[closed] ad astra abyssosque

[indispensable]

Who: The Genshin Cast
Status: Closed
Where: Eltrut, Alhaitham & Kaveh's house
What: The people of Teyvat get together for a barbeque... with some ostentatious paperwork on the side.
Warnings: Potential NSFW from the gays. I cannot say which ones.

Though they may be on another world, all the people who hail from Teyvat are no stranger to what the Fatui represent, and what their presence might mean here. But things are never so black and white, and while tensions had been divisive between certain people for a while in the wake of Lyney and Fremniet's confession about their true allegiances following the arrival of The Knave, today is the day to put that animosity to rest—temporarily, that is, for as long as they are all stuck in this place none of them were prepared for.

After some discussion between Alhaitham and Kaveh it was best agreed to do this whole business here, since they have the best space for it and it is, in Kaveh's words, a show of their own generosity. Alhaitham doesn't fully agree with that idea, but there is also no denying that their own place will be best in terms of privacy. In the end, its not as if anyone here desires to disclose everything about their home world to the greater public that exists here.

The details of this arrangement have been sent to Lyney via Kaveh, while Alhaitham contacts Dehya to fill her in on the details; a get-together, or the closest they well get to one, with all the people from Teyvat present, where Alhaitham (representing Sumeru) and the Knave (representing the Fatui) will sign a contract that stipulates a truce between them. Of course, the document itself has no real power given where they are (not that it would matter either way, since the Geo Archon has already passed), but it is the gesture of doing this that will bind this agreement.

The day itself arrives with little fanfare, and as each person arrives they'll see that... not much has been done to the house, really. It's tidied up from Alhaitham's usual clutter, but there are still many interesting objects about such as a turtle ottoman, a pink and pastel green jellyfish stool, a somewhat tasteful(?) banana chair, a carving that looks like a very misshapen Aranara and of course, the ever present fish statue next to its cousin and... offspring(?). Their cat Shadowlily can be found lurking about the house and is pretty open to all visitors, cat and human alike. The doors to both bedrooms as well as the study are ostensibly locked, for reasons that will not be explained but everyone will know without saying anything.

Out in the yard is where the actual barbequing is held, with a set of portable tables and chairs set up in the yard for people to eat outside if they wish to do so. If one looks close enough there is a single garden gnome that looks like it has seen better days at this point, though placed in the corner as a poor attempt to hide it. The garden itself is blossoming with somewhat larger than normal flora and fauna, many of which are recognizable to be from Sumeru, such as harra fruit and zaytun peaches. One of the plots also happens to be full of catnip, which Shadowlily is all too happy and willing to enjoy herself in, be it by herself or with a companion.

All in all, things are fairly relaxed and quaint. But it doesn't change the fact that on some level, something rather monumental will happen between all the people here during this potential once in a lifetime event.

Comments

THE CONTRACT — alhaitham & arlecchino.

[indispensable]

[A fair amount of time has passed by since the arrival of all of the guests, and try as they might, there is really no more reason to hold things off any longer.

There's no big fanfare that herald this, nothing ostentatious at all to indicate that the time has come; the atmosphere simply just shifts, a heavy understanding that comes to settle between all parties as Alhaitham finally approaches the Knave after having not regarded her much beyond a passing gaze of acknowledgement at her initial arrival.]

...we'll do it inside. [He says, going straight to the point. No use putting this off any longer and all.] If you'd follow me.

[He turns around after that and makes his way back indoors from the yard, not once looking back to see if she follows. Regardless if she does or not, she will have to step in eventually if they want this dealt with, so Alhaitham isn't going to harp on it any more than he needs to.]

[balemoonrise]

[There was a polite nod of her head, a hand moving to more or less ensure that the deep brown cat that had been staying around her feet went off to see to either of her Children or the other cats. No following for the feline.

Turning to follow.]

Of course.

[Not mistaking if she were following or not, intentionally ensuring that her footfalls were not silent. Easy to place where she was, so in her small gesture to show there would be nothing funny at play even then.]

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham does at least wait for the Knave to be fully up on her feet and ready to move before he actually starts walking himself, saying nothing about the company she'd kept with her for the most part since arriving here. There's certainly something to be said about the Fourth Harbinger apparently enjoying the company of something as strangely domestic as a cat, but he supposes that's just part of the entire package that is the sheer incredulity of the situation all of them are currently in right now. It's very much a set of circumstances that nobody could have ever imagined, yet here they are.

