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It’s December 24th, a normal winter day filled only with an inspection of the Traveler. After realizing Aether could wield multiple elements, but at the cost of his body, Albedo insisted on regular check-ups to make sure they don’t cause the Traveler any major physical injuries. Now is simply one of those days.
The Traveler seems off, though - and not physically. He seems mentally different than normal; uncharacteristically quiet and reserved. Not only is that kind of change bad for an exam, as he won’t speak up as loud or often about symptoms or when touching an area may hurt, but it’s confusing for Albedo. Psychology isn’t his strong suit, so chances are he can’t help much if Aether is struggling from something.
That said, it’s winter, and the coldest season of the year does typically hush people. Albedo chalks the silence up to the time of year.
“Next is the torso inspection,” hums Albedo, moving his hands away from the spot on Aether’s arm where he’d been inspecting.
Aether nods quietly, not so much as offering a comment about how Albedo’s hands are always cold and he needs to keep his gloves on. Albedo clicks his tongue slightly as the teenager removes his crop top and scarf - though he holds the latter in his hands, staring at it with no words.
Albedo walks around to see Aether’s front. He reaches up, gently pressing around Aether’s shoulders. “Does this hurt? Any discomfort?” Aether shakes his head softly. His bangs fall over his eyes. Albedo’s eyes narrow.
“Raise your head,” he instructs as if it’s relevant to the inspection. He typically doesn’t try feeling Aether’s neck unless something is visibly wrong or Aether mentions symptoms in the area, but he feels today is a good day to “inspect the area”. He just can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.
Aether wipes a hand across his face before slowly raising his head and locking it in a position making him look above Albedo’s head, and the alchemist’s suspicions are immediately confirmed.
Albedo’s eyes widen. He’s awestruck - not at the sight of Aether’s neck, but at that of his eyes. Even with Albedo’s density toward emotions, he can see through the thin layer of mental stability in Aether’s eyes - a mask he always seems to have up - to the pool of pure, heart-wrenching sadness leaking out only in the form of small tears lining the outer corners of Aether’s eyes.
“Traveler, what has you upset?” Albedo asks as calmly as his voice will allow, gently rubbing Aether’s ribs and feeling for lumps or invisible bruises.
“It’s nothing,” replies the teenager quietly, his voice cracking in a way that sends a spear through Albedo’s heart.
“There’s something bothering you,” Albedo insists, “tell me what it is.”
“It’s just… I miss my sister.”
“I understand,” Albedo says, his fingers trailing down to Aether’s front sides and stomach, “but it’s more than that.”
The room falls silent for a long while before Aether finally decides he;s ready to explain.
“Well, it’s just… tomorrow is December twenty-fifth.”
“That is correct.” Albedo moves to inspect Aether’s back and back sides. “What of it?”
“Lumine and I have a tradition we’d engage in together every year. It’s called Christmas, and we always celebrate it on the twenty-fifth of December.”
“Interesting… why that day, of all of them?”
“It was originally a religious holiday - something about the birth of a half-god. We never practiced the religion, even when we were in the world it was created in, but we kept it on the same day.”
“I see… And what did you two do on this day?”
“Well, we’d sleep in however long we wanted, and then we made whatever we wanted for breakfast, however unhealthy it was. Then, we’d hang out and decorate until around eight at night, when we’d throw a little party for just the two of us. We’d give each other festively-wrapped presents and eat a cake we made together beforehand and put up mistletoe as if there were actually any couples who’d kiss under it and chat until we fell asleep or dawn rolled around. We…” His voice breaks, and Albedo peers over his shoulder to see tears running down his cheeks. His head lowers as he wipes them away. “...We always had so much fun,” he finishes. Albedo can feel a frown burrowing deep into his cheeks; Aether has been through so much for a fifteen year old…
The inspection finishes with little more words being spoken, and Aether heads on his way. Albedo quickly packs his things and exits the cave, as well. He has business with a certain coworker of his.
