voice as he wistfully encouraged him to speak or be silent. It was a small comfort. One Aether relished. He could only hope Paimon would stay in the kitchens, bothering the cook for all the food she could muster. Perhaps, she’d eat until she was too tired to join them, dozing blissfully in a corner by the innkeepers. 

Just the thought made Aether giggle, catching Xiao’s attention and breaking the silence between them. He recalled a time when the Adeptus admitted to wanting to know all of Aether’s experiences in an attempt to learn and understand more about himself and mortals. This thought could be added to countless others as their conversations often began anew and moved on to so many topics he could hardly remember them all. But just when he was about to settle in to speak of his recent adventures in Sumeru, Aether finally noticed the small two-tiered box to the side, sitting beside one of the potted plants. “What's that?” He interrupted his own thoughts, head tilting to point out the curiosity. Xiao didn’t bother to look, already aware of what was around them. “Almond tofu,” he said, voice monotone as he raised a brow. Aether considered this and scrunched his nose. “That’s like.. Two servings more than you usually eat.” He pointed out. Xiao hummed noncommittally. “I .. still hadn’t finished what Xiangling made for me,” he admitted, glancing to his feet in a way that brought to mind a guilty child. “But then Yanxiao made my usual amount and I… I couldn’t eat it.”

The mention of the chef made it all clear. Of course. Yanxiao wouldn’t have known that a different cook all the way from the harbor had made the Adeptus an offering. Following routine explained the extra portions and the traveler made a decision. Breaking away from Xiao’s presence, he brought the tiered box to him. “Well, it’s only going to go bad if you keep leaving it out here so-”

“You should have some too.”

Aether froze. “What?”

There was a careful expression on Xiao’s face. Jaw tense, head tilted just enough to keep the shine of his citrine eyes from revealing any thoughts in his mind. If it were any other person, Aether would have sworn they were nervous, but Xiao.. nervous?

“You don’t have to,” he said a beat later. “I just…Thought we could share. You can tell me more of your travels. I’ll listen.”

Nothing else needed to be said. It was an offer that Aether was more than happy to take. 

Opening the tiers, he found spare chopsticks inside—silently noting the extra pair, but spared Xiao the embarrassment of being called out, and pulled them out. Handing one tier to Xiao, Aether sat his own share against the bannister and hummed pleasantly when he popped a piece of the textured pudding into his mouth. Sweet, but not overly so- with a sticky syrup that clung to his tongue. …with a…bit of spice? “Xiangling made this one, didn’t she?”

Xiao nodded, absentmindedly eating his own. “I didn’t dislike it. But it is different.”

“Not bad.” Aether agreed, but mischief seized him a second later as he added, “I like the one you make best though.”

Xiao uncharacteristically choked, grunting as he looked away again. He was doing that a lot lately, Aether noted. And he thought he caught the phrase ‘yours is better’ pass the Adepti’s lips, but couldn’t be sure. Laughing at his successful mission to fluster the mighty Yaksha of Dihua Marsh, he popped another piece into his mouth. 

“You grow less timid each time we meet,” Xiao stated, keeping a careful gaze on Aether as they enjoyed the dessert together. “Do you speak to your lover like this, as well?”

And just like that, Aether felt the entire world drop out from under him. His own bite of almond tofu lodged itself in his throat as his heart threatened to burst from his chest and attempt to fly off to worlds unknown. Coughing, he thumped his chest a few times to calibrate himself, not noticing when Xiao stepped closer, setting his own plate aside in concern. “Lover?” He gasped through another bout of coughing, eyes wildly searching Xiao’s for an explanation. “When have I ever- what…why would I-”

Somehow, Aether just knew, this was all Paimon’s fault.

“Traveler, are you-” With a hand raised, intent to possibly slap Aether’s back to help stave off his choking, Xiao reconsidered the action and watched the coughing subsided, his brows knitted together, perplexed. “Did I hear wrong, then?”

“Hear what?” Aether pressed, covering his face to hide the assured blush splashing across his cheeks and burning down his neck. He couldn’t face Xiao, not like this. Shame filled him. So smooth a second ago, only to have it torn from him by an almond tofu assassination attempt. “Please. Explain.”

“It…” Xiao paused, considering his next words, eyes whirling in quiet anticipation. “At the harbor. I heard… many things. The people there are convinced you have a lover. Are they mistaken?”

“Yes!” The embarrassed groan that escaped Aether could be heard across the marsh, hand smacking into the almond tofu, knocking it from the railing as it clattered to the balcony below. He’d have to apologize to Goldett later. “So…you...you heard all that?”

Xiao blinked, head tilting in a curious way that Aether had to ignore lest he be distracted by the cute action. “They were very loud about it. Did you not?”

Aether nodded, too flustered to voice the words in that moment. Of course he had. He’d hoped a silly Adeptus wouldn’t pay it any mind! “Ugh, I did, but- it was Paimon’s fault. She said something and rumors began to spread and I just-”

“Ah.” Realization gave Xiao pause as Aether trailed off, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Anxiety gripped him, uncertainty filled his lungs and he felt, in that moment, that he needed to leave. To hide. Camp outside. Anything other than feel Xiao’s gaze as he processed this development. 

But he couldn’t. Not now. Not like this. Not while Xiao stared at him with a molten gaze that glued his feet to the deck. 

The tension in Xiao’s brow relaxed by the second as a sudden curiosity gripped him. His own plate was set aside, much more elegantly than Aether’s and he approached the traveler with a caution befitting an animal observing its surroundings. Once within the other's proximity, Aether’s mind shut down when Xiao’s gloved hand gripped his own, tugging it gently from his face. 

“If I’m not mistaken,” he began, voice low and considering, “while often false, rumors also grow through seeds of truth.”

Jaw slack, Aether gaped, the words whirling through his mind struck greater than a hurricane, but not a sound escaped. Nodding vaguely, he nervously gazed from Xiao to the potted plant behind him, examining the giant green leaves and the intricate designs along its holder. 