The sounds of their footsteps echo loudly enough despite this house usually not having such things happen, but there's always a first time for everything... though there's also no denying that it might simply just be due to the atmosphere alone. Alhaitham pointedly stays silent, simply leading the way over to the dining table, where the usual arrangement of chairs and items have been shifted around for the purposes of what they're here for.

Alhaitham lets the Knave take the chair that's closer to them, walking around the table to get to the one on the opposite side and sitting down on that himself. A document lies at the center of the table, several pages long and bound with string.]

This is the full version of the agreement, based from the initial draft that was passed to Lyney. [He explains as he slides said document over.] If there's anything you wish to change or add, this is the time to let it be known.

[Once it's signed Alhaitham has no intention of changing anything, unless there is a real and pressing need to do so. But as much as possible this is about as much as he's willing to do when it comes to the Fatui.]

here for the vibes

[book2thehead]

[If he really wanted to justify his presence at this "Peace Treaty Signing", Heizou could call himself an impartial observer from Inazuma. Or maybe even say that he's there to represent Inazuma, on behalf of future newcomers hailing from his homeland. He knows it's happened before, if only briefly. It's a good argument to make if he needs to.

But honestly he's primarily there to support Lyney and Freminet, who are there to support the Knave. And also because calling a truce in their current strange circumstances is for the best, since it'll allow everyone from Teyvat to simply lead their lives without worry. Heizou supports that idea in every way.

So he does his best to not disturb any of the "official proceedings", just quietly observing from the sidelines. And once things settle into a slightly more casual atmosphere, he happily indulges in the food that's been provided or wanders around to observe the space for any changes that have been made around the house since his temporary stay there.]

[scooba]

[At the same time, Freminet was just happy to know that things were going well. He didn't want anyone to fight when they weren't in Teyvat anymore. There was no need to have an argument and especially when they were all trying to go back home. Although, he really didn't know what else to say about the Peace Treaty. He is part of the Fatui but he didn't have much involvement.

He just wanted to support his family.

Just like Heizou, he'll be wandering around and just...quietly seating at a table by himself as he just didn't know what to say or do.]

[book2thehead]

[Heizou comes around with a cup of tea and sets it down gently in front of Freminet, offering him a smile as he slips into the empty chair next to him.]

Everything okay, Freminet?

ohai thar~

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[Heizou's support has been quite a godsend. Truly, being able to work through the struggles of Heizou learning about his and Freminet's allegiances, and still being accepted in spite of them, was a great source of comfort and security for Lyney. He still wonders just what he did to earn the heart of a man like Heizou, who in turn has claimed his own heart so effectively.]

[Once most of the "official proceedings" are done, and once everyone is properly served and enjoying themselves, Lyney makes his way over to Heizou, leaning over Heizou's shoulder to plant a quick peck to the redhead's cheek.]

Bonjour, mon amour~

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya also, mostly, spends the actual treaty around the edges. If she's here for anything, it's ti ensure the peace--but honestly, the people in the middle of signing are the ones she's most worried about to begin with.

She sighs as she rests her hand on the table. Having been here before, Alhaitham's eclectic décor choices (and she knows they're Alhaitham's) don't surprise him.] Seems like they're taking this seriously. How're you feeling?

are they immaculate vibes tho

[indispensable]

Didn't you say you had enough of the decorations here the last time?

[The question comes out very, very dryly from Alhaitham, who is standing close by with a plate of uncooked chicken wings in his hand. It's clear enough that he'd stepped back in to restock on food as the stuff out in the yard is running out, but had caught the Inuzuman eyeing the shelves, so here he is now.]

If you're planning on taking them, I'd advice you not to. [They're rather firmly stuck there now just as precaution from any mishaps Shadowlily might cause during a playful mood.]

good vibrations

[empyrean_mirror]

[You didn't really think you'd escape Kaveh forever, did you, Heizou?

Because it'd be foolish, when Mehrak comes floating into the house and chirps at him, having clearly been searching for him.]

the host

[empyrean_mirror]

[Listen, Kaveh is doing his best not to be the living incarnation of Anxiety. He's not entirely succeeding.

What this means, practically, is that Kaveh is roaming about the party, checking on food, if people need drinks, if people are comfortable, making sure there is some meat that isn't slathered in harra spice for the Fontaine Contingent (and...himself), putting out various side-dishes, and generally vibrating out of his own skin.

He's fine. This is fine.]

:3

[indispensable]

Senior.

