#also lantern rite story was so sweet

[unu-nunu-art]

I doodled new best Liyue boi Gaming 🏮

[starsandthorn]

HUG TECHNOLOGY!!!!!

[idcallmyselfhuman]

XiaoAether Masterlist 👹⛅

Edit: version 2.0 here

Or, every XiaoAether moment that I can remember (and an attempt to organize them)

Starting this off with the one scene that made us all go "wait a fucking minute" at the very start of the game,

Battle of Osial

Aether's feet were already steadied. Xiao could've let go, or let him fall as gracefully as Mountain Shaper did to that guard (I would've hated him forever) but considering that he insists that being near mortals is such a biiiig no-no, he could have, but he didn't. No, even more, he fucking tightened his hold.

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Teyvat Food Notes (Sweet Dream, Adeptus' Temptation and Satisfying Salad)

Next! The promotionals during Xiao's release as a playable character. Specifically, Teyvat Food Notes. To celebrate his release, they made an Almond Tofu + Sweet Dream Food blog.

Note: Both google translate and Papago seem to use Mandrill instead of Xiao, so... just know that's who it's talking about.

This is where we learn that Xiao didn't even make "Sweet Dream"; this dish was Aether's thank you gift to him. Xiao's specialty dish is a gift from Aether. I'm- agh. ANYWAY.

We actually also see Sweet Dream in Childe's birthday art. And I'm really sorry to Tartaglia but seeing it stole all his thunder. I could not get over it.

I like to think Aether was so busy making Childe food that he absentmindedly started preparing Almond Tofu in the way he's used to (because of how often Xiao requests it :'> ).

Just when I thought that was it for the Teyvat Food Notes and I could've moved on, I found this in the Adeptus' Temptation food note; the one they made for the first Lantern Rite.

Note: "Fairy/Buddha Jump over the Wall" is apparently an actual Chinese delicacy that the Adeptus' Temptation is based on!

I found this part really cute, especially right now because of the poetry event. Since the beginning, Aether's always known that Xiao was capable of being poetic, it just took them being close and his encouragement for Xiao to actually make a poem.

Lastly, Aether's Satisfying Salad. This isn't connected to the food blog this time (since that one's for Mona), but rather, this and Almond Tofu are the first dishes Aether has ever given Xiao in the game. I included this despite it being pretty minor because in Moonlight Merriment, Smiley Yanxiao actually brings this up again.

Smiley Yanxiao: The boss told me to take care of him, but this guy, let me tell you - he is one tough nut to crack. He usually turns his nose up at everything that isn't Almond Tofu.

Xiao willingly ate something that wasn't Almond Tofu because... because what, it was given to him by a cute blonde traveler? The jury's still out on that one.

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Lantern Rite 1.3, Baizhu Story Quest

I'm sure we're already familiar with this scene, right?

The very first time Xiao promised Aether that no matter what, as long as he calls his name, he'll be there. Right after that was Moonlight Merriment, where the game literally specifies that Xiao made that promise just for Aether. Way to make your commitment subtle.

Ah, Xiao, you're so easy... Of course, this wouldn't be the last time that Aether calls for him and Xiao arrives immediately. This also happened during Baizhu's story quest to, yet again, the astonishment of everyone around excluding these two. (Xiao's dedication is one of a kind)

Xiao worries over Aether often, despite knowing that they're both formidable in their own right. I also think it's sweet how every time they meet, Xiao's departing words are always a reminder to call for him whenever needed, to the point where there are times that Aether just goes "Yeah, we know." before he can even finish the sentence.

Unfortunately, though, there is one time where Xiao failed to reach Aether when he called him, but only because he physically wasn't able to.

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Perilous Trail (Interlude)

The only thing that prevented this man from getting to Aether like always was being in a different plane of existence. Romeo and Juliet wish they were this romantic istfg

Aether: Come find us.

Xiao: No.

Yanfei: But Aether's in trouble!

Xiao: How do we meet?

Now where else did someone pull this tactic recently-

...Again, XIAO YOU ARE SO EASY. But anyway, back to the Chasm bc I wasn't quite done with that-

As soon as Yanfei tells Aether that Xiao is awake, Ae comes running. Just full on "stop saying you're fine i'll be the judge of that"

And he looks so angry when Xiao brings up writing a will. augguh they are sooooo- (i would put a reaction pic here if i didn't have an IMAGE LIMIT fuck tumblr bro)

To finish off the Chasm Interlude on a more serious note, this entire conversation was really touching, and I love seeing the progress these two have made over the years. Xiao letting himself open up with Aether's help year by year is one of my favorite things about this game.

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Teapot and Character Voice Lines + Birthday Letters

For the first and second Lantern Rite, Xiao was still adamant on not even stepping foot in Liyue Harbor, declining every invitation to go there because of how much he disliked being near mortals.

Yet in his teapot voicelines, once you reach a high enough friendship with him, Xiao actually takes the initiative to invite Aether to go to the city, if only to understand him better. Xiao explicitly says that his willingness to go to the harbor was for him.

More About Xiao I: I'm willing to protect you.But don't think about getting close, and stay out of my way, or all that awaits you is regret.

More About Xiao V: It's too late. The connection between us is too strong. Even if you wanted to, it's too late to sever it. Hm? You've never thought to sever it?

About Shenhe: It seems Shenhe places a great deal of trust in you. Well, how could she not. There are few people in the world as kind and good-natured as you.

Shenhe, About Xiao: My first impression of him was that he's not one to smile. After meeting him again more recently, however, he's still as reserved as ever, but… he seems a lot more relaxed now. Maybe he… met someone special.

That line by Shenhe made me happy. Aether's effect on Xiao benefitted not only him, but the people surrounding Xiao as well. We even see that in his birthday letters, where at the most recent one, he follows Ae's advice and goes to spend time with old friends.

They're also all just insanely romantic, I feel like that goes without saying. Every year, I wonder how Genshin would possibly top the one before it that isn't just an explicit confession of undying love.

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Lantern Rite '23

I'm here to remind you all of a beautiful scene that should never be forgotten for years to come.

Regardless of Genshin trying to be mysterious and making us guess who saved Aether, the fact that they both came rushing over is incredible on its own. They know that Aether isn't a damsel in distress, and Paimon's acting was so on the nose, but they still couldn't allow even the slightest possibility of harm to come to him.

Xiao looking away and talking in circles just to say he really was worried is the funniest fucking thing.

For the Lantern Rite event itself, if you've read this far in, you're probably already familiar. I really wish there wasn't an image limit because I have so many screenshots I want to put in here. If you want a refresher, watch this and start around the 2-hour mark

I wanted to put my own video in the post but you can only put one :/// I'm fist fighting whoever put these limits. 1 video file and 30 images? who are you

BACK TO THE TOPIC

There really isn't much I could say that I haven't already said before. For XiaoAether shippers, this was hoyo spoonfeeding content on a silver spoon. It's Aether and Xiao at their most comfortable with each other, talking and spending time with the people they care about. It's Aether fulfilling his end of the bargain of bailing Xiao out of uncomfortable social situations, because if you haven't noticed throughout all of these examples (or even outside of that), Aether is so perceptive when it comes to the comfort of the people around him.

This was also the event where we find out that for Xiao, the most distinguished guest in his eyes was Aether (Even though Ae thought he was going to say Zhongli..)

I have a lot of love for this event. But since this isn't just a lantern rite post, I'll move on.

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Waterborne Poetry

The catalyst for this post. The reminder of how lovely this ship is, and how far these two have come.

As we have all learned from Xiangling, Yanfei, Venti and Hu Tao, you only need to mention Aether's name to convince Xiao of whatever it is you're planning. The part where Aether and Team Chongyun were trying to convince him to come with them and touch some fucking grass was really cute.

This event and the previous Lantern Rite also had Aether and Xiao talking privately, only to get interrupted by Paimon/Xiangling (as well as calling them out lmao)

And, of course, the scene that everyone freaked out over,

This. I don't think I'll ever get over this.

The fact that they had Zach voice this- A short, but sweet moment where Aether looks at Xiao from afar and immediately gets inspired, performing a poem where the real meaning is shared only between the two of them...

And Xiao's smile.

An expression that Aether had done so well to bring out.

2023 was the year of XiaoAether. Thank you, Hoyo.

-

Done! I HAVE SO MANY SCREENSHOTS AND I COULDN'T EVEN USE MOST OF THEM ToT. I actually had clips that I edited but Tumblr said no. Good thing there's YouTube.

Another reason as to why I made this was because some shippers said that XiaoAe didn't make sense because it lacked depth and I was so affronted by it that I did all this out of spite (and love for these characters. mostly love.)

[milk-breadx]

I Love You 'til The End of The Line; childe

childe x gn!reader

a/n: THIS EITHER SOUNDS INTERESTING OR REALLY STUPID BUT HEAR ME OUT 🧍‍♂️ (also Happy Birthday loml Ajax 🥳)

Angst! Hanahaki disease AU!

You've heard of it, never thought of it to be true until you, yourself were spitting out bloody flowers. But how could this happen? You're in a relationship.

part 2

word count: 3,105

warnings: throwing up, lotta hugging, emotional cheating

Loving Ajax hurt, but you don't regret it one bit.