“Then…did you…” Conflict flickered in Xiao’s eyes and Aether noticed the signs before the Yaksha would often deny his own questions and leave. Despite the fast rate of his heart and mental shrieking, Aether felt the panic rise in his throat, the impending urge to ask him to stay boiling on the tip of his tongue. The flicker of doubt passed and Xiao pressed on, unaware of how it continued to rob Aether of his voice, “Feign drowning again, despite my reprimand?”

A second passed. Then another. Aether blinked in time with his own heart, puzzled. “Why would I have—I didn’t.” Had he missed a step somewhere? Xiao’s train of thought was moving quicker than his own, unable to focus. “Why-”

“If you hadn’t, Traveler,” Xiao continued, voice darkening with an edge Aether only heard when he was serious. “Then one could only assume the so-called lover that saved you was not, in fact, a mystery person, but myself. Correct?”

Aether’s mouth went completely dry and what blush he had quickly faded as the blood rushed from his face. He felt a chill down his spine, crawling along his arms down to the very tips of his gloved fingers. Another nod and he felt foolish. Why wouldn’t the words come, now when he needed them?

And why was his hand still firmly grasped by Xiao’s? He couldn’t think straight. And the intensity of Xiao’s narrowed eyes, glowing from the low-light of the sunset, made his skin crawl in ways he couldn’t begin to explain. 

“What is the truth?” Xiao spoke again, pulling Aether from his derailed and panicked thoughts with a gentle squeeze of his hand to ground him. “What did Paimon say to cause such bold claims?”

The dam in Aether’s lungs burst and before he could control himself, he answered. “I-I know it’s ridiculous to consider us together like that, but don’t be too angry with Paimon. She’s just full of mischief.” 

His eyes stung, but he blinked it away, pressing on in hopes to ease whatever wrinkles Xiao foresaw. “It was my fault anyway, I was so ashamed from worrying you that I left her to talk to everyone for me and she told only a few people that my crush had-”

He paused, eyes widening as he looked to Xiao, whose expression turned blank through his ramble. Aether couldn’t read it. Not this time. Wait, did Xiao understand what a crush was? “I’m sorry, I’m not making much sense-”

“You’re right. The thought of us together in a romantic capacity is ridiculous.” His voice was sharp, measured, but Aether felt as if acid had been flung at his face. He winced as Xiao’s grip tightened. “What an unnecessary passtime, spreading falsities over mere hearsay.”

Everything shattered. Aether’s bones. His very heart. He felt it cracking into millions of pieces. It wasn’t difficult to damage an already broken heart, desperately searching for the one person who could patch it back together again. Lumine’s absence always felt like knives when he stopped to think, to consider the implications throughout his journey and now… his throat felt swollen, robbed of breath: broken all over again. Xiao was always harsh when he wanted to be. His words sharper than daggers when he made a point. 

Don’t cry, Aether. Not here. Not now. He smiled a watery, broken grin, eyes blinking repetitively as his arm hung limply between them. Calm down. Don’t act as if you’ve been rejected when you weren’t even going to ask-

There was no masking Aether’s reaction. No time. His emotions were out on his sleeve, dangerously hanging over the edge. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d allowed himself to be so close to others until this world, and now every reason he and Lumine agreed not to in their younger days came spiraling back to the surface, screaming ‘I told you so’ repetitively in his mind. “Hah, y-yeah…Well, it’s just how we are.”

His voice was hollow, hoarse even, struggling to mask the tumultuous tsunami encompassing his entire being. Inside, he was tumbling down and further down, but his body didn’t move. Neither did his hand. Xiao’s grip was still strong. 

Xiao’s grip… Aether focused on it, blankly recognizing that despite the Yaksha’s words, his actions spoke differently. No longer meeting Aether’s eyes, his attention grew fixated on the bits of syrup clinging to his glove. In a moment of insanity, he realized Xiao must not have seen his obvious change in tone, a chance to bar his heart again. Lock it away and mask himself as he’d done before. Smile. Smile, Aether. Everything will be fine if you just smile. 

Contradicting the storm brewing in the traveler’s heart, the wind gently pressed against the two: soft and strong as it whistled through the branches above. The view of the night sky was a brilliant kaleidoscope atop the Wangshu Inn, but Aether couldn’t attend to it. Not now, when his gaze fixed firmly behind Xiao’s shoulder, desperately blinking back the emotions that threatened to drip. If he could manage to look unaffected, perhaps everything could revert to normal, but Aether wondered, amidst his mental struggle, what was normal? 

To stand back. Keep his distance. Treat Xiao as a weapon? No. The mere thought elicited an immediate rejection. Aether could never, not even when they had first met.  Even then, he was in awe of the adeptus. Xiao was the perfect mixture of belonging to the world, yet standing outside of it. Untouched by the world's changes as he valiantly struggled nightly to defend it. How could he see him as anything less?

“Fascinating,” Xiao’s voice broke through Aether’s spiraling thoughts, his grip tugging and lifting his hand towards him. Swiftly, Xiao shattered Aether all over again as his tongue swiped a patch of syrup from his glove, tasting the syrup. “You should remove this before it stains.”

What.  Aether couldn’t keep up, face blooming a brilliant red before he could catch himself. Covering his face, he met Xiao’s golden gaze, piercing into his own and struggling to breathe. 

“X-Xiao,” He choked, wrenching away his hand before another rug could be swept out from under him, “You really sh-shouldn’t -”

“Hm? Shouldn’t what?” The Yaksha blinked, considering his prior actions, and his own ears dusted a light pink. “Ah. Am I making you uncomfortable?” The space between them grew and for a wild second, Aether almost pulled him right back, but grasped the railing instead, grounding himself. 

Yes, he had to admit, he was very uncomfortable, but not for the reasons Xiao would think. “I’m fine! You just, can’t… well, if anyone saw, then those rumors would …”

Aether glanced towards the balcony entrance, relieved that no set of eyes could be found looking on upon them. Paimon was keeping her word, giving Aether space and the inn residents down below off to their rooms to prepare for sleep. They were as alone as they could be and Aether wondered if he preferred that over the alternative. His body was hot and broken, a confused combination that struck a headache behind his eyes.

