#steambirdsecretsanta

Dusk was approaching as the sun began to disappear behind Mt. Aocang and Qingyun Peak. But you had no time to spare.

You were trudging past some ruins beyond Jueyun Karst, hoping to make it to Yaodie Valley faster. But your exhaustion was catching up to you, and it was slowing you down. Travelling from Liyue Harbor to Yilong Wharf on foot was no joke. But escaping the burden of being who you were, as a bankrupt merchant’s daughter, was far more pressing. Thus, you wanted to start anew. If you ever get on that ship heading to Fontaine, you vowed to never look back.

Reaching the peak of a small hill, you watched traces of the setting sun. Every step you took was one step away from Liyue. Your home, and everything you had ever known. The very thought of leaving made your heart stir with hesitation.

A gentle breeze carrying the faint aroma of burning sandbearer and something fragrant brought you back to earth. A little farther up, you saw smoke curling into the air.

Despite your aching feet, you rushed through the stone gates, following the smoke. You felt drawn to the scent.

It smelled like home.

Little did you know you would cross paths with the Lord of Geo, disguised, who was in a predicament of his own.

A figure in commoners’ clothes was hunched over the bushes yonder. Crystalflies fluttered over a patch of shrubs underneath a tree. A pot hung from a spit, gently rattling over a crackling fire surrounded by baskets of dried herbs, flowers, and a tea set.

The entire set-up felt cozy. Before you knew it, you collapsed on your knees, out of breath. When the figure turned, you were surprised to hear a young man asking, “You seem weary. Why not rest for a moment, with a cup of tea?”

It was not long before you found yourself huddled on a rock with a teacup in hand. You watched the young man tend to the fire with a stick.

“I’m trying to get the temperature right, you see. To get the right taste.” In the firelight, his eyes glinted like polished amber. “In a few minutes, this concoction of silk tree bark, jasmine, and glaze lilies will be ready. In the meantime…”

He spoke about tea as if he knew it all like the back of his hand. While most of it actually went over your head, you listened, immersed in his passion. You somehow felt at ease in his company. When the ripples settled after he poured you a cup, the full moon reflected on the tea’s surface.

Your heart had been heavy with the weight of your decision. After days of travel, you longed to speak. You had to ask someone.

The young man felt like safe company. Perhaps…

“Do you—” You cleared your throat. “Do you think leaving and starting over is the wrong choice?”

The young man looked up from the flames.

Everything came spilling out. Saving face as their family paraded around Liyue Harbor with the arrogance of having Mora was one thing. The final straw was overhearing your father beg an older businessman to take you as his fourth wife. In a whirlwind of emotions, you set out on your own after trading some of your prized possessions. And miraculously, after traveling alone, no harm ever came your way.

Yet Rex Lapis’ protection did nothing to strengthen your resolve about leaving. If anything, it was growing weaker. The creeping homesickness and self-doubt plagued you.

“There is nothing wrong with honoring contracts with oneself, especially if it is something we deem necessary in our circumstances. As long as no others were breached.” He smiled softly. “I cannot condemn you for doing what you think is best for yourself. But if you cannot move forward, I believe taking time to reflect and weigh the consequences would ease your conflicting feelings. ” You held onto his every word, hands shaking. The moon’s reflection rippled.

“It appears that you and I are at the same crossroads. I, too, contemplate leaving something behind.”

When he turned to look at you, his amber eyes were gleaming with a light you could not discern. There was melancholy, but there was also something else, among other things. Resolve. “Over time, I have grown weary. Old friends have gone, the worst of it has passed. There is finally peace. But I am not at ease if I stay. I believe I am no longer needed.”

“No, that’s not true at all!” You realized you raised your voice at this kind stranger, but at the moment, you didn’t care. “Everyone is worthy of living!”

The young man laughed, which confused you. It irked you a little, too. “Do not fret, I am not going anywhere.” He took a sip of his tea. “Silk tree bark. To ease the burden of one’s heart. Jasmine, to calm the nerves. And glaze lilies… to honor a friend.”

“I am truly grateful for your company tonight. It was as soothing as this cup of tea.” You told him, hoping your sincerity would reach him.

The young man looked up at the sky. “I pray we find peace in our choices. May… Rex Lapis guide us.” There was something coy about his smile.