Working for the Tsaritsa has made his schedule hectic, barely having any time for anything else. Despite his work schedule, you two made it work. The few weeks he'd be in town, you two would be glued to the hip. Almost always within each other's presence that no one could see one of you without seeing the other. You'd be at his house, playing with him and his younger siblings until they fell asleep and you could relax with Ajax, wrapped in blankets by the fireplace. Then the next few months, letters would be sent back and forth until the day you could hold Ajax in your arms again.

After making more than 4 years together, you and Ajax have gotten used to your long distance relationship. The excitement of being able to see each other again after way too long never faded, but now it felt...soft? Like when he's about to leave, you know you're gonna see him again. Goodbyes are replaced with an 'I'll see you soon' and when you finally hold each other again, he gives you that warm smile that says ‘I'm finally home.’ 

It was a gentle type of love. Sweet & Simple.

Maybe that's why it happened. It got boring.

With the limited time you have with your partner in Snezhnaya, you suggested visiting him while he's in Liyue. He, of course, was overjoyed with the suggestion and immediately started planning the trip, the places he'd take you, the time of year you should go, etc. 

Now came the time you were set to board the boat bound for Liyue's port. 

At first, you thought it was just some sea sickness when you first found yourself feeling dizzy and wanting to throw up, but the closer and closer you got to Liyue, it became clearer and clearer. 

Your eyes widened as you stared at the yellow tulip covered in blood you coughed up. Hanahaki disease? Impossible. You were loved back by the one you love the most. He even helped set up your whole stay in Liyue so you could see him. This revelation only made your trip worse as it made you question your relationship as flower after flower escaped your lips. How could your 4, almost 5, year long relationship end like this?

By the time you got to the port of Liyue, you started to feel pain in your lungs after every cough. You still couldn't believe it. The very thought of dying by this awful disease- heck, you don't even understand how you got it in the first place.

But you were about to find out really soon.

Ajax's open arms greeted you as you walked down the ramp from the boat, a small smile adorning his face. For a moment, you forgot about the pain in your chest and jogged into his arms. After brief greetings and a long-awaited kiss, Ajax grabs your bags and leads you through the city, explaining how Liyue Harbor is preparing for this year's Lantern Rite Festival.

As you walk hand-in-hand through the city, examining the different buildings and decorations set up, his eyes land on something. But before you could look at what he was looking at, he was already dragging you there. When he finally stopped, you found yourself in the presence of someone. 

Dressed in clothes you've never seen before, with blond hair and golden eyes, they stand before you. You've heard stories of the traveler mostly from Ajax, but stories about them have already been floating around Snezhnaya since the day they saved Mondstadt. Word travels fast, and with the addition of your partner's first-hand experience with them, you're quite overwhelmed to be standing there knowing what the traveler has been up against. And now, as Ajax introduces you to each other, his words fade into the background. They hold out their hand to you for a handshake and you freeze for a moment, before hesitantly shaking their hand. 

This doesn't go unnoticed by your partner, quickly putting his hands on your shoulders and giving them a light squeeze. "I've told them about you," he explained to the traveler before turning to you. "You don't have to be nervous. They're a great warrior, but once you get to know them, they're really down to earth. You'll get along just fine," he whispered.

And get along you did. They were very nice and you've come to learn how they're going around Teyvat to look for their sibling. And their swordsmanship- wow did they know how to handle a blade. 

When Ajax invited you to watch them spar, you noticed their abilities and strategies in trying to push the other into a corner. Despite being young, Ajax had the strength and power that really proved he deserved a spot among the Fatui Harbingers. On the other hand, the traveler was able to hold their own and push your partner back even without wielding a vision.

You noticed the thrill and admiration in the Harbinger's eyes as he continuously battles the traveler. But even after the fight, his eyes still display that same admiration for them. You had suspicions at first, especially since you've been coughing out flowers despite being with your partner, but now those suspicions are being confirmed.

The excited tone he uses when he talks about being in battle with them, inviting them when you and him were out, even asking them to meet his family in Snezhnaya. The more you noticed it, the worse your condition grew. Up to the point both of them have started to notice how easily you get tired and how often you clutch your chest when you feel your heart burn.

They've asked about it a few times but you always reassured them that it was nothing and quickly switched to a topic you all can discuss. To get their full attention away from your state, you always change the topic to something relating to fighting. As skillful fighters, both of them had a lot to say. Even Paimon joins in on the conversation, usually to brag about the traveler's greatest battles and make remarks here and there.

You'd try to get in on the conversation too, but compared to what the harbinger and the esteemed traveler had been up against, was there really something you can brag about? That thought had kept you from saying much until you were in your own bubble and they were starting to forget you were there.

Unfortunately, this happened often during your stay in Liyue which only confirmed your suspicions even more.

When Childe had some free time, he'd take you out on a date. But most of the time, it wouldn't just be you two together. If spotted by him, he'd invite the traveler with you. 

"Hey traveler! Paimon! Come join us!" or "Is that the traveler and Paimon over there? Why don't we invite them to go to Luhua Pool with us tomorrow?"

On the occasions that it was indeed you two alone, he somehow always found something that reminded him of them and never forgets to mention it to you. 

"When Teucer came to Liyue out of the blue, he and the traveler followed me out here while I was baptizing the batch of new recruits. You should've seen their confused faces when I started talking about toys!" and "The traveler keeps giving me these starconches for some reason. If I were to count them all, they've given me over a hundred of these shells!"

He's mentioned many times before that he and the traveler are friends, even working together if Childe had some work to do that the traveler could help with. But after everything that's happened so far, it doesn't take a scholar to figure out he's begun falling for someone else.

The final nail on the coffin was during Lantern Rite. He promised to take you out to watch the fireworks together. For a while you were sitting by the staircase, watching the crowd and trying to find Childe amongst them but he was nowhere to be found. He said he'd be there by sundown so you can explore the festivities before the firework show began, but it's been almost an hour since the sun had set and he was still nowhere to be found. Maybe this was a bad idea - coming out here while you're sick. You felt another yellow tulip rising in your throat and quickly went somewhere private to cough it out. 

Looking at the bloody flower petals, you realize it, indeed, was a mistake to go out and you should’ve stayed at the hotel instead. So you made it out of the area and started to head back to your hotel.

"There you are!" A familiar voice calls. Your body was frozen as he and the traveler came up to you. "Sorry we’re late. We’ve been investigating a domain and we got lost track of time while we were examining the place. At least we’re here now, where have you been? I thought we were meeting by the docks?" He puts his arm around your shoulder as you laughed it off and hurriedly made an excuse.

Much to your dismay, they lead you back to the docks where multiple stalls were lined up. You were just following to wherever stall they'd head to next and accept the items Childe bought for you. He would offer to buy the same things for the traveler but sometimes they'd refuse and he'd give it to you, even if he bought you one already. He calls it 'an extra'.

Nothing had really caught your attention and you continued to just follow them as they walked and talked until your eyes landed on an interesting stall. You were about to point it out to your companions, until you saw how deep in conversation they were.

They seem to be in their own little world, talking about anything and everything, while you are lagging behind and watching the whole scene play out. 

And all you could think was how happy he looked being with them. Talking with them, probably about the many, many things he and the traveler had in common.

He just looks… happy. With that sparkle in his eye and his smile that never seems to disappear tonight.

He is happy. You know it.

He was killing you, and he didn't even know it.

Finally, you stopped walking and watched until you lost sight of them. The tightening feeling in your chest made you feel worse, but right now, you couldn't care less. At this point, it wouldn't matter if you joined them or not, it all felt the same. Instead of catching up to them, you  explored the rest of the festival, making some souvenir purchases and taking photos even if all of it was useless. Once you felt the tightening of your chest worsen, you knew it was time to head back to your hotel, quickly.

On the final night of your stay in Liyue, you were packing up the final items in your bags. The thought of staying crossed your mind multiple times. Maybe it was pointless to pack up, seeing as your condition has taken a turn for the worst and you might not even get back home to Morepesok alive. At that point, breathing made your lungs hurt and your chest burn. Maybe you should stay and spend the rest of your nights with Childe, if you should even tell him while knowing what he'd do if you did. But you decided against it, because everything he'd do would be out of guilt. He'd deny that he's fallen out of love and would take care of you 24/7 trying to convince himself that he still loves you, only to fail.

You lost your train of thought when the sound of knocking reached your ears. Opening the door revealed Childe with a cheeky smile. "What are you doing here?" you asked. "Well, it's your last night and I wanna go on a lil' walk with you." He stepped aside and put his arm out, gesturing for you to walk out with him. You thought about it and hesitantly stepped out of your room, quickly locking it behind you before following Childe out to the streets of Liyue.

The night was cold and there were only a handful of people who were also out. Most of which were taking down the decorations of the Festival. For the most part, you both were just silently admiring the quiet streets, bumping knuckles while walking. You were too busy taking one last look at the buildings around you to see the slight smirk on Childe's face as he grabbed your pinky with his own before fully holding your hands as if you two were teenagers first discovering your love for each other.