“Are you ill?” 

Aether cursed as his broken movements were finally observed by the other. Shaking his head furiously, Aether turned his back on the other, leaning over the railing to judge the distance of the deck below, carefully considering a route to escape. He couldn’t go far, not without Paimon, but if he  moved quick enough he could-

Xiao was beside him before he could move further, hands hovering over his shoulder with eyes wide in alarm. Aether could see the way his hands wavered, questioning his own next move and, once upon a time, he would have found the action endearing, but now guilt settled in his gut and he swallowed back an embarrassed whine. “Traveler are you trying to-”

No. No. Don’t ask. Don’t-

“Aether.” 

He froze, the earlier panic settling in his bones melted away at the sound of his name. Unspoken in the world for so long, unsaid by voices he desperately wanted to hear. The memory of the chasm, the desperation he felt at Xiao’s sacrifice and…A whisper of his true name to a world that would never know it.

Xiao kept his promise to hold Aether’s name in secret, to allow just one person to recognize who he truly was. Funny, how hearing it sent his heart soaring and crashing down all at the same time. He was frozen in place far better than any elemental reaction could achieve, glancing back at Xiao in earnest.

Xiao had called for him by name. Xiao had.. 

“Xiao?”

The Yaksha looked upon him in trepidation, eyes glancing to the rail and back to Aether again. His expression was near unreadable as he crossed his arms: creating a barrier between them.  Aether knew the action, something Xiao would never admit, but often used to keep the space. Recognizing this obvious sign of Xiao’s pushing him away, he swallowed the desperate whine that threatened to escape him. Despite the multitude of emotions broiling through him, Aether read the Adeptus loud and clear: Xiao was conflicted.

The Yaksha in question considered his words carefully, striking eyes never leaving Aether’s as they wavered between unspoken words, fingers clenched tightly as he sighed, frustrated. “I told you. Speak my name, Adeptus Xiao, and I will be there for you.” 

Aether blinked. What was Xiao getting at?

“Likewise,” he continued, brows furrowing. “You said that heroes can take care of each other…that I can rely on my friends.” Realization slowly came to Aether, sensing the direction Xiao was taking them. “So then… if something is wrong. You can tell me…unless you are trying to spare my feelings?”

“It’s not like-” Words died in his throat as Aether tried to explain himself, but what could he say? He was stuck, lost in the murk of his own, confused, tired emotions.

“If my Karma is affecting you then just say so.” Xiao finished and everything exploded. Aether couldn’t take it any longer, biting back a humorless laugh as he shook his head, wildly flinging his braid behind him as he went. 

“You think that’s- Xiao, no. I’m fine. Really.” He pushed, urged the Yaksha to look beyond his Karma. It was slow progress, one he had seen with each visit, but he couldn’t let Xiao believe his actions had anything to do with the darkness that threatened the Yaksha’s sanity every day. At Xiao’s disbelieving expression, he pressed on, “I was embarrassed, Xiao. You really shouldn’t just lick syrup off of anyone like that-”

Xiao’s retort was as swift as his polearm, “Why would I ever do that to just anyone? Is this another mortal thing I’m unaware of?”

Aether was dying inside. The awkwardness was too much. Far too much. “It’s not something casual friends would do, Xiao. People - not just mortals- can and will take it the wrong way.”

At Xiao’s deafening silence, he felt the nerves crawl up his back and he shivered, unable to stop himself now that he started. “You know the rumors? If it’s so ridiculous for us to be together, isn’t performing something that could be misinterpreted as intimate going to muddle things up?”

Something lit in Xiao’s eyes and the Yaksha looked away, throat clearing as he gazed at the stars as if looking for some answer to a mystery that couldn’t be solved. “Humans believing a Yaksha deserving of a mate… a significant other, is ridiculous. Much less with a traveler who must journey onward and leave them behind.”

How many times could one have their breath stolen from them? Ice cold, metaphorical water, dumped itself over his shoulders, eyes widening at Xiao’s reply. Too many words wanted to sail through him all at once, but the winner came out, ringing clear as a sunny day and forceful. “Karma or no Karma, Xiao, you are more deserving than you give yourself credit.”

Like going in circles. How often had Aether thought the same thing about himself? He was on a journey, his sister and the mysteries of the abyss his top priority. How could he have time to romance? What happened after his journey? There were too many unknowns, too many questions, but to hear those same worries from another was surreal. He’d given too much of himself to Teyvat already. His time. His care. His strength, and to Xiao, he gave his name. A part of him would always be here, there was no escaping it, but Aether would be damned if he let Xiao continue to think himself unworthy of anything. 

Ignoring the broken pieces of his heart, he breached the barrier of Xiao’s crossed arms, pulling them apart despite the Yaksha’s confused grunt. There was a brief second where Xiao tensed, refusing to move, before giving in and letting him close the distance, almost furious in his attempt to hammer the self-doubt away. “Yan Fei is half Adeptus,” He rambled, thinking about the harbor's legal consultant, “She’s proof that a non-human can be with another." 

Xiao attempted to interrupt, but Aether shook his head, pressing on. “A Yaksha is different. I know. Believe me, I know, but…isn’t she still proof that it’s possible? Those with visions can be around you, Xiao...you don’t…You don’t have to be alone. You can be with someone. Anyone.”

He laughed, hollowly, knowing he was pushing through so many barriers, and it was crazy how his earlier feelings of rejection came second place to ensuring Xiao understood his own worth. Distantly, he realized his fingers were squeezing into Xiao’s forearms with a force strong enough to bruise a normal person, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. Not just yet. Not now. 

“And Xiao…” He continued, voice filling in with a tone of finality, “Anyone-and I do mean anyone- would be honored to be chosen to stay by your side…if you wanted it.”

He clenched his eyes shut. Waiting for the scoff. For Xiao to push him back, to disperse into the anemo particles he controlled and leave him there, empty and alone. 