“Oh? A party?” Kaeya sips a glass of wine, clearly confused. “Tomorrow is quite short notice, you know. Besides, why do you want to throw a party? It seems so random.”
“It’s for Aether.”
Kaeya’s eyebrows immediately raise, and he swishes his drink idly, leaning against his desk. “I see... But why tomorrow? Is there an importance to the day?”
Albedo nods. “He and Lumine had a tradition to throw some sort of ‘Christmas party’ on the twenty-fifth of December. It happens every year, but now, they aren’t together for it.”
“Christmas? Is that some sort of special holiday from the nation he hails from?”
“You could say that. We’ll need cake and gifts.”
“Hold on, how do we even decorate for something like that? And where will it be held? Have you thought this through at all, Albedo?”
“Well, I figured, since you love extravagant events…” Albedo averts his eyes, shame settling into his bones as he realizes how he sounds.
“...That I could plan for you?” Kaeya finishes for him, chuckling softly. “Fine, but I’d better get a thank-you and a ‘best husband ever’ card or something,” he says playfully, setting down his glass. “I’ll work on the guest list. Could you secure a venue and get back to me?”
Albedo nods. “I can, but where?”
“Try my brother’s place. If you say I asked, he’s sure to accept. He loves me,” Kaeya says with a sly wink.
Albedo almost laughs at that, knowing the truth behind his fluffy words. He will not be mentioning Kaeya.
The tavern is surprisingly empty as Albedo walks in - in fact, the only one occupying the space is the winery owner and occasional tavernkeep, Diluc Ragnvindr.
The redhead has his hair tied into a high ponytail as he works on something Albedo can’t see, humming a soft tune as he does. “We’re closed,” he says indifferently before turning around and revealing himself to be wiping down a wooden mug. “Oh, it’s you. Uhm… Albedo, right? You’re Kaeya’s husband.”
Albedo nods, walking further into the building. “Apologies for the intrusion,” he says politely, “but I needed to speak to you about something. Is this a bad time?”
Diluc places the mug on a drying rack and undoes his hair, turning to fully face Albedo. “No, go ahead. What is it; did you finally realize how big of a moron your spouse is and want a divorce?”
Albedo shakes his head, cracking the slightest of grins at the question. He places himself on one of the stools at the main bar, replying, “No, nothing like that… though I can assure you I know exactly how big of a moron he can be.”
Diluc makes a scoffing noise, and if Albedo didn’t know better, he’d say it was a laugh. “What is it, then? I don’t rent myself to alchemists for experiments, if that’s what you’re after.”
“In fact, it has nothing to do with alchemy. I would like to rent your tavern as a venue, explains Albedo. “Tomorrow; I’m thinking… seven at night to five the next morning, perhaps?”
Diluc leans on the arm he sets on the bar, and his eyebrows furrow as he so obviously tries to get a read on Albedo. “Really, now? That’s quite a long time. What could a man like yourself want with my tavern for that long?”
“I’d like to throw a party.”
“An interesting notion, but who would this party be for?”
“The Traveler, mostly, but there will be more than just him involved.”
“The Knights, yes?”
“Probably, with a few outliers.”
Diluc clicks his tongue, looking around for a moment as he silently ponders the offer. “Why tomorrow?” He finally asks.
“I’d like to uphold a tradition. If it makes you more comfortable, I can get you on the guest list as a supervisor or bartender. We’ll need the drinks, anyway - I plan to make this as special as I can for Aether.”
“A tradition…?” Diluc asks quietly, but Albedo gets the feeling it’s rhetorical. “Fine, then. The Knights know the Tavern’s hourly rates, so whoever’s paying can consult them.”
“I understand.”
Diluc nods, standing up straight. “I’ll put you on the calendar. Any other special requests?”
“Can you bake?”
“Not worth a damn.”
“Got it.” Albedo nods, turning on his heel and heading for the door. “That will be all, then. Thank you, Master Diluc.”
“Anytime, I suppose.”