You felt your heartbeat quicken and subconsciously take a deep breath when your cold hand was in his warm one.

He took you around the city one last time before stopping with you on the bridge atop feiyun slope. He looks out to the many boats docked at the port until his eyes land on a certain one. Curious, you peek at what he's staring at too and your eyes land on a large passenger ship, probably the one you would be taking the next morning.

He sighs before looking at you. "I wish you could stay a little longer." He pouts just a little bit and pulls you in a hug. "But that's okay. My assignment here is almost finished so I'll be back home with you, and Anton, Tonia, and Teucer--" He doesn't know, "--You said there was a new restaurant, right? We could go--" He doesn't know, "--Just a little bit longer and I'll be home again very soon--" He doesn't know. In fact, does he even realize his feelings for you are fading?

"I-I should head back." The sudden volume of your voice stops him from saying anything further and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion at your statement. You were quick to notice this and even quicker to explain. "I'm not quite done packing yet and I have a long trip tomorrow and the boat leaves early. You should head to your quarters now too. Now that I have a sense of how busy you are, you need your rest."

He was still confused, but he let you go for the night. "I'll come get you in the morning, okay?" You nodded your head and tightly wrapped your arm around him, to which he was surprised but still hugs back before you let go and head back to your room.

You couldn't sleep the whole night. Time being used up by packing, thinking about your relationship with Childe, whether you should stay and tell him, and throwing up more yellow tulips. Before you knew it, it was time to board the boat and head home.

You walked out of the hotel with your head hung low and your bags in your arms, practically dragging them because it felt heavier, until someone picks them up for you.

You both talk a bit during the journey to the port, discussing whatever topic comes up. When you get there, your names are called out by Paimon who flies up to you both with the traveler trailing behind. "We just wanted to see you before you go," Paimon said.

"Paimon just gets emotional and will get upset if you leave without saying goodbye." The traveler adds, making everyone chuckle while Paimon gets embarrassed. 

"Thank you." You gave them a soft smile, at least it calms you down knowing Childe is gonna be taken care of well by the traveler. 

The traveler leaves you and Childe alone, which should relieve you a little bit; however, it only makes you dread the next and probably final moments you have with him.

You both avoid each other's gazes for a little bit before he finally speaks up and glances at you, "Take care of yourself until I get there, okay?" You only give him a curt nod, still not bothering to look him in his sapphire eyes. Afraid that if he even spared a glance into them, he'd notice how scared you are.

You grabbed your bags from his hands and were about to walk away, but you stopped yourself. Screw it. You dropped your bags and pulled him in a tight hug for the last time. He hugged you back, but not as tight because he doesn't know and now, he never will.

"I-" You started but the quiver in your lip and the tears starting to blur your vision made it difficult to speak. He doesn't speak, waiting for you to do so. He probably knows that you were about to shed tears, and for that he didn't say a word. But he did pull away from the hug to hold your face in his hands and wipe some of the tears away. 

"You mean everything to me, Childe," You started, "I don't ever regret loving you." You held on to his hands that were cupping your face, pulling them away and kissing his palms. "I'm gonna miss you. A lot." You try to give him a soft smile despite your red and teary eyes.

"I'm gonna miss you too." He responds. He was about to add something further but you needed to let him know first. "I love you. Way too much."

The call for the passengers to board the ship stopped you both from continuing the conversion and now, it was time to let go. You pull his hands from your face and let them go to pick up the bags you dropped on the ground. "Have a safe trip," He says while your hands tighten their grip on your luggage. 

"Take care of yourself, Childe." You gave him one last smile and turned to painfully walk away from him and toward the boat bound for Snezhnaya.

You don't look at him the rest of the way. Once on the boat, you set your bags and find a place to settle down. Once the boat departed from the port, you completely avoid looking at Liyue Harbor. For you were too afraid.

Loving Ajax hurt, but you don't regret it one bit.

His love lies with someone else now. Although that realization and its consequences hurt you, not once did you regret making memories with him. You love him with your whole heart and you will continue to do so until your last breath.

part 2

ajsdhfjashdfjshdf idk what this was 🥴

work by milk-breadx. DO NOT COPY/REPOST/MODIFY WORKS WITHOUT PERMISSION

[chickenkupo]

Treasure Hoard

Summary: As Neuvillette returns from his spontaneous trip from Liyue and delivers some gifts to Wriothesley, the duke starts to notice odd things happening around their shared living space. More objects keep appearing in their bedroom, treasures that don't make sense to Wriothesley such as shells, trinkets, gemstones and even various different type of tea cups. He swears up and down he hasn't been the one to purchase any of these goods, and when questioning Sigewinne about it, she's just as lost as he is.

What exactly is going on, and why does Neuvillette seem so pleased with himself?

Recommendations before reading: This little short story is a continuation of I Promise and Now For the Next Act. But, if you don't feel like really reading those, just know that Wriothesley and Neuvillette are mates, and they live together in a little sanctuary in Fontaine that was created for Neuvillette specifically by the Focalors.

Also, I'd highly suggest playing through the Lantern Rite event. I did most of it tonight and it was amazing and the adorableness of Neuv and Wrio was just MMMMM.

Warnings: This is a tame work, a little cute fluff treat. I told ya'll I'd be keeping you fed the week of Valentine's, and I meant it, so take this as a little sweet treat for you all. A Tumblr exclusive, if you will. You all have been wonderful to me here, and I'm glad to bring some entertainment to your days.

NOTE: This has not been beta-read, and I'm literally just typing this up on the Tumblr page thingie so it's gonna be a mess, but we are going to have some fun.

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Wriothesley scratched his head as he took in the sight before him. In their shared bed lied a copious amount of seashells, scattered in every direction. Some were small, others almost comically large, but all of them unique in their vast differences in coloration and patterns. In fact, a lot of these shells were ones that he had never seen along the shores of Fontaine before, so he began to wonder just where exactly did this come from, and who would have done this.

Okay, let's be real. Neuvillette would have torn up anyone that had dared crossed into their chambers that wasn't himself or Sigewinne. Wriothesley had already confronted the Melusine about this, thinking that this must have been some sort of prank against him after he told her about how much tea Neuvillette had brought back, as well as the stone slate that contained a legal codex. It confused the man at first, but taking into account how loyal Neuvillette was to his position and status, it took a moment or two for him to realize that such a gift from Neuvillette was a great thing. Hence, why he did make a little section of his office in the Fortress of Meropide to house it, something that he could stare at everyday to remind himself that he was always on Neuvillette's mind.

So, Wriothesley concluded the only logical answer was that for some reason, Neuvillette had began to hoard all sorts of trinkets he must have found on his now random outings. The duke and the traveler made sure to convince him to take more breaks and to go out and see the world as much as he can, and it looks like the mighty dragon took their words to heart and had started doing just that. Only, it seems that for some reason, Neuvillette had begun to bring back all sorts of things he found during his outings. The young man only prayed that Neuvillette would break out of this mood soon, but didn't mind allowing it for now, just as long as the dragon was happy on his adventures and seeing Teyvat for what it really was, in all of it's mysteries and splendors.

As much as he wanted to daydream about how his man would look during different locations, such as the grassy hills of Mondstadt, the electrifying peaks of Inazuma, or even how the Sumeru sun would reflect beautifully off of the elegance that was entirely Neuvillette, he had to bring himself back to reality.

This was all getting ridiculous. The shells on the bed covered it almost completely, and he had no real room to put them in, maybe some storage containers they had from where Wriothesley's belongings had to be moved once he began residing there. The duke sighed as he grabbed an empty container, getting to work and putting the myriad of shells into it, tired from the work of the day and just wanting to relax in bed for a bit for a quick nap. He made sure to keep the box of shells close by, knowing that it would crush the dragon if he had tossed whatever he had decided to collect.

Yawning, Wriothesley removed his coat and clothing, stripping down and getting dressed in a pair of simple black boxers, before he snuggled underneath the soft sheets of their bed. He had been craving a nap all day, no amount of tea drinking seemed to deliver enough caffeine into his body to keep him awake. Surely a small nap wouldn't harm anyone, right? Besides, if he slept in too late, he knew that Neuvillette would wake him up and demand attention from him in one form or another.

Yeah, a nap sounded pretty good right now.

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As the young man started to awaken from his slumber, he began to stretch out his limbs with a loud yawn as he normally did, until both hands and legs seemed to crash into something, the sounds of various things falling off the bed as he continued to stretch out his limbs. This startled the duke who immediately woke up in a state of confusion, causing his limbs to turn and twist more, causing even more items to fall, crashing into the floor.

What the hell was going on?!

The man arose, being careful not to make anymore sudden movements until he could gather exactly what was happening. His eyes widened in further confusion and panic as he saw just how stuffed the room was now. Sure, the area where the water surrounded the bed was clear, but the pathway out of the bedroom and around the bed itself felt like some sort of ancient loot hall from a temple of old. Dozens of gold and silver trinkets littered the floor, statues and plates, necklaces and gemstones of various colors and details. There seemed to also be random boxes of tea scattered around, as well. Some were new boxes that Wriothesley had become recently familiar of since the Steambird's articles began releasing after the Lantern Rite event. Others seemed like old brews that were, at this point, probably more for show than for actual consumption.

