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Disclaimer: I do not own any aspect of Genshin Impact, Keqing, Aether, the Serenitea Pot, Liyue Harbor, or other characters and areas in the game. These belong rightfully to Mihoyo/ Hoyoverse . The interpretations of such are my own—while keeping the characters in character and locations accurate as possible.
The Birthday Anniversary
by
Aegis Runestone
It was once again November 20th in Teyvat. In his room at Emerald Peak, Aether looked over his birthday poem he had prepared for his companion, partner, and lover, Keqing. They had been together, adventuring, dating, enjoying each others' company, and protecting one another for a long time.
Keqing had sent him a letter that day, inviting him to come to a banquet her friends had prepared for her. In her letter she said: “ ... and that’s why I thought of you. A birthday without you would be such a regret. ” She didn’t want to live a life with regrets and Aether had no intention to disappoint her.
Aether continued to proofread the poem. Not only was this month important because it was Keqing’s birthday, but it also marked the anniversary of when they first met and began to adventure together.
Two years... he thought. It seems like it was just yesterday when I met her. He thought back. That day, he had ran into her at Tianheng Pass. She had stopped the Millelith who attacked Paimon and himself out of a misunderstanding. It was that day and in that place where Keqing piqued his curiosity.
A day later, Aether assisted in saving Liyue Harbor from a national crisis; the Liyue Qixing gave him a unique opportunity: to demand his ‘price’ for helping save Liyue Harbor. He humbly asked for some posters of his sister to be put up.
At first, Keqing was a little offended due to the fact he could have asked for more and would have had the missing person posters put up after speaking to her in private. However, after talking about how it was his twin sister, the Yuheng softened and understood how critical his desire was.
A week had passed with no information. It was the second of November, and he had been sitting on the hands of the Statue of the Anemo Archon to Barbatos in Mondstadt. It was late at night when Keqing gave him a surprising, yet reasonable visit; she wanted to help him on his journey and help him find his sister.
“Hey, Aether!” Paimon’s voice called, awakening him from his reminiscence. His white, pixie companion floated over in front of him. “It’s almost time for the banquet Keqing invited us to! Come on! Paimon doesn’t want to miss out!”
“... on the food, right?” Aether said with a smile. Paimon frowned. “I’m teasing.” He stood up from his chair. “You’re right, let’s get going.”
“Is your poem for Keqing ready?”
“Yes, I think she’ll love it.” He exited his room and headed for the mansion door. “But!” He added as Paimon picked up the Kamera. “Paimon, stay at the banquet. I’m going to try to pull Keqing aside for a private moment to share it with her. No picture taking.” He waved his finger.
“Aww! But it would make for such good memories!”
“It would, but I don’t want to embarrass her.”
“Hmph.” Paimon snorted. “Fine. Paimon gets it, you need to spend love-love time with your Yuheng. Just don’t get too frisky.”
“Oh, come on...” Aether rolled his eyes. “Let’s get going, Paimon.”
“Alright!”
-S-
The Yuehai Pavilion in Liyue Harbor...
Aether and Paimon ascended the last steps before entering the pavilion. The courtyard was all alight with lanterns on poles and lanterns strung across the buildings. There was a massive dining table in the middle of the courtyard covered with Liyue specialty dishes of all kinds.
Around the grand table, Aether already recognized the faces of several friends gathered into groups: Xingqiu, Chongyun, Yanfei, Ganyu; Xiangling with her companion Guoba, Beidou, Yun Jin, and Xinyan; Zhongli, Hu Tao, Qiqi, and Dr. Baizhu; and lastly two members of the Liyue Qixing: Ningguang and Uncle Tian.
Strange, Aether rubbed his chin. Where’s Keqing? We arrived on time and—
“Well!” A male voice said clearly. “And here comes the birthday lady’s guests of honor!” It was Uncle Tian. His voice had caught the attention of the other members at the table. Aether smiled as he approached the table. “Welcome back to Liyue Harbor, Traveler and Paimon,” the Tianshu said.
“Thank you,” Aether said with a bow.
“Hi!” Paimon greeted. “So, how are you, Uncle Tian?”
“Same as always: plenty of health for the next few years,” he said with a chuckle. “Thanks to you two, I might add. But, that's not the topic of the night. I'm sure you've got to catch up with Lady Keqing and your friends.”
Aether nodded. He beckoned to Paimon and they made their way toward the closest group: Zhongli and the four others with him.
“Hey, Aether! Hey Paimon!” Xiangling exclaimed, waving at him.
“Aya-aya, it's not appropriate to hog them all for yourself, Uncle Tian!” Hu Tao teased.
“Paimon... is here! And... Aether... is here,” Qiqi said slowly. “Keqing will be very... happy!”
“Yeah, she will be,” Hu Tao said to her friend. She threw Qiqi a wink. “Oh, will she be happy, hehe.”
“Director, perhaps it is best not to jest too much on this occasion,” Zhongli suggested. Hu Tao frowned at him. “After all, we would not want to embarrass her.”
“Pfft. Don’t hide that smile from me! You know as well as I know .”
“Let us just allow Lady Keqing to enjoy herself,” Zhongli deflected. “Can we agree to that?”