Albedo is on the way back to his and Kaeya’s house when he spots the town’s souvenir shop. They take odd currency, but they have the best gifts North of Liyue if you’re looking to buy for an outlander. Besides, if you fight a couple Hilichurls and take a look inside chests, you’re bound to find some of what Majorie’s looking for lying around.
He decides to enter the shop, and the owner immediately greets him.
“Hello!” She says with a wave. “Are you looking for something in particular?”
“Nothing specific.”
“Alright! Let me know if you need help finding something.”
Albedo nods and wanders the aisles for a while, but finds nothing that sticks out as Traveler-worthy. He’s just about to leave when he sees a section littered with odd-looking stones and bottles of unrecognizable liquid.
“What are these?” He asks, picking up a green stone with an Anemo symbol on it.
“I’m not sure, actually,” Marjorie replies curiously, walking over. “The Traveler seems to love them, though - they keep coming back for the stones, and I heard them talking about almost having enough to get the last bottle and ‘C-6’, or… something like that.”
Albedo hums, picking out the bottle he thinks seems most vibrant. “I’ll take this, then.”
“Alright, that’ll be two-hundred-twenty-five Anemo Sigils.”
Albedo finally heads home, surprised and relieved that he actually had enough to buy the item he wanted - albeit, he barely did. He holds the bag Marjorie was kind enough to place his gift in, unlocking the front door to his house and walking inside. Kaeya is already in the living room, one lamp serving as his only light source as he scribbles on a notepad.
“I’m back,” Albedo calls out, setting his present for Aether on the kitchen bar. “We have Angel’s Share to ourselves tomorrow - seven PM to five AM.”
“Wow, how great is that~?” Singsongs the bluenette, jotting the information down. “Was that his only availability?”
“No, I’m just upholding the tradition to the letter. Seven gives us enough time to prepare and begin at eight.”
“I see. Come here, sit down. You must be tired after all you’ve done today.”
“I am not,” Albedo responds, but goes over and sits beside him anyway.
Kaeya slings his arm around Albedo’s back and pulls him in close. “I’ve figured out the guest list,” he says, flipping back a couple pages on his notepad to reveal a small list of names. Albedo recognizes most of them and has heard others, but there are a couple he doesn’t know at all.
“They’re people the Traveler himself told me the most about,” Kaeya explains before Albedo can question them. “Always in positive ways, of course.”
“I suppose it’s fine then. I’m surprised you didn’t invite more people, though.”
“I figured Aether would enjoy the party more if it was just those he liked most.”
Suddenly, Albedo spots a name at the bottom of the list - one he’s all too familiar with.
“You know she won’t come, don’t you?”
“There’s no harm in trying - that is, if we can figure out how to get this to her.”
____
“Morning, Aether! Well, afternoon, since it’s already two o’clock. You slept like a rock until now, even when Paimon shook you!”
Aether stirs and rolls over onto his side as his traveling companion floats into the room.
“The mail came in!”
“Paimon,” mutters Aether, pulling hair out of his face. “Could I get a couple more minutes? Just this once?”
“Oh, okay.” Paimon sets what Aether assumes is his mail on the side table in front of him before exiting the room. “I’ll be downstairs when you wake up.”
Aether snuggles up against his blankets, but he’s unable to fall back into a dream. Sighing, he eventually sits up and reaches for the items addressed to him. Commission notice, small requests: all this is his normal mail; but today, there’s also something new. Behind all the usual letters requesting the Traveler’s appearance for miniscule tasks is a letter signed by “Kaeya Alberich of the Knights of Favonius”.
Aether rips the seal and opens the envelope, pulling out the letter inside and simply staring at it for a moment. What reason would Kaeya have for sending him a letter? Being one of Aether’s friends, Kaeya is always welcome in their Serenitea Pot. Could he have just addressed them in person?
Finally, he unfolds the letter and begins to read.
Traveler from afar,
Right about now, you’re probably wondering why I addressed you in writing instead of in person.
Yep, just like Keaya to read Aether’s mind.
A little birdie told me you prefer to sleep in on this particular day of the year, so I chose not to disturb you. Instead, you may read this whenever you’ve prepared yourself to face the day.
