Chapter Text
The passing of the months had occurred, and nurturing spring had turned into vibrant summer, which, in turn, had become a prosperous autumn. Finally, the cold respite of winter had come upon Fontaine, as it had the rest of Teyvat. This meant that family gatherings would occur, holidays would be had, and merriment and a celebration of life and a fruitful year would begin to take place among the Court of Fontaine's inhabitants, much like the rest of the Seven Nations. While Liyue had their own tradition of Lantern Rite, so too did Fontaine have their own holidays during the cold winter months. Chief among these was the Starlight Celebration, a time when people would purchase or go about and cut down their own fir trees to adorn their homes with electro powered lights and various ornaments to decorate and welcome an atmosphere of cheer and joy. Homes would be decorated with similar lights, a brightness to contrast the earlier darkening of the days. All of the streets and shops and homes and streets of the Court of Fontaine would be adorned thus, and the magnificence and grandeur of the capitol city would be on display to both native residents and to travelers and tourists alike. The people would take to enjoying hot chocolates, the building of Gingerbread Houses with their children, and of course, of gift-giving to loved ones both familial and romantic in nature. An air of family and romance would indeed take place, setting a cozy, inviting scene throughout the City of Love, as the Court of Fontaine was informally known as throughout both Fontaine proper, as well as the rest of Teyvat.
Love and Romance were of course on the minds of many a Fontainian as they went to and fro, searching for the perfect gifts and events and dates for which they could express their dearest feelings and spread holiday cheer to those closest to them. Of course, this year would be no different. What was different, for some in Fontaine, was the inclusion of one Traveler from Another World, and his fairy companion, new to the nation of justice. Though their exploits resulted in the general salvation of all, in the city, alongside the Iudex, Duke of Meropide, President of the Spina di Rosula, among others, there were a few individuals that especially become close to the Hero of Teyvat, as he had steadily become to be known as. Thus, they wanted to show their own brand of appreciation to this individual, that had no real reason to aid them other than out of the kindness of their own heart.
Aether, the Traveler, was interested in many cultures, languages, and traditions. So when he was apprised of the Fontainian winter holiday of the Starlight Celebration, he was all game for participating in the holiday. He even went as far as to inquire about the various decorations, traditions, events, and of course, foods that would be served during this chilly holiday, to which his newly made Fontainian friends were only too eager to share with him, some, with ulterior motives. Thus, when the holiday's apex had come close to arriving, the Traveler, having prepared their Teapot with various Fontainian structures and decorations to mimic the Court of Fontaine during the Starlight Celebration, decided to invite all of their Fontainian friends to a party to have a real Starlight Celebration experience. Little did this Traveler know, being a bit obtuse to the feelings of others at times, some of his friends wished to take advantage of the situation and perhaps boldly stake a claim on a more serious relationship with their dear Traveler. Thus, among some of them, they began to speak in code to one another in their own mini-factions of sorts dubbing this grand opportunity, Operation: Starlight Kiss. This of course, stemmed from the widely known Fontainian tradition of using the Mistletoe plant and hanging it from the ceiling in a room. Once two people were caught under this plant, they would need to kiss, and thus, it became the goal of every Fontainian interested in pursuing a relationship with their paramour to end up under this plant to solidify their claim.
Thus began the great endeavor to claim the Traveler's lips for their own, or die (of embarrassment) trying...
"Why am I hanging this little plant from the ceiling again, Lyney? No disrespect to Fontaine's culture or anything, but it just seems a bit out of place considering the other decorations that we've been putting up," Aether inquired incredulously to his mischievous magician of a friend.
Lyney feigned a hurt expression before adopting his trademark smirk, "Why, I'm hurt Aether! In Fontaine during the month of the Starlight Celebration it's customary to hang a sprig of mistletoe from the ceiling. Tradition has it that if two people end up under the mistletoe, then fate itself has dictated that they ought to be together, and therefore..." he paused for dramatic effect, "...they must kiss," he answered with a wink, causing Aether to adorn a light blush upon his cheeks.
Aether regained his composure after a brief moment, rolling his eyes, "Ah, I see how it is. Well, if it's something that's seen as tradition, I'll go ahead and include it. I don't really see the harm in it, it's not like I'm gonna end up under it or anything," he declared, with a laugh.
We'll see about that, mon cheri, Lyney thought to himself.
"Fate is a tricky thing, I think. Perhaps even a long-lived traveler from another world might be surprised."