There were other goodies laying about as well. Books that dealt with true crime or laws of old, scrolls that were in languages that Wriothesley was very unfamiliar with, but there was one thing that seemed to stand out to the duke. It appeared that the bigger gold and silver pieces were placed near or on the bed, as if he were the one that was sleeping in a treasure vault and taking joy in all of the splendors, the further away the goods were from Wriothesley, the less vividness and preciousness the items seemed to hold. It was as if Neuvillette kept his closest valuables towards Wriothesley, with the duke himself seemingly being the most valuable one.

As Wriothesley was about to get up and try to figure out what to do with all of this, he heard the door connecting the bedroom to the living room open, Neuvillette walking through with even more goods in his arms. This time, it appeared to be various fruits and wrapped baked goods, a large smile appearing on his face as Wriothesley took in the scene, a slight glare in his eyes.

"Neuvillette, what the hell are you doing?!" the young man growled out, still stuck in place as he was afraid to move and make anymore of a mess.

The dragon put the items down in one of the few free spaces still left, his eyes never leaving his mate, as he tilted his head in confusion.

"Oh? What do you mean? I saw how happy you were when you received those gifts from Clorinde and I, and I couldn't resist. I was awful before, never thinking to shower you in actual physical possessions, because of my ignorance and fear of leaving my position for any sort of leave. Now, however, I have all of the time in the world to make up for it. See, here even, I ventured out all the way to this bakery on the outskirts of Fontaine, the breads appear to be truly delectable, at least that is what Furina told me. Here, you can see-"

"Neuv! Honey, you don't need to do this you know!" Wriothesley uttered out as he shoved away the trinkets and treasures near him, so that he could create a path for himself to reach his ridiculous lover. Neuvillette merely paused, blinking in confusion as the duke wrapped his muscular arms around his dragon, hugging him tightly and sighing.

"W-Wriothesley?" the dragon questioned, obviously welcoming the hug as he began to return the favor, wrapping his own arms around the broad chest of the man, as best as he could.

"You can be such a big idiot sometimes, you know that? You know every law of the land, every crime with every punishment to match it, laws old and new never forgotten by you. But you just don't get the simple stuff sometimes, do you?" the young man asked, kissing Neuvillette on the cheek, which made the dragon blush, still blinking with questioning eyes.

"Listen, Neuv, love, I don't need all of these things. Sure a gift here or there is nice for anyone, but I never held it against you that you didn't really do that before. We're both busy men with schedules that drive us insane sometimes. Look, just being able to come home to you and spend time with you and being able to look into those eyes of yours every night before I drift off to sleep, and waking up to look into them too, that's the best gift I could ask for, okay?" Wriothesley relayed to his mate, in such a calm manner that it almost seemed like a whisper.

The dragon's eyes widened as he listened to his lover, holding him tightly as his mate continued explaining. In a shocking show, small droplets of tears started to form at the edges of his eyes, before a few started to roll down his cheek, which Wriothesley wiped away, smiling softly and understandably at his mate. As much as Neuvillette was such a stoic and strict man, Wriothesley knew that he was starved for genuine love and appreciation, and even though his life was forever changed by this man and his want to keep him at his side forever, it was now more of a blessing to him than a curse would ever be. If he now had an eternity to live, then he would spend every waking moment of it showing that Neuvillette is appreciated and loved dearly, in return.

"Now, let's try to clean up this mess so one of us doesn't trip and break our necks just trying to get out the door, okay?" Wriothesley chuckled, planting a few more kisses on Neuvillette's cheeks, loving the way that his man's blush would deepen with every kiss received.

Neuvillette merely chuckled as he smiled a most gorgeous, heartfelt smile that he had ever mustered, in all of his centuries of existence.

"Of course, my most precious treasure."

[xelilow04]

NOTE: I have so much to say about the Poetry Gala Event because I enjoyed it so much. It's going to be lengthy but feel free to read me rambling haha.

I don't mean to be dramatic but... Chongyun enthusiasts, WE WON! I'm so happy that he was able to show up so much in this event! Like he actually got lines and so much screentime!! I know he always appears in Lantern Rite, but this just hits different. Did you see how fast he was talking and the way he did his little jump after having those chili peppers? XD Also the way he was giving Xingqiu some sass at the at the end of the story? Show him, Chongyun!

And I never thought I would be able to see two of my favorite characters in the same frame! This is going to keep me fed until the next Lantern Rite haha.

On a similar note, this event was just as good as last year's goofy Lantern Rite! I will never stop talking about how much I love it when characters from different nations are able to meet each other, like the whole Xingqiu/Mika/Noelle interaction was really sweet! (But the way Xingqiu told them to just not get caught when sneaking away from home XD He's such a bad influence haha)

AND THIS. The way Zhongli and Venti were looking at the children, it really solidifies the fact they they're retired. Don't mind me crying over here 🥺

I didn't expect the event to dive a bit into Diona's lore, so that was really cool!! Also really glad that learning about Oceanids and their power kind of helped Chongyun come to terms with his yang energy. (I shall now wait patiently for some lore drop on Chongyun.)

The whole story was just so nice. And the MUSIC for Callirhoe's story was the final cherry on top 👌

[iwasthewind]

I'm so mad about this year's lantern rite lmao. It was centred around Menogias, the Geo Yaksha. Xiao's dead comrade and close friend. His official title was General Kapisas. He's based off Sun Wukong.

And there was nothing about him exept for a few random lines? Barely anything? I don't understand why. This was what Xianyun said about him- completely randomly- and then went back to talking about something else???

"He possessed a singular talent for clothing designs. He had an exquisite eye for not just fabric selection and colour pairing, but also for what accessories could best accentuate a garment's overall styling." (Dialogue one.)

"At a gathering of adepti, Bonanus (hydro Yaksha. She and Menogias went mad with Karmic Debt and killed each other. She and the Pyro Yaksha, Indarius, were presumably close friends. Bonanus' official title was General Chizapus and she seemed to be a gentle person.) once complained in secret to the ladies in attendance that the skirt Menogias made for her was too long and impractical, lamenting that it would only hinder her in battle." (Dialogue two.)

"However, when one asked Menogias his opinion, he remarked that the train of the skirt would serve to enhance her adeptal countenance by exemplifying a certain elegance. Menogias was that type of person. When it came to topics relating to garments and accessories, not even Rex Lapis could best his stubbornness." (Dialogue three.)

AND THAT'S IT?? Menogias designed Zhongli's outfits. Menogias fought in the archon war and was one of the Yakshas that sealed Guizhong away when she passed. He was one of the central figures in Xiao's life and Xiao grieved him terribly after he died. His death along with his siblings' deaths impacts Xiao till this day. He was like a brother to Xiao. Xiao talks in a quest (I don't remember which, sorry) about how Menogias once mentioned wanting to live a peaceful mortal's life-but in the end Menogias lost his sanity for the sake of his nation and his people and killed his sister, someone he held very, very dear. It's tragic. It's heartbreaking. His karmic debt took over his mind and destroyed someone he wanted to protect and live a mortal's life with. Menogias is such a wonderful character? When I saw in the livestream that the main lantern was Menogias, I gasped and sat up. Yaksha lore?! Menogias centric lantern rite?! Instead we dealt with Gaming's fucking family problems. Why couldn't that have been a sub-plot? Why didn't they use Gaming's stubbornness and passion as a parallel to MENOGIAS' stubbornness, passion and ferocity of both mind and body? Why???? Zero stars, I'm admittedly biased as fuck. I love the Yakshas and I wanted Yaksha lore- and this isn't like a "ugh I didn't get what I wanted" thing it's a "this year's lantern rite had so much potential that was absolutely wasted"

Like sure, the Xianyun-Shenhe convo was comedy gold, Gaming running to his dad and hugging him was sweet, but? Couldn't that have been a sub-plot? Menogias was this year's Mingxiao lantern. I don't care if they executed it badly and just brought him up via long winded exposition- the fact that barely anyone knows about Menogias is so sad and it could genuinely have made for such a good story? The fact that Xiao didn't even attend a festival more or less dedicated to him and his family? When "Lantern Rite Festival is a festival celebrated every year, on the day of the first full moon to commemorate heroes of the past."

I wish Xiao could have at least seen the Mingxiao lantern from afar. I wonder how he would have reacted to watch the people he protects honour someone he loved so much. Would he have cried? Could we have gotten a scene where an adeptus comforts Xiao? That was his brother.

Xianyun hangs out with her children, Zhongli with Hu Tao, the Fontaine cast randomly drops in which was kind of nice to see since Furina (<333333) came along. Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper (I cannot believe they got NPC treatment, what the fuck) hung out but Xiao was alone until the traveller releases a lantern with him. On lantern rite. Which is a festival more or less meant to commemorate him. He got what, a minute of screen time?? Two? Three?