Yet, none of that happened. Xiao’s earlier grip returned, mirroring Aether’s hold. A blush of heat and warmth spread over his cheeks, realizing the Adeptus had closed the distance, stepping closer as a soft press of lips brushed along his skin. Not wanting to break the spell, to open his eyes and see reality, Aether held in a breath and waited. 

Seconds ticked by, but the presence never left and Xiao shifted, muttering against Aether’s ear, “...Am I allowed to want, Aether?”

Aether recalled a time when Xiao had claimed to have no desires, no aspirations, nothing. This question wrapped the pieces of his heart together and shattered them all over again. So many things about Xiao caused Aether a pain he couldn’t describe, often pushed back in response to other, pressing concerns. And yet those simple words left him weightless, arms wrapping around Xiao to hold him close, to bury his nose into the Yaksha’s shoulder, shaking from the force of his emotions. Was he allowed? How cruel this world could be, to leave someone so afraid of their own wants that they must ask to receive them. “I can’t give you permission. No one can. It’s your choice, Xiao. It always has been.”

Xiao was tense, uncertain where to place his arms, hesitantly they rested against his waist, allowing Aether to pull him tighter in, unaware of the way Xiao melted against him. 

A monumental shift had begun between them, one that left Aether breathless and unsure, but there were many things he didn’t know. That didn’t matter. As a traveler, he loved to explore the unknowns and this, this was as unknown as anything else in the world. To him and Xiao both. But the way Xiao’s next question put another piece of his heart back into place made Aether almost lose his footing. “Am I allowed to want you?”

Perhaps those rumors wouldn’t fade away, after all. Perhaps they were about to find a new addition to stoke the flames instead.  Aether expelled the air he was holding inside himself and knew the question for what it really was. They both knew the end of his journey was full of unknowns, they both knew he might choose to leave one day and yet - he tightened his hold and laughed through the tears welling in his eyes.

“I thought I was the one who asked dumb questions. He sniffled and blinked back the moisture, refusing to cry into Xiao’s shirt. “You can want anyone, but, is it okay for me to want, as well? I still haven’t brought Lumine back, and my journey is far from over, but-”

A shock of pain shot through Aether’s neck and he belatedly realized Xiao had nipped him with a sharp fang, effectively silencing him. The action was so strange and new that he couldn’t figure out where to begin. 

Satisfied by his silence, Xiao withdrew, eyes blinking owlishly as he examined Aether’s red-rimmed eyes. “Your questions are just as ridiculous as always, Traveler. Are humans not allowed to love, even if their goals lead them far away?”

Aether wanted to argue that he wasn’t half as human as many thought, but the argument was cut short, interrupted by the Yaksha pressing their foreheads together, eyes closed. “You can’t promise you’ll stay, just as I can’t promise my karma won't take me eventually. This is… fair enough.”

And it was, Aether realized. It really was. It would take time to process the whirlwind of a conversation they’d just gone through, but in Xiao’s arms, that didn’t seem too daunting a task. For now, they had the time, and the night was still young, with rumors still freshly spreading throughout the inn as Paimon finished her meal and blabbered on to Verr Goldett about one thing or another.  

Looking back to the night sky, he sighed, feeling a secure safety wrap itself around his heart, a certainty that despite all the unknowns of the world, he could at least have this. Xiao, just as silent, but comfortable, joined his gaze upward and sighed. “Perhaps,” he said after a time, voice breaking through the atmosphere of their shared emotions, “we can continue our earlier conversation. You said you had many stories about Sumeru. Could you tell me?”

Aether’s answering smile made his cheeks sore, but his eyes glittered in the starlight. And if their conversation continued well into the night, to be spotted by a few onlookers from the decks below for more gossiping rumors to spread along the harbor and beyond…

So be it.  Aether couldn’t bring himself to care anymore.

[orchideae]

With the end of of the event slowly approaching, I just need to say that... listen, Lantern Rite of 2024 was good, but I will hold the ending scene of Lantern Rite 2023 up to the skies like it's Simba into perpetuity and then some more. Not because it was my first Lantern Rite, but because it's everything that represents Liyue in every possible way. The goofiness of Hu Tao and Xinyan (listen, I know, it wasn't the greatest song, but even that has grown on me), the Qixing, Baizhu and the wonder on Qiqi's face that should be what everyone looks like when they first see the lanterns in the night sky, Xiao, the ascension of the lanterns into the skies, the crowd, Yaoyao's excitement (!!!!), Ganyu's little lantern, everyone, everyone. Ugh, 'May the year ahead be a blessed one - I believe it shall be' (the faith in his people, stop it), CLOUD RETAINER, the orchestra, Madame Ping's zither after the entire storyline, THE ORCHESTRA!! I'm fine about this game, I promise.

I just really love this game, and I really love Liyue.

P.S.: I'm still going to badger people for Lantern Rite threads.

[genshin-impact-updates]

Web Event "Iridescence in Papers" Now Online: Take part to obtain Primogems and other in-game rewards!

Blazing fireworks bloom brilliantly, as lucky stars shine upon us. Accompanied by a myriad of melodies, immerse yourself in the sea of iridescent papers.

Get together with your friends and prepare for Lantern Rite's stage performance!

>>Click to Take Part in Event<<

〓Event Duration〓

January 29, 2023 – February 7, 2023 23:59 (UTC+8)

*Rewards cannot be claimed after the event ends. Please claim them in time.

〓Eligibility〓

Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 10 or above can participate in this event.

〓Event Description〓

During the event, you can log in to Genshin Impact daily, complete Daily Commissions, consume Original Resin, and complete other missions to obtain the event item: paper.

You can use the pieces of paper to unlock scrolls and make collages from cut pieces of paper. Afterwards, you can obtain stage accessories to help your companions light up the stage. After the stage is lit, you can earn in-game rewards such as Primogems and other rewards as well as decorations to decorate the main stage with. Adjust the stage decorations and watch Hu Tao and her friends perform on stage to obtain more Primogems and other in-game rewards.