I wish to inform you of a small party hosted at Angel’s Share tonight. It will begin around 8 tonight and last until roughly Dawn, or whenever you decide to leave. You’ve no obligation to attend, of course, but I’m sure I’m not on a limb in saying everyone would love to see you take up our humble invitation.
There will be refreshments and food cooked by our trusty Master Diluc, as well as gifts - and, of course, no party is complete without a cake. On top of that, the guest list includes only fifteen, including yourself and Paimon, so you can be as introverted as you’d like. We’ll have a corner reserved just for you, though I’m sure you won’t need it.
Well wishes, Traveler, we hope to see you there. Oh, and Happy Crisstmuss, and that of the like.
Yours truly,
Kaeya Alberich
Aether stares at the letter for a moment. Happy Crisstmuss? Was he trying to say Merry Christmas? They don’t have a Christmas equivalent in Teyvat, as far as Aether was ever informed… Did Albedo tell him? Surely, they wouldn’t throw a just party to celebrate some holiday they’ve never so much as heard of before yesterday… Is it someone’s birthday, then? Not as far as he’s been made aware. How strange - but, then again, Kaeya has always been odd.
Oh, well; he supposes a distraction couldn’t hurt.
“Paimon,” Aether speaks, walking downstairs. “What do you say we go out tonight? There’s a party at Angel’s Share.”
The fairy-like creature immediately comes into the main room, their eyes glistening. “Really?” They ask. “Okay! Paimon would love to!”
“Then let’s go shopping,” Aether suggests, plastering on a small grin. “We’ll get something nice for everyone, and get some special clothes.”
“What if we get them Sticky Honey Roast?”
Aether chuckles slightly, used to Paimon’s food-related antics. “Maybe. We could get them all some sort of candy… Maybe chocolate.”
“Ooh, yeah!” Paimon agrees excitedly. “Let’s get chocolate!”
“Then it’s settled.”
Aether and Paimon are quickly able to acquire some tasty-looking chocolates, so now all Aether has to do is find some festive-ish bags for them while keeping Paimon from eating them all and look for some nice outfits for them both.
As it turns out, the souvenir shop has both - and for Mora instead of the much-harder-to-get Anemo Sigils. He gets some small fabric bags, ones colored in green or red and splashed with white and black stars, before heading to the clothing section.
“Traveler!” He hears a high voice call out, and they tense for a second under the assumption it’s someone with a “quest” for him; but upon turning around, he realizes that no, it isn’t some slightly troubled citizen, but Paimon forgetting Aether has a name.
The small entity lifts up a hanger holding an outfit - a white suit bearing soft yellow-gold collar details, buttons, and sleeve hems with matching pants and white shoes sporting dark, starry soles.
“Look!” They exclaim proudly, “these look like they were made for you!”
Aether stares at the outfit for a moment, watching how the overhead candlelight causes the details to glimmer and almost make the shoes seem to bear actual stars.
“They’re perfect,” he says softly before continuing with a grin. “Now, we just have to find something for you, Paimon.”
Paimon ends up getting a childish church dress with traditional Mondstadt-style shoes and a toy-sized, red pom-pom beanie Aether puts on their crown for reasons probably unknown to them,(judging by the puppy-dog face they gave him). Majorie is kind enough to let them switch outfits in the store’s fitting rooms, so they change before heading to Angel’s share.
They arrive at the venue about thirty minutes early, but Paimon insists it’s okay, so Aether knocks on the door to ensure he doesn’t intrude prematurely.
Kaeya opens the door, a knowing grin on his face. “I had a hunch you would arrive early,” he explains, stepping inside instead of letting the two in.”
“Can’t we come inside?” Whines Paimon, “It’s cold out here! Paimon’s going to freeze if Paimon’s outside any longer.”
Kaeya chuckles at that. “They’re still preparing everything inside, but I’m sure they’ll let us know when they’re done. It shouldn’t be too much longer now, so why don’t we have a little chat while we wait?”
