#gi prune

Little Witches: *playing around*

Aether:Well this isn’t good. Even I’m not immune to this level of baby fever!

Paimon:Well…pick a girlfriend.

Aether:I- wooooah, that’s- Paimon, you can’t just say that!

Paimon:Somehow had to. It takes a village. If you ever did have a kid, the whole world would be their town.

Aether:I think you’re forgetting the part where I’m passing by and don’t want to impede on others’ lives.

Paimon:You could’ve had a six year old by now.

Aether:Isn’t it a bit presumptuous to think anyone wanted an actual child with me?

Paimon:Ask them.

Aether:*trembling* No thank you.

Paimon:Hmmm, that sounds like fear.

Aether:Hush. Aren’t I raising you? Plus my little saurians. That’s more than enough for me. *folds arms*

Paimon:Hmm, fair point. Anyways, Paimon wouldn’t mind if you ever had one. Maybe it’s selfish, but Paimon knows we can’t stick together forever. If you did have to leave with only Lumine, you wouldn’t have to worry. Paimon would make sure your kid grows up big and strong! They’d learn everything from the best guide in Teyvat. So much in fact that they might want to set off on their own adventure. In a way, that would mean the journey never stops. Guess I could add “greatest aunt” on the-

Aether:*sobbing*

Paimon:You’re crying!?

Aether:Shut up! It’s been an emotional few weeks. Now you’re saying sappy things! Damnit, is this how Cloud Retainer feels!?

Klee:Aether? Are you…okay?!

Aether:I’m just feeling a lot right now. I’m good.

Klee:Hmm, oh! I have a magic spell for this! *hugs him* Mommy says sometimes you just gotta squeeze the feelings out!

Aether:*bawling* Oh my god! You’re so perfect!

Paimon:…Hey everyone! Aether needs a hug!

YQS:Oh? Alright!

Protocol 4

Meanwhile at the Anemo House, where nothing ever goes quiet as planned.

Varka:Now I know what you’re thinking. “Varka has to be a representative easily!” But what if I told you I think a more wholistic approach would-

Scara:You’re not talking your way out you bum. Accept the fact you will be going to more meetings.

Varka:But-

Jean:All in favor of Varka, say-

Everyone:Ay!

Jean:*smiles*

Varka:Siiiiiigggghhh

Venti:Such is the fate of a natural born leader.

Varka:I nominate Venti.

Venti:Preposterous! I’m not suited at all to represent all of Anemo!

Jean:…

Venti:It’s true! Don’t think about it too much! We need to bring our best! It’s why Scara isn’t making a fuss.

C2 Scara:I objectively have no choice, so don’t make it sound like I offered. Personally, I find Kazuha to be a good fit.

Kazuha:I appreciate the praise, but I would not say I’m needed as of late. The real gem that among us is Sucrose.

Venti:Yes! You’re absolutely right!

Sucrose:H-Huh!? That doesn’t sound right! While I admit I do help where I can, giving me one of the three seats is way too much credit. Venti on the other hand, although situational, truly dominates in his role. His Stygian contributions speak for themselves.

Venti:Well if that’s the bar-

Jean:I refuse, and it’s not.

Venti:Oof! Shot down before take off.

Lynette:May I say something?

Jean:Of course. Everyone here is free to speak up.

Lynette:Faruzan has been rather quiet.

Faruzan:Mind your business, young lady!!

Ifa:Wait, she has a point. You are remarkably strong. Not only have you helped me out of a pinch, you’re favored by at least two of these dudes. Wouldn’t make more sense to hold your own spot?

Faruzan:I’d rather be fourth seat if I have to do anything.

Everyone:…..

Lynette:All in favor for third seat Faru-

Everyone:Ay!

Faruzan:This is rigged!

Scara:Where’s all that ego you had when you were “keeping up with me?” Just accept it. I don’t your workload increases much.

Faruzan:Fine! If you all need a madam so much, who am I to refuse?

Venti:Looks like things are settled!

Prune:Don’t let him worm his way out of responsibility!

Venti:Ah, you wound me.

Prune:And here I thought this place would have a little structure in serious matters.