〓Obtain Paper〓

Travelers can obtain the event item: Paper through the following methods:

1. Complete the following actions in Genshin Impact and the web event every day: log into Genshin Impact every day, complete two Daily Commissions, consume 40 Original Resin, and complete other missions to receive the corresponding number of paper pieces.

2. Daily missions refresh at 04:00 (Server Time) each day. Unclaimed Paper will also be cleared by then. Please claim and use the Paper in time. Claimed Paper will not be cleared.

3. Consume a certain amount of paper to unlock different scrolls. There are five scrolls in total in the event. After a scroll is unlocked, you can repeat the challenge until the paper collage is complete.

*If Travelers try to visit the event around 04:00 daily (Server Time), which is when the daily missions refresh, there might be a brief network error. Please refresh your page if you encounter such a situation.

〓Paper Collage〓

1. After you consume a certain amount of paper to unlock scrolls, you can click on the scrolls to start creating the collage.

2. When carrying out paper cutting, you need to cut out the shape of the part with a single stroke along the dotted lines on the paper. The cut will fail if you don't follow the dotted line, break the line while cutting, or you don't complete the shape properly.

3. The paper will not be consumed if the cutting fails, and you can try again multiple times.

4. After you successfully cut out the main parts, you will enter the collage phase (Paimon will help you cut out the rest of the pieces).

5. When making the collage, you need to put the pieces in the area indicated by the dotted line. After placing all the pieces in the right places and assembling the complete object, the assembly will be considered successful.

*If you quit in the middle of the paper collage process, your progress will not be saved but your Paper will not be consumed. Travelers can try the paper cutting and collage processes many times.

*If Travelers start making the collage around 04:00, which is when the Daily Missions and Stamina refresh, there might be a brief network error. Please refresh your page if you encounter such a situation.

〓Stage Decorations〓

1. When you complete the paper collage, you will receive a corresponding object. Place the corresponding object on the appropriate companion to light up the scroll.

2. Each time the scroll is lit, you will receive stage decorations from your companions. You can click the "Decorate" button on the home page and decorate the stage according to your preferences.

〓Event Rewards〓

Unlock all the scrolls and complete the collage challenge, decorate the stage, and watch the show to receive Primogems ×120, Mystic Enhancement Ore ×8, Hero's Wit ×12, and Mora ×100,000.

*The in-game rewards will be distributed via in-game mail. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the rewards in time.

*This web event is provided purely for entertainment. It is not indicative of any related gameplay features in Genshin Impact.

[stardustdiiving]

Ok I think if I were to rank the lantern rites I personally participated in it would be

1) 2023 lantern rite

2) 2022 lantern rite

3) 2024 lantern rite

Thoughts on this year’s lantern rite (2024) under the cut (vague spoilers)

This year’s was the weakest to me :( I liked how the previous years they made an effort to get most of the Liyue cast involved but there was barely anyone this year not to mention we end the quest in Fontaine❓❓I like the fontaine cast but also I am a little sick of fontaine after 3 consecutive patches of it in a row I’m not really interested in being there for lantern rite….that’s the peak Liyue event and I’m very biased bc I LOVE Liyue

I feel the previous two years they did a great job of giving new Liyue characters focus, having other region cameos etc without it being overwhelming and making lantern rite feel too small & concentrated on specific things. I like ga-ming’s little plotline and how he and xianyun being there build a theme of parental bonds but No Liyue harbor friend group gang??? Even in passing? It felt so empty 😔 and I was happy to see Xiao because he’s my favorite but honestly him being there without alot of the Liyue cast spread out just felt kind of forced to me JDJFNJFFN

I wonder if maybe they should’ve done what they did for 2022 where they dropped the Shenhe Jade chamber rebuilding quest at the same time for Ga-Ming so we have more screen time to regulate to the overall cast and not just him? IDK!! At the very least I wish most Liyue characters got a proper cameo in the main cutscene, I think they’re in the background but it’s so easy to miss…they don’t even have to talk I just want to see them walking around!! I was a little ok with it but after the 4th part was just like. 80% fontaine characters I was like MAN. WHAT…. Just kind of underwhelmed . Oh well

I had fun with it…but I had such an ABSOLUTE blast with the last two years this is just a little disappointing. I just came out of this one wanting to go rewatch 2023’s. It had everything. Liyue cast harbor gang. Fun cutscene with everyone. Xiao. Venti’s cameo was handled in a fun way. They gave me the insanity of a zhongvenxiao dinner party . ADEPTUS YURI. fun cameos with like everyone in a way that felt pretty intuitive. I loved it omg. The main plus I can think of for 2024 lantern rite is I’m a big fan of the teapot furnitures. That is all……..

[lovelyney]

⎯⎯ CHAPTER TWO, A BREATH OF FRESH AIR❞

DESC. one the first day of your rehabilitation, Kazuha decides he wants to walk you around the harbor!

WARNINGS. none that i can think of ♡ enjoy some cute moments between you and Kazu! (:

FLORIST’S NOTE. i did not know that the main event of lantern rite would only be two days long this year ‹/3 sobs

SONG. Oh Death ― SUGR?

PREV. 《 MASTERLIST 》 NEXT.

©2023 loveloxcked ― please don’t translate, upload or copy.❞

STIRRING awake, your (COLOR) irises fluttered open, finding Kazuha opening the curtains to allow the warm sunlight to soak into the room. you let out a quiet whine at the unwanted glare and shoved your face more profound into your pillows. 

Kazuha chuckled lightly and took a seat next to you. “the sun has risen for the day, hummingbird — which means it’s time for you too, as well. surely you’ve gotten enough rest, hm?” he crooned. 

yesterday after your arms were properly treated, Kazuha and Xiao let you rest for the remaining of the day, recognizing how much you desired to get some peaceful sleep — proven by the dark circles shadowed under your eyes.