In Xianyun's story quest (and obviously this is a spoiler for her story quest) we see just how much the traveller misses their sibling, how desperately they want them back and how much they bottle up their feelings. Xiao must feel the same, right? I can't imagine how guilty he must feel or how much he must wonder what life would be like had they survived. It would even have tied in with Gaming's story- how much he'd want his family to accept him and be there with him on lantern rite. Why didn't we get something about these three? Why was there so much focus on a random four star (I'm sorry if you like Gaming, I love his playstyle but I really don't give a shit about the character).

I feel like they really just want people to pull for Gaming and Xianyun, I really can't explain why they (imo) fumbled this so bad. I expected so much after the Fontaine AQ but man this was so disappointing it literally killed by desire to keep playing the game. I'll just do my dailies and log off, HSR welcomes me with a much warmer embrace

[mari-on-dragonspine]

~Happy Valentine's Day~

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! 💖 Hope all of you know that you're cherished and loved, even if you're single. There's many different kinds of love, and the love given by friends is not inferior to any other. If you're seing this, take it as a sign to tell your friends / moots how much you love them 😌

This fic is for my lovely friend @thelost-in-time!

I love you so much and hope you will enjoy this. It might not be the best piece, but I wrote it with the best intentions and love for you 💚

Inspos

🎵 What if we rewrite the stars?

🎶 And I last I see the light

and it's like the fog has lifted

🎵 We're bound to break and my hands are tied

Now that I see you

} Genshin Impact

} Traveler Lost (Lumine) x Xiao

} mostly fluff, slightly angsty, nothing too serious

} ⚠️CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR 2024 LANTERN RITE EVENT

} ❗characters might differ from the original game!

Lantern Rite was approaching. The streets of the cloud city are bursting with even more people than usual and everyone is excited for the beginning of the new year. Even though this event is quite successful both among humans and adepti, Xiao never really cared for such an event. As in Teyvat everything comes in a circle, good times are bound to end, as so do bad times. Praying the heavens for happiness was futile. Also because this merciless rule was set up by those very same heavens. Having experienced this truth directly, Xiao knew better than anyone else.. However, ever since that Traveler showed up, Xiao found himself changing his mind. He wasn't sure about what exactly or why at first, however, as time went by, he couldn't deny it anymore. Her name was Lost. She had eyes sparkling more than core lapis and golden hair more glistening than sunshine. With her kindness, strength and undying resolution, Xiao really thought that, if it was her, nothing could be impossible. Every time they met, Xiao felt that his burden wasn't as heavy to carry anymore. After some more, he found himself remembering the happy days together with his friends more than the sad ones and he would share those sweet memories with her, telling stories from a long gone past. There was pain, but also joy and laughter. And he wasn't alone. But in all honesty, was he still alone? Couldn't it be that the traveler, whose name was Lost, had found him?

Just like a moth by the light in the darkest night, Xiao was attracted to her, to the point that he would watch over Lost every time he sensed trouble. Although he knew better than anyone that she wouldn't need his help, he still couldn't hold himself from being there, watching from afar, just in case.

Just in case she was in danger.

Just in case she couldn't call his name.

Just in case she forgot about their promise.

Wait, she wouldn't forget it, would she?

But the more he was thinking about that, the more he was unable to shake that worry away. Just when was it the last time she called for him? And how much time has passed since she left Liyue? Of course, she was a traveler, bound to never stop wandering… But his destiny was to forever protect the land of Geo, to never forget and never leave.

What if she.. had found someone else?

That thought alone made his sight go red with anger, but also sent his heart plunging deeply in despair. Xiao sprinted into the night, vanquishing evil after evil while pondering every single possibility. He could only get going, since every single time he slept, he dreamt of her and every time he rested his eyes, they would immediately shoot up, for it seemed to him that Lost called his name.

Then, yet another night missing her, he suddenly saw it. A single lantern, floating into the starry sky. Following its direction, Xiao saw the harbor light up with colorful lights and kites of every shape and kind. A timid smile then appeared from his lips. It was that time of the year again..

She should be home soon.

“Useless”

A small mountain of scraps on fire was burning at Xiao’s feet, its foul smell spreading into the air. This was the 10th attempt of him making his own Xiao lantern. How come that those hands were so skilled in killing, but absolutely awful for crafting? And Lost even invited him to build a kite together with all these people…

The thought of him being humiliated in front of both mortals and a fellow adeptus sent a chill down his spine! Of course he wanted to join the traveler but… How could he, with that embarrassing skills of him?!

He simply could not face it!

That was why he invited her over Pervase’s temple after the rite.

Xiao sighted once more, swiftly subduing the fire to start over again. All the lanterns were already sold out for the celebration, but at least the lady had been kind enough to let him have some materials and a booklet of instructions…

If only he could manage to make at least one before dark…

The rite of lanterns was about to end. A simple and slightly crooked lantern stood motionless at his feet. Xiao had invited her over just like in the past. At that time, she happily accepted to light a lantern with him… BuBut what if she had better plans this year? Just as he was letting himself down again, he finally perceived something. The glistening aura of the stars and the scent of a thousand adventures. Lost stood behind him, slowly approaching with a steady pace. Xiao could feel her warning gaze upon his back, her soft lips parting to address him. She was alone.

Before he could hear her call his name, he turned to greet her.

“Lost. “

The Traveler shook her head, her hands resting on her hips.

“It's just as I thought! You stopped short of stepping into the city again.. “

She wasn't really scolding him, but she looked kind of disappointed. He couldn't know that she was secretly looking for him in the crowd…

“Being in the city is not the only way for me to appreciate the lights and beauty of lantern rite. “

He said in a low voice, pointing into the direction of the harbor.

“Look… Liyue Harbor lies beyond this mountain. As long as I stand at this vantage point, I may freely behold the sight of all Kites slowly ascending into the sky. “

As he was speaking, Lost quietly approached him, as if she could look better from the same position he was standing.

“For me… That is enough. “

His head turned slightly, in time to see her nod at his explanation. She looked somewhat satisfied with that answer.

“Alright. “

Xiao lowered his arm and didn't say anything for a while. Then, just before she could say something, he gathered his courage to ask her.

“I invited you here because there's something I would like to do. “

Lost’s face lit up in curiosity as he continued

“I want to release a Xiao Lantern… And I'd like you to be there for it. “

With a small gesture, a gust of wind pulled the lantern from the ground and elegantly placed it into Lost’s hands.

“Did you make it yourself?! “

She noticed. Xiao blushed vividly, turning away from her in embarrassment.

“Yes. I apologize for its crude appearance… II have little skill in that regard. “

Lost laughed a little and shook her head happily

“No! No.. It's amazing! “

As she seemed to admire the little lantern in her palms, Xiao couldn't help but let out a little sigh.

“...You are very kind, as usual. “

The moon shone brightly in the sky, as thousand of lanterns seemed ready to reach it.

Xiao made a few steps closer, then reached for the lantern. While doing so, he gently stroked Lost’s hands with his.

“Alright, it's time. “

He whispered into her ear, waiting for her to get ready. As if they were one body, they both raised their arms, letting the lantern float away in the wind. As it disappeared into the tranquil night sky, Xiao’s expression softened.

A swirling sea of lights reached for the clouds, conveying its people's hopes and desires to the heavens. It was known for a fact that gods could acknowledge one's ambitions with a blessing, but could it work for other feelings too? If that frail lantern of his could really make it up there, would the heavens finally hear him? Could it be that simple to rewrite his stars? And if that was the case.. Would he finally be free?

This thoughts made his heart flutter a little, just like the lights at the mercy of the wind. Slowly, he shifted his gaze from the sky into her golden eyes, only to meet hers. When it happened in the past, during the very same occasion, she would slowly look away, a slight veil of red covering her pale skin. However, this time she kept her eyes on him, smiling softly.

Their wishes might not have been the same, but what about their feelings? He could never ask her. The heavens might even hear him, but his karma could never disappear into thin air.

As he was about to turn away, Lost caught his attention again.

“Xiao? ”

She called in a slight whisper, her body getting closer. Their hands were still holding each other. She smiled again and gently pulled him towards her.

“Xiao. ”

She mumbled again, her face now only a whisper away from his own. Xiao wanted to say something, however he couldn't do it. Before he knew it, Lost covered his lips with hers and his own responded by tracing the borders of her mouth with a gentle kiss. Although it was their first, it felt natural as breathing air.

A long time passed before they pulled away, the warmth of their kiss still persisting as they reluctantly moved apart to stare into the beauty of the lantern rite’s sky once more.

“Lost..”

Xiao really wanted to tell her. He wanted her to know how much he loved her and admired her and thought of her, he wanted to sink into her embrace and to kiss the rest of the night away.. But he knew it could not last as of now.

They both still had a destiny to fulfill.

That warm, bright feeling of love that they kindled into their hearts could still not resist outside of it.

He took a deep breath before finishing the sentence that was left unfinished for too long already.

“... Thank you. “

Lost nodded, still smiling at him with her signature gentle smile, the one that Xiao grew to love so much. She knew that the time would come for them to convey their feelings out loud. But today, heads resting one on the other, being together was all they needed.

This is enough...

Xiao thought, his eyes finally closing peacefully beside her.

...after all… I'm bound to break and my wings are tied.