Aether sighed in exasperation, "You know, I'll tell you what," Lyney's ears perked up, "If I happen to be caught under the mistletoe, I'll honor the tradition then. Couldn't hurt, after all. I won't be caught off guard that easily, though," it was his turn to offer a smirk of his own to the magician, which made Lyney's heart skip a beat, unbeknownst to his golden-haired love interest.
Lyney cleared his throat and regained his usual cool, collected demeanor, "Well said mon ami, I doubt that you'll have any trouble to look out for. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll need to prepare for the upcoming soirée [evening party] that we have so lovingly decorated your abode for," He bowed courteously and left the Serenitea Pot using the Realm Dispatch that Aether had given out to his closest confidants and companions that he had made over his journey through Teyvat.
"Paimon thinks that he's up to no good as usual, you should be careful, Traveler," the fairy warned her dear friend.
Aether chuckled at that, "Don't worry, I don't think things will turn out how he imagines them. Now, let's start planning out the different dishes that we'll have for the party, eh?" He suggested.
Paimon brightened noticeably at the mention of special food, "Woohoo! Paimon can't wait to try all of the tasty food!"
"How do I look, my dear Monsieur Neuvillette?" Furina asked, doing a twirl to show off the dress that she had painstakingly had made for her upon learning of Aether's Starlight Celebration party and receiving her own invitation in the mail.
Neuvillette put a hand to his chin, pondering for a moment, "I think that you look captivating, Lady Furina," he concluded.
Her dress resembled a gentle sea form, with a dark blue fabric, silken and soft. The picture of elegance. It had patterns in light sky-blue that resembled bubbles, accompanied by small gemstones that caused the top of her dress to sparkle like the night sky. She had personally commissioned the dress from Chiori's boutique.
Furina had insisted that he refer to her without the formal title of Lady but she had bigger problems to deal with as of late, namely, to capture the heart of a certain blonde-haired traveler, so she let it slide for now.
Good. I'll need to be at my absolute best, and most alluring in order to make the most of this opportunity. I can't let any of the others weasel their way into his heart, most of all that mischievous magician and his sneaky sister. That goes double for that pesky President, Navia. I'm no fool. I see the way they look at him. I need to act fast, Aether is too kind for his own good, his heart is vulnerable to their wicked charms.
Furina nodded with an air of dignity befitting for a former Archon, "That is well, then, Neuvillette. We will need to work together and combine our efforts if I am to come out on top during the festivities."
The Hydro Sovereign raised an eyebrow in suspicion, confused, "...We? I'm not sure what you mean, Lady Furina, what exactly are you referring to? It is a simple festive get together for the Starlight Celebration hosted by the Traveler, is it not?"
Furina huffed in annoyance, "No! it's the most important night of all! There are greedy vultures circling about my dear Traveler, attempting to lay claim to him like some unattended boat in Romaritime Harbor! They forget their place, and thus, it falls to me, Furina de Fontaine to remind them of whom the traveler belongs to," she corrected.
Neuvillette sighed, so that's what this is all about...
"And I suspect that you will want my assistance in this matter?" He inquired.
Furina smiled, happy at his realization, "Indeed! With our skills combined, surely, the Traveler will have no choice but to realize his feelings for me!"
Neuvillette resisted the urge to roll his eyes at such an absurd proposition, though, he did indeed want Lady Furina to be happy, and if her happiness hinged upon her being in a romantic relationship with the Traveler, then he would see to it to commit his full effort and abilities to the task. It was the least that he could do to repay her in a small way for the sacrifice that she had made for the people of Fontaine. Surely, he himself would not be judged too harshly for what could be perceived as a petty act, now could he?
He resigned himself to assist his Lady in her pursuit, and with a gentle sigh relented, "Very well. I shall assist you in obtaining a romantic relationship with the Traveler," Furina simply beamed at this, shocked that the Iudex would acquiesce so easily, "on the condition that you cease to include me in these kinds of schemes in the future."
Furina clasped her hands together, smiling with glee, cackling maniacally, "But of course! Now, let us finish preparations before we depart for the destined gathering."
Neuvillette pinched the bridge of his nose.
Forgive me, Aether. I know not what she has in store for you, but duty compels me to fulfill the wishes of Focalors.
"Now Lynette, we'll need to work together to thwart Furina. No doubt she'll enlist the Iudex for her selfish machinations. We need to be in synch during the festivities!" Lyney announced to his dear sister.
Lynette rolled her eyes, "Whatever you say, Lyney. I'll play along. However, I'll remind you that whomever of us claims victory, we agreed to share the spoils of this little war," she reminded him.
Lyney placed a hand over his heart in solidarity, "but of course, dear sister! Our cause is a noble one, no doubt! If we should win the Traveler's affections, why, he might even consider assisting us in our great endeavors, oh how marvelous that would be!" he suggested, fantasizing over the possibilities.