“hnnnm, do i have to?” you murmured and hugged the duvets closer against your figure, having no desire to get out of your comfy position.

the boy chuckled softly, “i’m afraid so, kaze. we’re taking a walk around Liyue Harbor today, and i’d rather not have you walking around like a zombie.” gently grabbing your bandaged hand with his own, he pulled you up to face him — his smile growing wider at your sleepy expression. “cute…” he thought as he carefully brushed the hair out of your eyes.

you rubbed your eyes and looked around the room, “where’s Xiao?” you wondered. 

“he said he had some adeptal duties to deal with as of today. so it’s just going to you and me today. he said he’d make up for it tomorrow,” he replied as he softly combed through your bedhead; he fought back a smile when you nuzzled your cheek into the palm that kept your head elevated. “say dove. do you think you’d be comfortable with meeting new people? i’d like to introduce you to a close friend of mine today. she’s a little. . . outgoing. granted, i think she’d like you a lot.”

you tensed slightly at the ask, your head almost immediately flooding with the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ you knew you couldn’t stay trapped in your cage forever. you questioned, “what—what is she to you? like. . . how do you know her?”

Kazuha tilted his head curiously and set a fresh set of clothes in your lap to change into. “well, i’d say she’s like my older sister, although we aren’t at all related by blood. she happened to take me in when i needed somewhere to stay and hid me when danger sought me out,” he informed, observing as your gaze saddened at the mention of a family member. he pressed on, “your situation stays between me and Xiao, (NAME) i promise you that with all my heart. in no way am i going to put you in harm’s way by saying something you don’t wish me to.”

you sighed worriedly, “alright, i suppose i’ll trust your better judgment.”

he nodded, a fulfilled smile curving on his lips. “it delights me to hear that, dove. get dressed, and we’ll start our day, mhm? i’ll wait for you on the other side of the door,” he cooed and pressed his lips to your forehead before leaving so you couXld get changed. 

dragging out a gradual breath, you reached to touch where his lips feathered over. Kazuha certainly was affectionate, wasn’t he? not like you necessarily objected to it; you found it pacifying after being starved from physical touch for so long.

after you finished getting dressed, you took a brief look in the mirror and smoothed the small wrinkles. the outfit was much more formal than what you’d usually wear; it had you wondering how he picked it out.

Kazuha, who was talking to Verr Goldet at the time, turned to you as you left the bedroom; his vermillion eyes crinkled as he drank in the sight of you. “ah, there you are, hummingbird. i must say i did a satisfactory job choosing you an outfit. . . you look breathtaking.” he flattered and grabbed your hand when you reached his side. “that aside, are you ready?”

your breath gets captured in your throat as his words shoot an arrow directly through your heart. was he always this flirty, or was it just towards you? you hoped it was the latter. . . 

shifting your weight, you nodded, feeling yourself shrink a little at the tenderness that glistened in his eyes. not to mention, he was holding your hand! your heartbeat thumped in your ears as he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

he smiled at your bashfulness and turned to Verr Goldet. “alright, we’ll be off, Verr. we should be back by sunset. take care,” he said.

your anxiety climbed higher as the two of you neared the harbor, the fear of not knowing what to expect plaguing your mind. you murmured, “hey, Kazuha. . . how busy is it there? like in the harbor.” 

the boy let out a thoughtful hum, “well, on normal occasions, it isn’t too busy. however, since Lantern Rite is around the corner, i’d expect it to be quite lively,” he informed.

you lamented, “ah, i completely forgot about lantern rite…” 

Kazuha frowned with a curious tilt of his head. “hm? why do you sound so discouraged, dove? do you normally not celebrate it?”  

your teeth sunk into the inside of your cheek, and your mind whirled with the proper way to phrase your answer without giving away too much. “not in a way that i would’ve liked. . . Qingce Village is quite far from the festival itself, so i never got to see the lanterns; let alone make one,” you explained. 

he nodded sympathetically. “i see. . . well, that’s one of the reasons why we’re going, is it not? for you to experience the things you wished you could — the things you deserved to see.” he expressed. “there’s a stall i know of that lets you make lanterns. how about we stop there when we’re finished with everything?”  

you opened your mouth to speak but quickly fell silent, his words registering in your mind. “i’d like that a lot…” 

“then it’s decided.”

upon reaching Liyue Harbor, you shambled attentively behind your friend, watching with trembling eyes as people happily chatted and roamed the city. you held your breath as people closely passed by, their eyes briefly settling on you before continuing to amble on. “please don’t tell me they recognize me. please don’t tell me—”

“haha, not used to big crowds?” 

you swung around, a bit startled by the unusual voice, to be confronted by a woman with long off-white hair, her warm golden eyes searing directly through yours. your throat tightened as you searched your mind for something to say.

Kazuha recognized your apprehension and nudged you slightly behind him, allowing you time to calm yourself. he smiled kindly, “pleasure to see you, Ningguang. this is (NAME), a friend of mine. this is her first time in the harbor, so she’s a little nerve stricken.”

She nodded and offered you a gentle yet reassuring smile. “aw, is that so? welcome to Liyue Harbor, (NAME). as Kazuha said, my name is Ningguang; i’m the tianquan at the Liyue Qixing.” she greeted. 

quickly composing yourself, you sheepishly peeked your head over the anemo user’s shoulder and returned the act. “a—as to you, Ningguang! and thank you.” 

Kazuha lovingly reached his hand up and ruffled your hair, presenting you a little consolation. “i’m surprised to see you out in the city, Ningguang. i thought you’d be in the Jade Chamber preparing the Lantern Rite preparations,” he pointed out. 

“i strived to finish them a bit more earlier this year so that everyone could take the time to enjoy themselves; i’m just taking a walk around to make sure everything’s in order. . . it seems Liyue is just as excited as always.” the woman’s regard traveled to his hand in yours, her eyes discreetly lighting up. “how about you, lovebirds? what brings you here on such a busy day?” 

ripples of hot air washed over your face at the question. “u—um! we aren’t—” stutters spilled from your lips as you scrambled to deny that you two were, in fact, not dating. you turned to Kazuha, who stared at you amused, and shook his arm frantically as to say, say something!

the blonde chuckled, drinking in your flustered expression. “archons, that shade of red certainly suits her.” he thought before looking back at Ningguang. “this is (NAME)’s first time celebrating Lantern Rite, so i’m showing her around to ensure we don’t miss anything,” he explained. “have you seen Beidou at all today? i’d like them to meet.”  