[huaandbloom]

I see you also ship Barbara x Bennett what else do you ship

OHOHOHOHOHO I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED–

I'm just gonna assume you're asking only about Genshin ships. I'm a multi-shipper so there will be repeats.

Warning: very VERY long read. I got a bit more extensive than I thought I would.

Ships that have a chokehold on me:

Keqing x Heizou: would hate each other at first, but with enough time and maybe one night of forced deep conversation realize that they have a lot in common? Both are very dedicated to their work, almost to a fault, but have very different working styles

Barbara x Bennett : I'm a sucker for character A chastising character B for getting hurt while they patch them up

Amber x Razor: hc Amber to be 18-20 and Razor to be 17-18 in case anyone's alarmed. It's the bunny x wolf and "outgoing girl helps awkward and closed off boy get out of his comfort zone" for me

Jean x Diluc: fully convinced they're exes and Diluc still has feelings for Jean at least. You can't tell me that one of the reasons he went to the summer islands wasn't to see Jean in her summer fit

Kazuha x Xiangling: mostly QPR, Xiangling canonically sails with the Crux Fleet sometimes so I'm pretty sure they have an established friendship of sorts already

Ayaka x Thoma: am a sucker for royalty x servant type dynamics, they'd be really sweet together, and I totally bought the pre-Inazuma rumors that they were gonna be fiances...

Xiangling x Xiao: all it took was one(1) fic which is now lost forever :( but either way I'm sold now

Mona x Scaramouche/Wanderer: look aesthetically pleasing together, plus I like the bickering between the two of them in the fics I read

Gorou x Kokomi: my loves my babies my everything the apple of my eye the peanut to my butter the fried to my rice to yee to my haw the dog leans over to kiss the fishy in the pond memes the- (has been shipping them since 2.0 livestream and refuses to let go)

Ships I can enjoy:

Bennett x Fischl: mainly for the ship name puns, but also I like their friendship a lot it's very cute

Ayaka x Kazuha: angst edition in which they try to maintain a long distance but after a while Ayaka can't take it anymore and breaks it off. Other than that I think they look really pretty together and they think really highly of each other

Beidou x Ningguang: Lantern Rite 2021 sold me on this ship. Like sure you guys, you just play chess and nothing more. Sure sure sure-

Xinyan x Yun Jin: Lantern Rite 2021 also sold me on it

Katheryne x Wanderer: @probably-impossible has me hook line and sinker it's such a silly ship but also makes so much sense for some reason?? Content for it has died down but I look back on that time fondly

Dehya x Dunyuzard: look me dead in the eye and tell me they aren't dating. You can't

Cyno x Nilou: the fanarts get me every time in a way I can't explain I feel so much feeling whenever I see them that it borders on having a chokehold on me. It's only here because I only feel the feelings when I remember they exist which isn't very often

Albedo x Sucrose: Windblume had me feeling a certain way let's just put it that way

Amber x Eula: similar-ish dynamic to Amber x Razor and admittedly they have more canon content than the aforementioned ship ever will (cri)

Itto x Sara: childhood friends to petty bickering enemies to lovers. Need I say more.

Chongyun x Xiangling: used to ship them in early game because of that one character story where Chongyun accidentally eats a chilli at Wanmin and then apologises to her profusely

Hu Tao x Xiao: grumpy x sunshine-ish that's it that's the tweet

Kaeya x Rosaria: bi4bi drinking buddies (romantic)

Kaeya x Kokomi: aethetically pleasing and amazing fanarts I must say

Cyno x Layla: an online friend sold me on this and I think it's just neat

Wanderer x Traveler: the love-hate potential is there and I can appreciate it. It's an acquired taste personally, but now I kinda dig it.

Bennett x Chongyun: both constantly get less-than-desired results in their respective lines of work

Ships I can see happening I guess:

Cyno x Tighnari: I like imagining them as a divorced couple co-parenting Collei lmao

Alhaitham x Kaveh: it's fine I guess?? I just see so much fan art that frankly it's become oversaturated for me

Dainsleif x Kaeya: I don't care much for Dain but I like royalty x knight so there you go

Venti x Xiao: this would go under "ships I can enjoy" but now I have beef with it. No it doesn't have anything to do with the fandom or the shippers /gen but I'd rather not get into it

Hu Tao x Yanfei: y'all YanTao nation people make good fanart ngl

Ei x Miko: they're wives. Not a big fan of them, but they're wives

Childe x Traveler: used to ship it but not so much anymore for some reason

Xiao x Traveler: except it's one-sided 'cause I'm a bit evil like that

[th3-royalty]

Xiao my beloved {2}

A/N (Hi sorry for dropping this story for so long I didn't know where I wanted it to go but now I have a psuedo Idea, anyway happy Lantern Rite!!)

After explaining to Aether and Paimon my odd and nonsense sounding story, we head off to Liyue. Why you may ask, well because I want to find a way home and the best way to do that would be talking to a certain immortal since he may know how to send me home.

"soo Paimon gets the whole falling into a new world thing but why are you dressed like that" she asks me curiously. "Well I was sleeping when I got here so obviously I would be wearing my pajamas" I say with a serious expression. Honestly sometimes I wonder how Paimon managed to live without the Traveler, before they met it makes little sense to me.

"are you gonna wear that as we go to Liyue?" Paimon responds. "Well I don't have any other clothes? Since ya know I feel out of the sky?". Which is what I told Aether and Paimon, that I was in my world but then woke up and was here in Teyvat. Thank the Archons Aether was sweet and decided to help me otherwise I don't know what I would do. Probably get killed by the abbys, or a rogue hillichurl. Due to the fact I am now an annoying side character in Genshin, who is helpless!! Ugh I hate this. Getting out of my own thoughts I take a look around, it's so beautiful with the mountains and the trees.... And now I'm getting bit by mosquitoes.. man I forgot how much I dislike the outdoors.

Anyway I am roused from my thoughts when Aether states " Hey I have some extra clothes that I was given on my adventures, they may fit you? Since I got them from a friend in Inazuma" why did he have extra clothes and who gave him these clothes that he was so sure would fit me? I ponder this as he pulls them out. I take one glance and realize oh these are Itto's clothes, I don't know a person they wouldn't fit or at least be too big for. "That works thank you so much for your help" I say as I grab the clothes that are definitely not my size. I didn't even realize Itto has any shirts but oh well. "I'm gonna go change real quick over there" I point to a thicket in the path, which should give me enough cover. "Alright me and Paimon will wait for you here"

I go off to change and try to get myself looking somewhat presentable, thank goodness I feel asleep in a bra last night, or else it would really be a nightmare. As I'm walking away however someone approaches Aether. "Who is this mortal you have brought with you?" a voice I would recognize in a heartbeat if I wasn't so far away and not looking. "There a person from another world like me, also xiao it's rude to sneak up on people you almost gave Paimon a heartache." Aether responds "another? How did they end up here and are they a threat" "Them? I don't know how they got here but I can mostly definitely assure you they aren't a threat. Anyway we are heading off to Liyue to see if Zhongli knows anything that could help."

As they are talking I come walking back not even realizing the fictional love of my life is standing there. "I think these will work even if they are a little big." That's an understatement they do not fit at all. "Oh that's good maybe we should find something that actually fits in Liyue. Also I have someone who I'd like you to meet." Oh who is it, then I look up and see him, I am trying to keep my cool and not immediately flip out!!! "Would you like to introduce yourself?" Aether asks who I already know is Xiao. "hello... I'm Xiao..." " Pleasure I'm (y/n)" WOO I said that so smoothly as if I don't even know who he is!! "Xiao will you be walking with the 3 of us to Liyue?" Aether questions the boy with amber eyes. "I may if I have time, I have other things to do for now so farewell, I may meet you there" Xiao says then he is off in a puff of smoke. I just met the love of my life for .2 seconds. I'm in heaven.

(Read part 1 here)

Hope you all enjoyed the second part of My beloved after waiting like 6 months 🤣

Thank you for all the support in the first installment and maybe of you all like it I will make the 3rd faster. I really appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy.

[merakiui]

do u have some favorite aus of ur own that u like to write about? :D

I do!! (≧∇≦)

For twst, it would have to be Death Row Undertow. I like writing tense thrillers where nearly every character has a death flag. It's also been a lot of fun analyzing the characters' psyches, and writing the story from two perspectives has been really enjoyable. I feel bad for putting Riddle under so much stress, though. ;;;; he will have some very cool moments in his side of the story, so that makes up for the horrors he will endure!

For genshin, I really enjoy Bittersweet Secret and the kazuscara roommates au! Xiao's psychology, whether in canon or in modern au, is so interesting to me (seeing how much his relationship with the Traveler has progressed in this year's Lantern Rite was so sweet). Despite all of his rough edges, he cares immensely for his beloved secret. <3 it has been so much fun describing all of his emotions and the people he encounters as flavors because that's what makes it easier for him to comprehend his confusing feelings. And I also love Childe's interference and how he just stresses Xiao out so much.