The only somewhat chaotic thing that was happening was the choir director who ran around trying to catch parents and children handing out small gifts to her students. A small gesture to show how proud she was of their hard work after completing the performance they had spent months preparing for.

“Sigewinne!” She called out, her pace quickening to catch up with her and her guardian as they approached the door.

The two of them paused their walk turning around to see who had called out her name. Sigewinne was quick to wave hello with a smile.

“I was worried you left already,” Y/N spoke relieved to have caught up. “Your solo went perfectly today.”

“Thank you. I’ve been practicing at home like you asked me to.” Sigewinne spoke proudly of herself.

“It paid off. I don’t think I’ve had the chance to meet your guardian as of yet. Would you mind introducing us?” She asked looking up away from Sigewinne.

“Oh!” Sigewinne let go of his hand. “This is Monsieur Neuvillette and this is Miss Y/N.” 

Neuvillette held out his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You as well.” She shook his hand. “It’s been a pleasure working with Sigewinne. I bring gifts.” She reached into a large almost empty bag bringing a smaller gift bag. The bag was decorated with snowflakes. Some of the goodies inside were peaking out of the top. She handed the bag to Sigewinne.

Her eyes lit up seeing the stickers that peaked out. Plans of the silly variety formed in her head. “Thank you!”

“You're too kind.” Neuvillette thanked her.

“It's just something I remember my teachers doing for me. It just feels right to keep the tradition going. Plus it’s so easy to want to keep the tradition going when you have people like Sigewinne participating. I think some of the other choir students would benefit if they understood practicing in their off time.”

“That’s high praise coming from you. If I remember right, you used to be a vocal coach for some big names. What caused the career switch?” He asked as Sigewinne examined the stickers that were in her bag.

“My cousin had a health scare and while I was helping to take care of his daughter I just found myself enjoying teaching her and her friends how to properly sing. I saw the position open up and I get to do what I love while I get to help my cousin recover. It makes the most out of my situation.” Y/N explained.

“Despite that, I’m glad to have you as her choir director. It has brought me immense joy hearing Sigewinne sing. I do hope you consider staying around after your cousin’s health improves.”

She couldn’t help but smile at the request. “I’m not sure yet but I guess I’ll see where this takes me. I do hope you enjoy the rest of your night. I still have some more gifts to hand out. I hope to see you at the next concert.”

“Not sure,” You snickered. “But if you don’t come down to eat with us, I’m afraid you’ll be visited by 3 ghosts tonight! Adelinde made an amazing feast and people have already started coming in.”

Diluc closed his laptop and crossed his arms, amused enough by your theatrics to engage you a little. “Have you actually read a Christmas Carol by any chance?”

“Uhh–” you stopped your antics, obviously feeling a bit caught. “Well, everyone knows the story don’t they!”

Diluc chuckled and stood from his chair. “Well, then you’d know Scrooge gets visited by 4 ghosts. Not 3.”

His smile widened considerably when he saw you frown, obviously trying to figure out which moment in time there would be other than the past, present and future, not knowing Scrooge gets visited by the ghost of his late business partner first, warning him of what’s to come.

His hand landed on the crown of your head, lightly petting your hair, leading your eyes to widen at his frankly uncharacteristic behaviour.

This was the first Christmas you were able to spend together, you’d been looking forward to it. Not that you hadn't been close enough before, but something had always come in between you two actually celebrating together. Turns out this was a pretty busy time for the winery and with customers all over the world, Diluc would spent a lot of time having online meetings and working overtime. Now he had finally managed to clear out his schedule for the night… Even though he had still gone to his office to wrap up a few things while you were getting ready. You weren't the only one excited by him joining the festivities, all the staff were happily surprised that Diluc would finally celebrate something that wasn't just for business relations.

“I suppose I don’t have to worry about you being punished for lack of christmas spirit,” you huffed, shoving his hand off your head. “Since you’re clearly somewhat affected by it. I might have a chance to see you drunk and merry yet.”

Diluc scoffed. “Don’t get your hopes up. A nice dinner with a glass of apple cider will do nicely enough.”

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This is probably hella OOC since I pushed myself to write for a character I wouldn't normally write for? But I hope it is enjoyable regardless.