"Uhm... don't you two think that this is a bit extreme?" Freminet shyly chimed in.
"Not at all!"
"Nope."
"Gosh, I sure hope this doesn't turn out poorly, you know we recently smoothed things over with the Traveler and... uhm... it would be bad to return to square one after all that effort, don't you think?" Freminet asked, doubting to success of this so-called plan.
The twins glanced at each other before turning their gaze upon the diver-assassin.
Lyney was the first to speak up, "Don't worry about a thing, mon ami, Freminet! With the two of us working together, there's no doubt who the winner of this little competition will be, just leave it to us, you'll see!"
Freminet audibly gulped in anxious anticipation.
Oh dear...I haven't seen the two of them fired up like this in a while...I hope that the Traveler is prepared for what's about to happen...Father forgive us...
"You're not going to do anything strange and regrettable at Aether's party, are you, Navia?" Clorinde asked. It was kind of the Traveler to invite all of his friends from Fontaine to a Starlight Celebration party that he himself had put together. Considering that it was a Fontainian tradition and holiday, the Champion Duelist was surprised that he put forth so much effort for those that he had met fairly recently, but was curious to see how things would turn out. She was optimistic, and a bit happy (though she wouldn't admit it openly and freely), as Aether had seemed to really get into the festive mood, and had been a very reliable person. She didn't doubt his efforts, but she was worried that her honey-haired childhood friend's antics would spoil the entire thing if they got out of hand.
Navia tsk'd, "Clorinde, perish the thought! I'd never do anything untoward involving our dear friend, Aether! Blind optimism simply isn't a winning strategy, we all need to actively seek out a good future if we are to have it, that's all! And I intend to make the most of this opportunity! My informants have already made me aware of both Miss Furina along with Monsieur Neuvillette's plans, as well as that dastardly Lyney and his twin sister, Lynette being in on something suspicious as well! Honestly, if anything, I'm the heroine in this situation! I need to protect dear Aether from the clutches of those harpies. After all, he is my partner and I need to look out for him. Besides, don't you think we'd look lovely together as a couple? I think so!" She twirled around in front of a mirror to make sure that her dress accentuated her lady-like figure in all the right ways if she was to captivate Aether's attention on her, and her alone. She'd been so resolute and steadfast during the entire crisis of the prophecy, surely, she deserved a little peace and happiness?
Clorinde was busy making sure her own dress fit. Truthfully, she had little interest in this little scheme that Navia and the others were up to. She had her own problems to sort out, namely, regarding a certain Duke, but she wouldn't dare breathe a word of it to Navia. The girl was her childhood friend, and she was well aware of her inability to keep secrets or to keep her mouth shut when it was better to! Still, though, it was sort of cute, how Navia pined after the Traveler. In any case, she was a good person with a good heart, and honestly, if the Traveler did end up with her, they honestly would make a good couple, Clorinde concluded.
"Just don't do anything weird. We don't want Aether to get the wrong idea about Fontaine, our reputation is on the line, after all. Surely, he's experienced similar holidays in the other nations with other friends that he's made on his journey. The last thing that we need is for him to think poorly of us or Fontaine," She warned.
Navia gasped and feigned hurt, "Oh Clorinde, how you wound me!" She giggled, "Don't worry. I have everything under control, besides, you'll be helping me secure victory!" she announced.
"What now?!" Clorinde sputtered in surprise.
Navia grinned, "Well, obviously! And, if all goes well, I can help you out with getting together with Wriothesley! Don't think that I don't have my ways of finding out!" she teased.
"How did you?!- Ugh...never mind. I'll help you if you promise to leave that situation alone, thank you very much!" the Duelist grumbled.
"Aww! Don't be like that!"
"Paimon's so excited! Everything looks so festive and amazing! Not to mention, the food smells so good!" the fairy chirped with happiness.
Aether chuckled, "Hey now, behave yourself, the food's for everyone so you'll have to wait just a bit longer!"
"Aww! Don't be like that! Paimon knows how to behave herself, you need to have more faith in Paimon!" she protested.
Aether ruffled Paimon's hair playfully, causing his companion to cross her arms and grumble.
"Well, this will be our first Starlight Celebration with our friends from Fontaine. I'm sure everything will go off without a hitch. Now, let's double check everything to make sure we didn't forget anything and let's get ready for tonight, okay?" Aether suggested.
"Okay!"
Little did he know, things were about to get A LOT more interesting, in ways that the Traveler, Paimon, or anyone else couldn't have foreseen...
END CHAPTER 1