Kazuscara roommates is a fun au because they make such creepy roommates. >_< I think their personalities are also a nice contrast. You have Kazuha who is very sweet and patient, a man who seems like he could do no wrong, and then there's Scaramouche who is very impatient and hard to interact with most times due to how short-tempered and guarded he is. Put the both of them in an apartment with darling and it's a dynamic that spells danger. They love darling a little too much hehe. :)

[residentskeletoninthecloset]

I finished Lantern Rite '24 in the nick of time before it goes away on the NA servers and I'm so glad I did. Hoyoverse have a good record with this event and it was another spectacular one this year.

I did think Paimon is picking up a horrible habit being so rude. I remember some complaints about as much for Furina's story quest and it unfortunately seems to have continued. I don't usually mind Paimon and I even kind of like the little flying exposition fairy most of the time but she was super rude with some of the dialogue this year. Hopefully isn't an issue next year!

I really enjoyed Zhongli's appearance and immediate understanding of the not-so-elaborate plan the gang had cooked up. It's also really funny to think he was just out and about flying kites as the former Lord of Geo does. It was also really sweet that he and Ciao got to share the moment they did. Not often we get development between those two.

On that note I was especially glad I went to see Xiao after the Lantern Rite like he asked. Really cute and wholesome moment between the Traveler and Xiao. I don't get too into shipping but pairing the Traveler with Xiao has always been one of my favorites.

Back to the Lantern Rite itself I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Gaming's focus for this year's story quests. I was already a fan of Gaming's personality and play style so I knew I was going to like it but it was even better than I expected. As someone that had similar familial issues and unresolved issues with my own father this year got me good. I'm really happy for Gaming, even though he's a fictional character, and I'm glad for anyone else who maybe by some stretch were able to work through some of their own familial issues in part thanks to this year's Lantern Rite. Stranger things have happened, maybe this silly little beautiful gacha game story can be a catalyst for good for some folks.

[pwnyta]

Alright have some of my Genshin doodles... AKA... My Zhongli doodles. Cuz nonny asked...

UNDER THE CUT

This was a part of something bigger that I didnt bother cleaning up except Zhongli being cute with Paimon. -

The ZL stan club-

I run around with Zhongli the VAST majority of the time unless Im climbing or need to fly far away. So this is how I imagine it-

I noticed between the the first time Archon Morax was shown and time he was shown in the Azhdaha story quest I noticed the difference in his pants.

Razor and Zhongli bonding over rocks and sticks and Childe wondering why he spends so much money on Zhongli if hes happy with rocks.

My Geo team is my favorite. I just like the idea of Bennetts bad luck not effecting the Geo boys at all because theyre on a sliding scale of TOO COMPETENT and/or COMPLETELY CLUELESS.

Zhonglis shield can handle most of what the world throws at Bennett so thats not a problem, Ittos so fucking dumb that he probably wouldnt even notice the up tick in danger happening to them... and then Gorou is that sweet spot of being competent & eager but also being clueless & ready for anything.

Bennett has found an indestructible friend group. Good for him.

ALSO VENZHONG DOGS & Guoba and Guoli.

VenZhong

Pokemans Venti and Zhongli- Theyre mythical Pokies.

VenZhong sending each other love notes. Origami dragon that floats on the wind and Noctilucous jade bird.

Lantern Rite Guoba and Zhongli-

Nesting Rex Lapis steals Paimon for his nest. She is baby. She cannot leave until hes done.

Archon teddy bears-

I realized with this doodle why Paimon warmed up to Zhongli so quickly... its because hes the god of Mora. She loves Mora.

Liyues very respected rock people love Liyues least favorite rock musician!

BaiZhong anti-parent trap AU. Where Qiqi and Hu Tao desperately try to keep their fathers away from each other because Qiqi doesnt like Hu Tao and Hu Tao doesnt like Baizhu.

Qiqi and Zhongli get along great.

Also guest appearances by Ganyu/Keqing and Xinyan, along with some others...

Some Furry Genshin-

[galactia]

Lantern Rite thoughts!

Gosh, I love Liyue and its lore and its aesthetic, I'll just get that gush out of the way. Liyue, you have my heart.

Second, I love to spend time with the adepti. Getting to learn more about adepti we haven't seen, hear the stories of the Guili Assembly? Get more of the Adepti personalities? 10/10 hoyo. Please, give me more. Cloud Retainer is the best tbh. Love her.

I!!! I was so excited to get to find out more about Guizhong and Ping and the Assembly! The days they would spend together, the fact that they were all friends, that they each brought pieces of their craftsmanship to show off.

(A suggestion that Morax carved/brought items he'd fashioned from the earth, likely? We know he was an exceptional smith, and he carved Azhdaha's body from the earth, so I imagined that was a part of what he did during those days. Him fashioning not just buildings and mountains, but also smaller items for household wears and as gifts? 10/10).

Guizhong being so vibrant and brilliant is beautiful and everything I wanted, and her friendship and closeness with Ping? So sweet. They all loved her so.

Hearing the tale Cloud Retainer told almost had me in tears. I adore Guili Assembly days lore.

Also, Rex Lapis looked gorgeous in those clothes, but I digress-

Thoughts on how it affects any headcanons:

I don't intend on changing any headcanons on my Zhongli's feelings toward Guizhong. Whether Morax and Guizhong were simply close friends or lovers, he still cared about her immensely, and her death still would have devastated him at the time.

Cloud Retainer alludes to the fact that she and Streetward Rambler were not the first ones to arrive at the site of her death, and following this lore, found in the 'memory of dust' catalyst description:

"But he remembers the scene of their first meeting anyway, when the Glaze Lilies were still in abundant bloom. He also remembers those words she spoke at the end — again, amid the Glaze Lilies.

"Those little people are as small and fragile as dust." "Because they are so small, they know not when they will lose their lives to disaster or strife, and so they are afraid." "Because they are afraid, they try so hard to become more intelligent. This I understand." "So I thought that since there is such a gulf between us in strength, I should use technique and wisdom instead." "With your brawn and my brains, this city would surely become a great one." Her final smile was a lonely one, even as her form dissolved into the finest dust. "It seems that our journey together has come to an end. As for that stone dumbbell, forget about it, would you?"

I am going to maintain my headcanon that he was there when she died, and she spoke with him with her dying breaths. He cannot forget that day, nor shall he ever, because it broke his heart, knowing he would have to and would live on and on, and she would not.

I will maintain that they were lovers, at some point, unless a Guizhong I'm roleplaying with doesn't wish to! I am quite flexible. Either way, she meant a great deal to him.

Also, confirmation that his skin is amber on lower arms?

Heck, freaking, yes.

[aetheternity]

This was a good, solid event, it just wasn’t a good windblume festival. It had a nice story with some lore crumbs. Wholesome interactions (I loved the Collei Sucrose friendship, they made such cute introvert besties). Very enjoyable… if you’re willing to forget that it’s a windblume festival. Really I do think this event deserved to happen, but it should have been its own thing. It hardly had anything to do with the festival or windblumes or love or the anemo archon until the very end. It didn’t feel like a windblume festival at all.

And Venti, he was exactly the same as he was in the lantern rite. By which I mean completely unserious, comic relief, and unnecessary. Which wasn’t that big of a deal in LR but this is a Mondstadt event and it’s the windblume festival for crying out loud. He had three total appearances (one of which wasn’t even in the main story part) which all lasted less than two minutes, where he was treated like a joke and did nothing important. Seriously, the only remotely significant thing he did was give us the map to the lantern but that wasn’t anything specific to him. Anyone could have done that. Scarlet could have done that. It would have been a good way to ease her character more gradually into the story instead of springing everything about her on us right at the end.

Last windblume was special because it showed us Venti’s serious side. How much he loves his people, his nation and its history. The last scene tied all that about him into the themes of the festival in this amazing way and a beautiful cutscene. He’s hands down the most important (lore wise) and enigmatic character in the game, but they didn’t expand on him at all during this windblume. It’s been so long since he’s been treated seriously by the game, he deserved a decent part that was actually important and showcased his character, and maybe even revealed some more about him.

It feels like Hoyoverse wants to just dump everything about him at the end of the game and only at the end. They don’t realize that you simply can’t do that in storytelling. You can’t have the end do all the heavy lifting and starve all the rest of the story, that’s an objectively bad decision.

As the festival ended and Hoyoverse suddenly remembered that this was the windblume festival and scrambled to shoehorn love and windblume flowers and mentions of Barbatos in there, I couldn’t help but think: ok, so we don’t actually get to have the windblume festival be about the windblume festival, nor do we get to explore Venti or even spend time with him, and there’s no windblume star thing, and instead of the event being all tied up in a wholesome little epilogue we get these janky mismatched story and theme pieces thrown together so nothing we did or saw in this event as the traveler feels remotely meaningful, but hey at least they’ll have a cute cutscene at the end where all the important characters say their goodbyes or something along those lines. Nope, it just ends. Is it just me or did the main storyline end incredibly abruptly? Maybe it’s just because I was waiting for one last chance to talk to Venti before finding out that getting closure on him wasn’t important enough for the event storyline and you have to seek him out yourself.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the festival. I’d love to hear you go into more detail about yours as well. You also seem to have mixed feelings.