Hu Tao rolled her eyes. “Fine! Fine!” She shot a knowing wink at Aether. He could not help himself; he grinned in return.
Aether and Paimon passed by each and every one of the guests—all of them were their friends, too. They took a brief moment to chat before moving onto another group. Aether got over to where Ganyu, Yanfei, Xingqiu, and Chongyun were gathered.
“Hey, everyone!” Paimon greeted.
“Ah, Traveler, Paimon! It’s good to see you two again,” Xingqiu said. He closed his book. “How are you two doing this fine evening?”
“Paimon’s doing awesome!”
“I’m doing very well, thank you,” Aether said. He scratched his head and looked from Xingqiu to Yanfei to Chongyun and then to Ganyu. “Where is Keqing? She’s usually not late to festivities like this.”
Yanfei pointed to Chongyun. “Just as expected; he was going to ask about Keqing,” she said.
He sighed. “Yes, you’re right,” Chongyun admitted. “But I also don’t understand what’s keeping Lady Keqing.”
“You just gave away the answer by calling her ‘Lady’,” Yanfei said.
“Ah, yes,” Ganyu interjected. “She’s probably still getting ready.” the half-adeptus explained. “She has grown fond of her Lantern Rite attire and she’s as picky with getting it right as she is with attendance.”
Aether chuckled. “Well, I guess I should have thought of that,” he said. “Though, I imagine those two things clash often, eh?”
“Very,” Ganyu said with a smile. She faced Aether. “Be kind to her tonight,” she added in a low voice.
Aether blinked. “I always am, though.”
Ganyu sighed. “You’re right. I meant... more than usual tonight.”
“Huh? Is something wrong? Did something happen recently?”
“Oh! No, no, no. Nothing like that. She was quite worried you wouldn’t make it on time,” Ganyu explained. She beamed. “Just make sure she’s happy.”
Aether nodded. “Don’t worry, I will,” he said. “I would never want anyone to regret their birthday on my account. Especially not Keqing.”
“Thank you,” she responded.
“Guuuo-BA! “Xiangling’s little bear companion announced. The party gatherers blinked in confusion. Then, Gouba pointed opposite of him to far end of the Pavilion and made the same noise.
“Ah, there she is!” Xinyan roared.
“The Lady of the night!” Yun Jin chimed in.
“Late, but looking great!” Beidou added.
“Oh, oh!” Paimon turned.
Aether turned and smiled. A lovely young lady with long purple hair and in a lovely, stunning, and yet comely dark purple dress walked into the light.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “This is not like me to be late like this.”
“It’s all right,” Ningguang said.
“It’s not any trouble at all,” Dr. Baizhu said. “We’re all here for you tonight after all.”
“Happy birthday, Keqing!” The group exclaimed, some saying her name, others calling her ‘Lady Keqing’, and a few by her title ‘Lady Yuheng.’
Aether’s breath escaped him; it had been a long time since he seen her wearing her Opulent Splendor dress. It had been made earlier that year during the second Lantern Rite he and Paimon had been to. There, they had spent a lot of time with Keqing, while secretly working together under Zhongli’s instructions on how to convince Keqing to stop overworking herself. Especially during festivals and celebrations. They accomplished their goal by using a made-up, but believable story which related to Keqing’s own situation.
After all the others’ attempts to get her to stop overworking herself, it was Zhongli’s suggestion to use a story which was successful. After that, Keqing’s attention was grabbed by one of the secretaries saying the ‘item’ she had wanted was ready. Eager, Keqing told Aether and Paimon to stay put and she ran off. Some time had passed before she finally returned wearing that very dress; Aether thought he was going to faint when he saw her flip her hair and heard her ask how it looked on her.
“Hey, Keqing!” Paimon waved.
“Keqing!” Aether also waved.
Her lovely red-violet eyes set themselves on the two—especially Aether. A broad smile spread over her face. “You made it! Aether, you showed up tonight!” Uncharacteristically, Keqing dashed over to him and gave him a brief, yet aggressive hug. “I am so happy to see you.”
“It’s the least I could do to fulfill your birthday wish,” Aether said.
“Thank you,” Keqing said with a deep smile of gratitude. She turned to the gathering. “Good evening, everyone and thank you for bringing... all of this together for me. I’m... very surprised to be honest.”
“You deserve it!” Xiangling cheered. Guoba made noises of agreement.
“Agreed,” Zhongli said. “There’s no need to keep yourself away from others on such an occasion. It only happens once a year.”
“That’s true, Mr. Zhongli,” she agreed.
“Well, shall we start the celebration?” Yun Jin suggested. “Are you ready, Lady Keqing?”
She nodded. “Yes. I am ready to be sung to.”
Sung to? Aether thought. He had been to other worlds and there were similar traditions to sing well wishes for someone on their birthday. But this was the first time he had heard of a such a tradition in Teyvat, considering how far he had traveled, four nations of the seven already.
Someone tapped his shoulder, and whispered. “Paimon thinks we should move into the group to join in.”
“And do you know what they are going to sing?” Aether asked.
“Um... no.” Paimon admitted. “But let’s move into the group so it doesn’t look like they’re singing to us also.”