“Aww, fine!” Replies Paimon. Aether simply nods.
“I hope this isn’t a sensitive topic, but I’m curious,” Kaeya begins smoothly, looking Aether and Paimon up and down. “Did you dress up with your sister?”
Aether knows what he’s talking about, even without specifications. “No,” he says, “we usually stayed in our pajamas, but I figured it’d be more appropriate to dress up this time.”
“I see…” Kaeya’s grin disappears for just a flicker of a second before reappearing again. “Well, you all look great.”
Suddenly, a knock coming from inside hits the tavern door, and Kaeya glances at it for a moment. “Ah, I see they’re ready,” he says. “Shall we go in?”
“Yes!!” Paimon exclaims, rushing over, but Kaeya stops them before turning to Aether.
“How about you do the honors?”
“Uhm… alright.” Aether blinks. What could he be thinking?
Walking past them both, Aether turns the knob and opens the door.
____
“Is everyone ready?” Albedo asks, backing away from the door and readying his confetti popper. All the guests give a collective nod. Just then, as if on queue, the door opens.
“Happy Crisstmuss, Traveler!” Everyone exclaims almost simultaneously, pulling their popper strings and letting confetti fly everywhere. Noelle and Lisa break through a section of the crowd to show off the cake they made together. People smile and laugh and even wave at the blonde boy in the doorway.
Albedo watches closely as the Traveler’s expression shifts from pre-set curiosity to shock to what seems to be joy - albeit the small glimmer of tears in his eyes may say otherwise.
“Guys…” He speaks softly, but seems to dismiss whatever thought he chose not to say. Kaeya nudges him further into the building, allowing him to let himself and Paimon in and shut the door.
“We have everything a party needs,” the man explains. “Thank Albedo; it was his idea.”
Albedo feels a small burst of heat on his cheeks, unprepared for the sudden shoutout. “I didn’t do much planning, though,” he combats.
“We wouldn’t have planned at all if it weren’t for you,” Kaeya cops back slyly. “In any case, this party is mainly for you, Traveler - so do what you want and have fun, okay?”
Aether wipes his eyes and flashes a bright smile. “Thank you so much… I definitely will.”
____
In no way was Aether expecting this: The decorations are festive - albeit not exactly Christmas-y, instead more depicting of Windblume themes - there are a variety of snacks and drinks, all his closest friends and long-standing allies from Teyvat’s mainland are there - even Katheryne - and the cake depicts a beautiful starry night! Aether reminds themself to thank Lisa and Noelle for that again later. He can’t describe how happy he feels, truly.
For the first couple of minutes, Aether can’t walk so much as a couple of steps without receiving a new gift. Everyone’s presents are so thoughtful, too: An out-of-print book from Xingqiu, a flower crown made of crystal clear and never-melting ice from Chongyun, Primogems from Katheryne, a homemade and definitely-not-exploding Barren Bunny from Amber, and so much more. Aether hasn’t felt so loved in his entire stay in Teyvat.
As Aether hops through chats with one person or another, he notices a small bit of oak leaves and Valberries hanging low from the chandelier above. “What’s that?” He asks Diluc, motioning to it.
The redhead shrugs. “Something about a missle-toe that people do romantic things under.”
Aether is almost compelled to laugh. “Wow, did he hear every word I said…?”
“Have you ever kissed under it?” Kaeya asks, approaching the two and causing Diluc to pretend to wipe down a glass with his back turned.
“Oh, no,” Aether responds, waving the implication off. “I’ve never felt that way for anyone. It’s almost always just been Lumine and me, anyway, so I’ve never had or needed the chance.”
“I see.”
After a while, Aether heads upstairs, just to have a moment to himself before continuing to socialize with everyone. There, on a table against a corner, is a letter all by its lonesome.
Aether walks over and picks it up just to see who it’s addressed to.
Lumine (Aether’s sibling)
…Lumine?
Aether knows he shouldn’t open it, but he can’t bring himself not to. It’s Kaeya’s handwriting again. What could he want with her?