Ningguang arched an eyebrow, “oh? is that so? i’m sure she’ll adore you, (NAME). she should still be at the docks. when you do see her, tell her to keep out of trouble, will you?” 

“i’m certain of it as well, and of course, i will. take care, Ningguang; happy Lantern Rite.” he chuckled and gestured for you to follow behind him.

you bowed your head to the girl, a shy smile outlined on your lips when you bid her goodbye before catching up to Kazuha.

your mind aimlessly wandered to how Kazuha didn’t dismiss Ningguang’s claim that you two were dating; i mean, she didn’t bluntly say it, but surely she assumed it by calling you two lovebirds, right? or maybe you were just overthinking it all. . .

“little dove? are you feeling unwell? how come you’ve grown silent?” the boy worried and stroked your inner wrist with his thumb, his gentle touch bringing you back to reality.

you shook your head dismissively. you quickly reassured, “n—no! i’m feeling fine. sorry, i’m just. . . thinking.” you prayed the faint crimson on your cheeks wasn’t prominent. spoiler alert: it was.

he nodded, smiling innocently; he knew exactly what you were thinking about. “how about we stop and eat somewhere? i know you haven’t eaten yet, and Wanmin Restaurant is known for its delicious meals,” he proposed.

as soon as he said that, your senses were enveloped in the aroma of spices. you sighed, “now that you mention it, i am pretty hungry. i didn’t bring any mora with me, though...”

Kazuha hooked his fingers under your chin and lifted your head, scarlet irises dimly lit with attachment. “good thing this is my treat, yes?” cooed the blonde as he pressed his lips to your forehead. “come, let’s sit. i’ll buy you anything you’d like.”  

you swallowed hard and sat down next to him, freezing up as he offered you a menu. “at least let me pay you back when i get the chance.” you huffed and skimmed through the variety of different foods.

“(NAME), i said this is my treat, did i not? if you’re really so troubled over repaying me, you can do it by enjoying yourself.”

you grimaced, your shoulders slumping in defeat. “but i feel like you’re doing so much for me, and i’m offering nothing in return...” you murmured, gaze drawn away from him in discomfiture.

the boy delivered a light sigh and lifted your hand to kiss your inner wrist, the butterflies in your stomach fluttering hurriedly to their next blossom. “kaze. please lay your worries to rest. you mustn’t give anything to me; you’ve given enough of yourself to the world. . . let me help repay its debt, yes?” he expressed. “now. . . what would you like to eat?”  

AFTER EATING⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⟢

sighing in satisfaction, you sipped the remaining broth in your black-perch stew. Kazuha certainly wasn’t lying when he said Wanmin Restaurant had delicious food.

“aaahh~ that was delicious!” you squealed and set the bowl down. “thanks so much, Xiangling! you’re such an excellent cook!” 

the girl giggled, “it makes me so happy to hear that! it’s my own recipe!” her hands excitedly tapped against the marble counter; “oh! oh! how are you spending Lantern Rite?” 

you laughed sheepishly and signaled to Kazuha, who talked to Xinyan about something. “err—well, i’m not too sure what the plan is, but Kazuha said he had something in mind,” you said.

her eyes lit up to rival the lanterns that hung in the city. “oho~ spending it with your boyfriend now, are you? hehe, how romantic!” she bubbled.

your eyes flew open as you frantically shook your head in protest. you spluttered, “nonono! Xiangling, we—we aren’t dating! i only officially met Kazuha yesterday!”

just as you finished speaking, you felt Kazuha’s hand wrap comfortably around yours. “you ready to head out, kaze?” he asked and fit his fingers between yours with a guiltless smile.

“you are NOT helping.” you couldn’t help but think as you hopped from your seat. “yeah! i’m ready!” you exclaimed and turned to your new pyro friend(s), your countenance falling when you regarded how xiangling smirked. “w—what’s with that look?” 

“are you sure you aren’t—” 

“yesXianglingi’msure!”

Xinyan chuckled, “aww, you two are the cutest! it was nice meeting ya, (NAME)! you gotta come to one of my performances sometime! i’d love to have ya!”

tiredly sighing, you reached your non-occupied hand up and ruffled your hair. “you as well, Xinyan! i’ll try and see if i can stop in sometime and see you perform,” you replied. “thank you guys so much for your hospitality; it means a lot.”

Xiangling smiled, her hands firmly set on her hips. “aww! of course, (NAME)! please feel free to stop by any time.” she chirped and waved you goodbye.

as the two of you ambled forward, your eyes lingered on yours and Kazuha’s hands — still lovingly cradling one another. no wonder people thought you two were together; he’s practically had a hand on you the entire day. it had you considering how he didn’t feel partially humiliated at the speculations. you didn’t have a vision, and those who did (aka, Kazuha) were highly regarded in the eyes of everyone. did he not find it embarrassing to be seen holding hands with someone who wasn’t on the same status as him?

being too engrossed in your self-deprecation, you hadn’t recognized you two had already reached the ship docks. you nervously surveyed the surroundings, watching as kids excitedly darted past you. feeling your anxiety start to swallow you, your grip on Kazuha’s hand slightly tightened.

in return, Kazuha slid his thumb over your wrist in small circles. “deep breaths, hummingbird. i promise you’re safe with me,” he soothed. 

you nodded silently, not noticing how his eyes paused on each passerby to ensure they weren’t gawking at you.

Kazuha halted at one of the ships. “good evening, Beidou,” he greeted a woman with deep brown hair, her hands going through some boxes.

a pair of ruby eyes peeked up and fixed on the two of you. “Kazuha! i’ve been wondering where you ran off to. who is this you have here?” crowed the woman as she dusted herself off. 

he smiled gently and held up your intertwined fingers. “Beidou, this is (NAME), a dear friend of mine. (NAME), this is Beidou, the leader of the Crux Fleet.” he introduced.