“Good point.”
Aether and Paimon quickly and stealthily slipped into the gathered crowd.
“Okay, now what?” he asked.
“We just... uh... Paimon thinks we just try to follow along.”
Before Aether could respond, the gathering raised their voices in a unified song:
Happy birthday, Lady Keqing!
Whose birth we celebrate today!
It's your special day,
Created just for you
In honor of your birth
We made this festive day!
We are grateful to have
A friend such as you!
Lady Keqing!
We celebrate this day of your life
In honor of you!
Happy birthday from Liyue to you!
Aether and Paimon joined in with the clapping and cheering as a slightly pink-faced Keqing descended toward the banquet table. He ran the words of the birthday song in his head again. Does each region have their own birthday song? He wondered, thinking of the last line.
Shrugging, he went over to join everyone. Paimon had already flown ahead—obviously for the delicious-looking food. What else? Aether smirked to himself. As he drew closer to the table, he noted the various dishes and made note of the multiple dishes of Golden Shrimp Balls which happened to be Keqing’s favorite food.
The dishes of Golden Shrimp Balls formed a circle around a lovely cake adorned with purple and dark blue frosting. Aether wasn’t sure what flavor it was and assumed the frosting concealed that secret.
“Oooh...!” Paimon gleefully giggled. “Paimon’s so hungry!”
Aether snatched her away from the food. “ Ahem! The birthday lady gets the first bite, my friend.”
“Aya! Where are your manners, Paimon?” Hu Tao said.
“I agree with the Director,” Zhongli added. “If it were your birthday, Paimon, we’d be happy to let you grab your immediate fill.”
“Now, now,” Ganyu said. “Let’s calm down. It’s Lady Keqing’s birthday, not a food competition.”
“Paimon’s sorry...”
“Everything’s all right, Paimon,” Keqing said. She eyed a Golden Shrimp Ball just as Aether expected. “And I think I’ll start with this.” She took a pair of chopsticks and grabbed the end of the Golden Shrimp Ball she had been eyeing. Aether had seen her eat one in a single bite, but on this night surrounded by others—even if friends—it seemed she made the decision to eat smaller bits before finishing.
“That was wonderful,” Keqing sighed with delight. “Well... go ahead, everyone! And thank you again for this lovely banquet!”
“Happy birthday!” All cheered before gathering up plates, utensils and, of course, their share of food.
-S-
“On this night of rarest nights,
Is purple radiance shining
beneath Liyue’s Sky
You called for me,
And I came just for you,
For the darling lights in your eyes
And for the warmth of your shining radiance
May you, my dear Keqing, be delighted
As we bask in each other’s presence.”
Aether closed his poem and looked into Keqing’s eyes. Ganyu had helped him find a moment to pull Keqing away from the festivities so they could have some private time. They had descended to the lower streets of Liyue at the bridge which connected Chihu Rock and Feiyun Slope. There, the couple had stopped in a corner which overlooked the main harbor to be alone.
“Well, did you like it?” he asked her. “I spent all day working on it.”
“It was lovely, Aether,” Keqing said sincerely. “Could I bother you for a copy? Huh?” She was surprised as he handed her the poem. “Oh, thank you. However, don’t you want your own copy to keep?”
He smiled at her; he enjoyed how the moon’s light would play off her eyes. “Don’t worry, I was wise enough to make one for myself earlier.” He pointed to the poem. “Take it; it’s your copy.”
“Aether... thank you,” Keqing said. Were there tears in her eyes? If it were earlier in their relationship, Aether would have thought he was hallucinating. However, at this point, he wasn’t surprised at all.
He hugged her around the shoulder. “You’re very welcome.” He kissed her on the cheek and then let go. Keqing smiled happily at him, and he returned the smile. The celebration had been wonderful, but nothing in Teyvat was more precious to him than spending some time just with her.
Aether leaned against the railing and watched the stars. “You know, this month is special for more than one reason. Remember? Two years ago on November 2nd—eighteen days before your birthday—you came to me and asked if you could join me on my journey; to help me find Lumine,” he said.
“Yes, I remember,” Keqing said. She laughed. “You were sitting in the hands of the Statue of the Anemo Archon in Mondstadt. Even in the middle of the night!” She glanced at him. “I had arrived earlier that night and spent the whole time looking for you! Not even Amber knew where you had gone.” She tapped his cheek.
“Eh, heh heh.” He scratched his head. “I know, I know. But you know now why I was there.”
“To relax, correct?”
“Yes.” Aether answered. “But Keqing, what I want to say is...” He raised himself from the railing and looked into Keqing’s eyes. “Thank you,” he extended his hand, “for being with me all this time.”
She smiled brightly and took his hand gently. “And I'm glad to have been with you for two years,” she added. Keqing paused and then embraced Aether tightly. “Thank you... for letting me be a part of your journey.”
Aether held her close; after a moment he kissed the top of her head and said, “you're welcome, Keqing. Happy birthday.”
Still holding him, she pulled back and lovingly kissed him. “Thank you. I hope you can stay by my side for years to come, Aether.”
“I will. Always.”
~Fin~