I think that's like the best way to put it. This isn't the Windblume festival. The problem isn't that the event is bad or the pacing is poor or whatever. The problem is this isn't the Windblume festival. You could change the name of it and have everything basically stay the same.

Like this event was really cute and sweet. I loved the friendship between Collei and Sucrose. I loved literally everything Cyno did this event, he carried this entire event that's why my Windblume video is ninety percent him. I throughly enjoyed Mona's appearance. Her telling Timaeus that no one cares about his love life was so great! My spirit animal right there. Albedo was so cute interacting with Tighnari and Cyno (almost my entire self ship list right there in one event that was awesome). And tiny little baby Albedo in the bottle 🥺 I like seeing sweet boy Mika. Venti was really cute and him going out of his way to do a little extra for Traveler was incredibly sweet. But yeah no I wish they hadn't called this Windblume 2 cause it's just not.

I have to say I can't completely agree that Venti felt the same in this event that he did in LR. LR was him being a tourist in a neighboring nation to some extent his behavior makes a bit of sense there. He's very extroverted and playful and while I found him to be too much in the epilogue he was kind of rolling with the punches. He was the last to arrive and the only non Liyue character there so him playing comedy relief was understandable I mean that's kinda how Hoyo likes to incorporate other nations characters by making them play joker to all the other characters. Like Itto in Perilous Trail.

Though Venti here felt weird. It felt like they knew he HAD to be here because they would get a lot more shit if Venti just didn't show up at all and they very obviously had nothing to do with him so they threw him in and then added some lore bites for him and moved on. Like I said before Sucrose being the main girl of this event isn't even a bad idea in fact it was a great idea and if it were just that I could've taken my disappointment and just shrugged it off but this feels like a whole different can of worms.

I really am worried that the next time Venti gets significant screen time will be when Albedo destroys Mondstadt or for something just as bad. He's been kinda here just drifting around for too long and his appearances are more disappointing than anything. If he just kinda dies or gets seriously injured it might end with more people in the fandom cheering than being upset. I don't want that for my baby. I don't want him hurt or anything in general but I definitely don't want his pain to be considered happy. It's very clear that this fandom needs a Venti story quest part two so they stop mischaracterizing him or at least they start to understand more of why so many of us love him the way we do. He felt so oddly empty in this festival he was by himself during every appearance and just drinking and Traveler and Paimon only sought him out for their own problems. That's what hurts the most. It feels like they tried to remedy it a bit by having Traveler offer to buy him food in part two but they decided not to have Venti sit with those two. In Weinlesefest Paimon and Traveler describe Venti as one of their closest best friends. Sure doesn't feel like it lately.

Day three felt so fucking hollow they like set out to go and find the lantern and tried to tie everything up cleanly but it was a mess. You have like seven characters up there all together and then after Alice finishes her explanation they just kinda go. Good enough for me let's leave 🤨. Albedo just kinda walks off with Klee when they're in the main square. Then leaves her and comes back to the main group.. without her and i was thinking. The "good big brother" huh. They remembered Cyno's card back in the last few minutes which.. that card back is so fucking lame. Dvalin in the rhythm event poster looks way fucking prettier! Albedo is so talented and that's what he came up with. My Mondstadt card back is better looking sorry Cyno. Timaeus and Ying'er felt forced. I remember in that one event where Timaeus goes to Liyue for that one potions event Ying'er says something about either already having a bf?? Or that Timaeus wasn't her type one or the other so they felt weird to me. Only amazing part of the last day was the pictures you can get atop that floating rock at the witches table 🥰, baby Albedo like I said before and Tighnari calling Cyno his sibling. Thank you Hoyo for murdering that ship.

Scarlett was.. a choice.. I literally can't understand how Paimon goes, huh I wonder where she's from. She's wearing a hat and a coat in a sunny nation 😒 come on monkey think! Like you've met Snezhnaya characters before!! Hello fucking Teucer and the ton of NPC'S from there that inhabit fucking Liyue! Plus Childe but he doesn't dress the same way they do so it's a sort of pass. Anyway Scarlett was just so weird they made her seem so villainous for no reason and then they just go nope she's cool she's just some girlie who knows Alice 😑. When I saw the leaks I thought Alice was actually going to have a part to play in this event not that she'd just GAA us again.

They didn't even have the offering to Barbatos or the Windblume star. Smdh. And I know I'm going to get those people again in my inbox later so let me really paint a picture for ya'll.

Imagine Lantern Rite one in the exact same way it had been. It's a Liyue centered event with Liyue characters all coming together to celebrate the year and give thanks to the adepti. It all plays out the same and then the second Lantern Rite rolls around and they have Ayaka pull up with Thoma and Ayato (let's pretend he was out back then..) and the three of them are taking up screen time with Ningguang as the host. We don't get the mini story with Keqing and instead it's replaced with Ayaka trying the Wanmin restaurant menu out. The gifting of the presents to the adepti now have Ayaka, Ayato and Thoma just kinda waltzing around with Traveler and Keqing but they don't really understand how special it all is because it's not their nation they're just kinda here to make little quips and jokes and introduce themselves throwing the story off a bit. And instead of an ending cutscene for a happy LR we instead get Ayaka talking about how nice it was to get out of her little bubble and see and meet new people.

Thoma and Ayato both congratulating her and everyone thinking it's sweet. No Xiao smile during the cutscene, no reveal of Keqing's dress, no fireworks just Ayato, Thoma and Ayaka walking down the streets of Liyue with Traveler and Paimon.

That sounds so much better doesn't it? We could even have a scene of Xingqiu and Ayaka becoming besties too. At the end of the day what's done is done and this is the second Windblume festival. But I'm still allowed to say it didn't feel like one and if anyone reads this and you loved this year's festival more power to you I'm not saying you're a bad person I'm just saying really think about what I'm saying here and try to understand where I and other Mondstadt lovers/Venti stans are coming from with this. If you aren't willing to hear me out then I'm not willing to hear you out plain and simple.

This ended up being really long anon and I'm sorry but I felt like I should get everything I thought out there. I'm really glad people ask me about these events and how I felt about them and I like reading the thoughts everyone else has on these events too even if I don't completely agree. Or just don't agree in general. As long as people can just be chill about their opinions. Cause I'm very much a give the same energy back tenfold kind of girl.

[kyogre-blue]

Windblume 2, day 1 complete. 

It was mixed! 

It felt kind of weird, because there were parts I really enjoyed and there were parts that were pretty dang bad (ie the usual genshin standard). 

I would say the biggest distinction seems to be how many people are in a scene. Once there’s more than 3 people, the quality of the dialogue immediately drops by a lot and becomes genshin standard. The scenes with the Sumeru trio and alchemist team together were often barely tolerable. Everyone keeps redundantly introducing themselves, conversation constantly sidetracks into extended technobabble without any point then awkwardly tries to hard correct back onto what the plot needs, etc. They also repeat about Amber having good eyes twice, so I’m almost wondering if they did these scenes separately and didn’t edit the group scenes properly? 

On the other hand, the scenes with 2-3 people (not counting Paimon separately, to be clear) are generally quite nice. Sucrose is very cute, Collei is very cute, their interactions are sweet. 

Sucrose in particular has a very distinctive way of speaking, and her special way of approaching situations is highlighted well. She also does a lot of what you could call extended technobabble, but it’s usually more relevant and also a form of characterization, making it feel entirely different than the awkward group conversations. Collei meanwhile is also shy but has a surprisingly stubborn and almost fiery side to her, like repeatedly complaining that she can take care of herself and Cyno is making up excuses about seeing to her safety. We also get a lot of unspoken thoughts from her, which is rare and works quite well. 

Speaking of, even with the burden of the much worse group scenes, we finally get some actual characterization for Cyno. He finally makes actual jokes now. In fact, it feels almost ridiculous in how obviously they are struggling to make him a character. You can see the writing pretty literally going down his list of character traits that we never saw before and checking them off. They also try to excuse away how badly Sumeru failed him with “he was in work mode, this is how he is normally.” (protup: even the more serious Sumeru plot should have had at least one short scene where he breaks work “character” to show his actual personality.) Again, a very mixed experience, since it’s good he’s getting characterization, but it’s really blatant in showing the way Sumeru screwed over its characters. 

Tighnari and Albedo are broadly more in line with what we’ve seen on them before, especially since Tighnari had probably the best Sumeru story quest. They both also interact well with Cyno. Tighnari is long suffering, Albedo is very off-beat in a different way so it’s a fun dynamic. When the writers stop shoving dragged out fake science discussions and social nicety introductions into the dialogue, they’re an interesting trio. The Collei, Tighnari and Cyno trio is good too. 

Other than that, it’s nice seeing the blue windblume decorations again, and there’s some nice bits of continuity about the kind of festival Windblume is. There’s a couple mentions that it’s a festival where people are encouraged to do things for themselves, and how the “windblume” is not a specific flower. Compared to how Lantern Rite gets reinvented every year, it’s nice. But, as mentioned, very sad that they removed the Statue of Seven decorations! 

I’ve been told day 2 quest is better, so I’m looking forward to that. I have faith in Mond, and I believe it can pick up the slack. Plus, even with the unevenness, it’s still vastly better than other nations’ events lol.