Ma’am,
I hope this letter finds you well (if it does at all)
My name is Kaeya Alberich, and I like to think of myself as a friend of your sibling, Aether’s.
I know this must come as a shock to you, but I believe he’s actually opened up quite a bit as he got here. He’s made quite the sum of allies, you see, and I’m quite proud of him myself.
But Aether misses you to the point of crying when he simply can’t hold it in anymore. He’s trying his best to stay positive, as you can surely guess, but being separated from you for so long is causing him a great amount of pain.
Here’s the thing: a party is being hosted tomorrow, December 25th, from 8PM to 5AM the next day. It will be held at Angel’s Share, and we’ve extended an invitation to Aether. If you could come - even if only for a moment - I’m sure it would lift his spirits greatly.
Please just consider it.
Thank you,
Kaeya Alberich
Aether feels his heart swell at the letter. “He really invited Lumine…”
“Sorry she didn’t come.” Aether turns around to see Kaeya walking toward him from the edge of the stairs. “We didn’t exactly know where to send it.”
Aether shakes his head. “It’s the thought that counts… and I can tell you put a lot into this.”
Kaeya smiles slightly wider for a moment. “Maybe next year, hm?”
Next year. “Yeah, maybe.”
“Come on,” Kaeya begins, motioning for Aether to follow him back downstairs. “Venti’s got a solo waiting.”
Aether grins. “Alright.”
Once they return to the bar area, Venti sets his beer mug down and giggles melodically. “Ahem, everyone,” he exclaims tipsily, calling for everyone’s attention. “In honor of tonight, and of our dearest Traveler, I have prepared a couple of my favorite musical pieces to perform for you all!” The bard clears his throat and raises his lyre, beginning to sing his heart out to Thousand-Wind Wine as an opening piece.
Aether sways slightly to the music when he hears a knock breaking the beat. Looking around the area, he sees no indication that anyone else made, or even heard, the noise. Perhaps it was his imagination? It is getting quite late…
But then he hears it again, and his attention is called to the tavern’s front door. He walks over and opens it, but no one stands before him. On the ground, however, lies a small box addressed to him by name in the lettering of Teyvat’s common language - or that of Latin and many other languages, if in another world.
He shuts the door behind him, feeling Teyvat’s chilly winter air on his cheeks as he bends down to retrieve the small item. He realizes it’s wrapped in hand-made, festive paper, with trees colored over a red backsplash using crayon or something similar. He easily finds the sewn-on seam and tears it, revealing a small wooden box with a detachable roof. They easily slip the top off and peer inside. They’re shocked to see the contents.
Inside lies a picture of him and Lumine as children, making snowmen in a small yard. Attached to the obviously hand-made frame is a note in all-too-familiar handwriting.
Next year, I promise.
Aether smiles through the fat globs of tears he has to wipe away from his eyes. “Yeah… next year. I’ll wait for you.”
“Ah, there you are!” Says a cheery voice from behind him. Amber stands on the front steps of the tavern, smiling widely. “Silly, you keep wandering off. Come inside, we’re about to cut the cake! You get the first slice, obviously.”
Aether stands, placing the box’s roof back on and following her back inside. Before he fully enters, though, he looks up to the starry night sky, glimmering just like his home world’s always would. A shooting star catches his eye for a brief moment before disappearing into the navy blue blanket above.
“Merry Christmas, Lumine… wherever you are.”
____
Lumine surveys the world around her, wondering what to do next. The nation she had created, a safe haven in which her and Aether could live in peace, is now in shambles at her feet. She’s at a loss… but something tells her it will be alright. A light deep inside her heart, one she always thought of as a piece of Aether that found its way into her, knows she’ll find a way through this. She’ll find a way back to her brother.
For a moment, she swears she can hear a distant voice calling out to her. It speaks no words, but she knows what message it wishes to relay.
As she glances up to the infinite sky, a shooting star guides her view. She can’t help but smile.
“Merry Christmas, Aether.”