Beidou grinned, kindly offering her hand to you. “it’s nice to meet you, (NAME)! any friend of Kazuha’s is a friend of mine!” she beamed, eyes aimlessly wandering to your guys’ close proximity. “a friend, eh? it’s about time you got yourself a little girlfriend, Kazu! you two are adorable! make sure i get an invite to the wedding.”

you blinked rapidly, your heart jumping a beat at the word wedding. archons, these claims only keep getting bolder, don’t they? you let out a quiet gasp, feeling Kazuha’s arm curl around your waist and pull you tight against his side. 

the boy chuckled, fingers softly drumming against your hip. “haha, sure thing, Beidou; you’ll be the first to know. this is actually her first time in the city, and her nerves have quite the hold on her. would you mind offering some words of advice? you’re one of the bravest people i know, and i thought it’d be rather fitting,” he acknowledged.

she nodded, her grin growing broader at the color in your cheeks. “aw, you flatter me, Kazu! and, of course, i will! please, come on board! i’ll get you guys something to drink!” she chorused.

Kazuha nudged you slightly forward,“no need to be shy, hummingbird. Beidou may be very extroverted, but you’ll find her to be a sweetheart.” he assured and stepped on the boat.

you gulped, eyes merely focused on how the ship steadily rocked back and forth. you couldn’t help but think that if you were to misstep, you’d fall directly into the ocean. . . in front of Kazuha. why did such a thought cross your mind? you weren’t sure. 

the ronin hummed and held his hand out, “take my hand. i promise i won’t let you fall,” he said as if he read your mind. 

as you hesitantly slipped your hand in his, you carefully set foot on Beidou’s ship. you yelped as it swayed, causing you to stumble into Kazuha’s chest from the sudden motion.

his hands swiftly rested on your hips to help stabilize you, only retreating when the movement fully came to a stop. “are you alright?” he muttered against your hair.

your breath hitched as you remembered your position. quickly pulling away, tidal waves of magma flooded your system. “ah! i—i’m so sorry about that, Kazu!” you frantically apologized, your eyes anywhere but his.

Kazuha innocently tilted his head, his lips pursing into a sweet smile as blush tinted his cheeks. “did—did you just call me Kazu. . .?”

“shit.”

SUNDOWN⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⟢

you tiredly hung onto Kazuha’s arm as the end of the day wrote itself into existence faster than expected; at that moment, you realized how grateful you were that Kazuha had refused Beidou’s offer of alcohol.

Kazuha let out a quiet chuckle, one of his hands brushing away the strands of hair that curtained your eyes. “as much as you’re adorable when you’re sleepy, dove, we still have to make our lanterns. afterward, i’ll carry you the rest of the way back. does that sound good?” he crooned softly.

you answered groggily, “i’ll be fine...” letting go of your hold on his arm, you attempted to stand upright and wake yourself up. “sorry for acting so yawn clingy. . . ’m just really tired.” 

Kazuha simpered, staring at you with the gentleness of the breeze in the early mornings. “i, in no way, object to you holding on to me, (NAME). i think it’s rather cute…” he cooed, voice as quiet and delicate as a feather. 

“there you two are. . . shouldn’t you be back at the inn?” a gruff voice said from behind you two.

Kazuha stiffened and tucked you safely behind him, only to sigh in relief to see the voice belonged to Xiao. “ah, there you are, Xiao. i was wondering where you might be off to. (NAME) and i were just about to go make a lantern before returning; would you want to join us?” he informed, feeling himself relax as one of your hands coiled around his bicep.

the conqueror of demons scoffed, “i don’t care for mortal rituals, so i’ll have to decline—” he jolted at the feeling of you clutching his wrist. 

shaking your head, you stubbornly glared at him. “like hell you are! if we’re doing this, then we’re doing it together!” you interjected proudly and dragged him over to the stand — your other hand still wrapped around Kazuha.

“excuse me—”

“why, hello, you three! would you guys like to make a lantern?” the lady greeted cheerfully.

“yes, we would, please.” laughed Kazuha, playfully glowering at Xiao, who opened his mouth to protest. he turned to you, smiling warmly as the golden light of the lanterns adorned your (COLOR) irises. “do you have anything in mind for your wish, (NAME)?”

Xiao felt himself freeze as your head tiredly fell to his shoulder. “archons, could this girl get any more careless? what if my karmic debit infects her?” he thought worriedly, though he made no effort to move. “well? you better have something in mind if you’re dragging me into this.” he grumbled, choosing to ignore the ripples of warmth clouding his chest.

Kazuha smiled and leaned against you, causing xiao to shift a little uncomfortably. “your expression gives away your true feelings, dear adeptus.” he hummed.

“d—don’t speak such nonsense! y—you have no idea what i’m thinking!”

smiling somnolently to yourself, you picked up the pen and scribbled down your wish, the warmth of kazuha and xiao nearly lulling you to sleep.

“in these next few days, i wish to rekindle a new love for life and (hopefully) keep these two close in the process ♥”

LITTLE EXTRA⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⟢

“you sure don’t want me to carry them, Xiao? you seem a little flustered,” Kazuha teased slightly, already knowing the answer to the question.

 “i’m—i’m certain, Kazuha. you’ve done your share for today...” Xiao uttered and looked down at you, peacefully asleep in his arms. 

the latter chuckled, “yes, certainly, that is the only reason why you decided to carry them...”

FLORIST’S NOTE 02. i don’t want to talk about how LONG this to took to write omg ‹/3 i’m SO sorry y’all. i really wasn’t expecting the event to be only two days and there was no many roadblocks that i couldn’t even finish within the timespan of the 14ish days it kept going. is this something you guys are still interested in? should i keep it going? does it matter that lantern rite is over? 😭😭 let me know.

CUSTOMERS. @eimuros ― @miaoxi ― @oceanbluesixeyes ― @apple-ai ― @izzyandviolins ― @tsuyumbrella ― @dark-knight-hero