Venti:I am serious though. Sucrose or Kazuha over me. They’re just so dependable.

Sucrose:Umm, I don’t mind stepping up! It’s not like I don’t know the people who visit. I like seeing the new elemental strategies.

Varka:Well it’s decided then. Our fourth special seat goes to you!

Venti:Marvelous!

Xianyun:Have you no shame?

Jean:Next on the docket is our fifth slot; a person not of our group. Honestly, that’s a difficult question. Our very nature asks for outside help. Personally, I have to nominate Bennett. *smiles* I might be a little biased however

Varka:A wonderful choice!

Sucrose:I’m actually more inclined to say Diona.

Kazuha:As am I.

Sucrose:Mona.

Lynette:It should be a hydro in general. It reacts the most, and there’s always an outside influence in battle.

Ifa:I don’t disagree, you could make a similar argument for others. From experience, a touch of cryo has always been helpful.

Lan Yan:I fear we might go in circles at this rate. It’s just too situational. A defense for Bennett could be as valuable as Fischl in the right circumstances. Same goes for Xingqui.

Scara:If you look at it another way, then it shouldn’t matter who we ultimately land on.

Jahoda:….Aether? Or is that cheating?

Lynette:Respectfully, I’m not asking for his help with hydro.

Sayu:Can’t we just draw lots?

Mizuki:That’s a good idea. Everyone can write a name of who they want, and we pick at random.

Varka:Might as well. I’m sure whoever gets picked will be happy to br part of the team! Hahaha!

xxxxxxx

Kaeya:Something the matter? You seem rather ruffled today.

Aether:Alright, Stygian is open again. Hmm, oh look. The Tulpa is finally b-

???:AETHER!!!!!

He turns his head to see Hu Tao posing triumphantly on a hill.

Hu Tao:Many moons ago, I accepted my own shortcomings and gave all I could to Mavukia for the sake of success. Thanks to you, I’m no longer the same fighter! I’ve come seeking vengeance and pride!

Aether:Then go claim it with your own two hands! I believe in you!

Hu Tao:Ay ay!

The girl takes off running towards the portal with full confidence.

Hu Tao:Citlali, Xiangling, Ineffa, to me!

Ineffa & Xiangling:Coming!!!!

Citlali:Siiiiiigggghhh

Aether:*smiles* Good luck to all of you.

Varka:Wow. Such energy! Word on the street is it’s my turn to throw my hat in the ring again, haha!

Aether:Your performance will be evaluated, and your drinking privilege at risk. Give up at your own discretion.

Varka:What!?

Nicole:Hehe. Someone runs a tight ship, and look whose upset the captain.

Aether:All treasure chests planted by you shall go unopened until further notice.

Nicole:Huh!? That’s not right!

Aether:*turns away* Alrighty then! I…have no idea what is going on with the Shade’s old guard.

Zibai:I’ll dispose of it.

Aether:…O-Okay. It says you might need pyro or-

Zibai:*scoops of Yanfei* She’s all the fire necessary.

Yanfei:What the- ah!

Zibai:I promise your safety. Ms. Columbina, L-

Aether:They left when you said “I”

Zibai:Ah…very good. See you soon. *runs off*

Aether:By Yanfei! You’ll do great!

Nicole:Wait, are you only mad at us!?

Aether:May Barbatos guide these souls to where they need to be.

Venti:*drags them away* Come along before my alcohol share is at risk! Durin, if you would be so kind to lend a wing?

Durin:Okay! I’ll lend two!

Aether:Be safe you two!

Nicole:Gasp! He is mad us! Varka!

Varka:Woah! I wasn’t the one playing hard to get. My sword however… He’ll forgive us, eventually.

Aether:*shakes primo bag* When it stops flapping in the wind, then we can talk!

C3 Prune:Are you mad at me too?

I read her description on Twitter and it is very funny that she is trying to Hunt Alice, and Alice essentially went, “marvelous, a big sister for my Klee.”

Even the declaration of war posters she put up got coupons to Good Hunters stapled on them by civilians so she doesn’t forget to eat. Mondstadters truly are unbothered.😅