[It's a quiet calling, much softer than how he'd normally do it—but they're not exactly alone in their house right now and there are certain people whose attention they do not want to get until they're ready for it, so—

It's better like this. Safer. Which is something the both of them very much need right now, especially if they want to do this right. So there is this; one hand grasping his senior's wrist with that same gentleness as he'd used to call for him. But underneath that gentleness still lies an undercurrent of firmness, which is what comes as Alhaitham proceeds to quietly but firmly pull Kaveh along with him, the both of them ducking away from everyone else for the moment to retreat back to the privacy of their bedroom (which Alhaitham of course makes sure to lock it back after they enter).

Once they're safe in the privacy of their own bedroom Alhaitham finally lets the architect go, though his gaze stays fixed on him, clearly watching to see what happens next.]

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[Lyney's a sharp-eyed member of the House, and so Kaveh's anxiousness doesn't go unnoticed. But as a guest in Kaveh's home, and also not wanting to draw too much attention to it amidst others, Lyney has to be careful in his approach so as not to cause a scene. So when he sees Kaveh roaming around, he smiles politely and approaches.]

Kaveh, it's good to see you! You and Alhaitham have done a wonderful job making us all feel welcome. Do you need help with anything? If you'd like any help with anything, I'm more than happy to help.

[legendofthelion]

[Dehya, at one point, moves to grab Kaveh's shoulders from behind and guide him into a seat.] You've checked that plate of sandwiches three times, Kaveh. Think that's a sign it's time to take a break.

[scooba]

[Meanwhile, Freminet was happening to mind his own business as he wasn't sure what to do. He was here to support his family in hopes that this treaty would help them not fight in the long run. At the moment, he'll just be a wallflower as he sat somewhere in a corner.

Fidgeting around in his seat, he wasn't all that great when it came to parties. So now, he'll just wait until Lyney or Father told him it was time to go home.]

House representative

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[Hearing that Alhaitham and Arlecchino would be forging an official(ish) agreement of a truce was something that gladdened Lyney greatly, especially since he knew it meant more peaceful times ahead. Hearing that they were going to have a barbecue gathering to commemorate the agreement struck a nostalgic chord in Lyney, as it reminds him of barbecues not unlike the ones held by the House itself. What better way to commemorate this newfound truce with an event of merriment and shared goodwill? Lyney could see the merit of the gesture, indeed.]

[Though he's a guest at Kaveh and Alhaitham's house, Lyney can't just sit still. Not long after arriving he can be found helping around the barbecue where he can, be it helping to set up chairs or organizing the food onto the tables, or even offering to help man the grill if someone needs to step away. If he's not actively helping with a task, there's a fair chance he'll go up to the attendees to make sure they're being helped.]

Anything I can help with, or get for you? Any drinks, perhaps?

[Of course, if he's forced convinced to sit down and actually eat something, he can also be found enjoying the food brought. Not only was there the fine barbecued meats, but there's plenty of side dishes and desserts that were brought by others, himself included. Of course he'll be a good guest and sample what's there, even indulging in a few of the sweets he knows Father brought; she always did pick out the best desserts for the House, even if she doesn't look the type. And of course, he won't say no to a glass of wine here and there, though he refrains from overindulgence -- Father is present, after all.]

[After he's done eating, and once everyone looks like they're settled and no further tasks are required of them, Lyney will take a moment to go off on his own... though, he can be found easily enough near the catnip patch. He can be found sitting in one of the lawn chairs with a cat toy in his hand, though it's held loosely in his hand while he dozes in the chair. Whether due to the stress of the last few months finally leaving him, his tiredness from helping out, or perhaps even being affected by the catnip itself, he can be found sleeping rather soundly, his face much more relaxed and calm than he usually holds himself. He's also not alone; in his lap rests Rosseland, who meows at anyone who approaches, on his shoulder perches his warrior cat Foxtrot, and loafing casually beside his chair is Cobrastrike, Arlecchino's cat. All just relaxing as a comfy pile of sleepy cats together.]

Enjoying the food

[scooba]

[Meanwhile, here Freminet was. He was trying his best to blend in with the rest of the house as he was sitting somewhere in the back. As much as he wanted to help his family with the treaty, there wasn't much he could do. He just wanted there to support Father. At the current moment, he just hoped that this would settle on its own.

Of course, this would change the moment they get back home. Or at least, that's what he thought might happen.

All he could do was sigh as he started nibbling on some cookies and minding his own business.]

[book2thehead]

[Heizou mingles cheerfully amongst the other attendees same as Lyney, but even as they wander separately his eyes do tend to get drawn back over to periodically check on him. He knows perhaps better than anyone else how heavily all of this has weighed on him, being the sort of person that tries to carry too much on his shoulders. They're similar like that, after all.

Which is exactly why when he glances around and doesn't see Lyney chatting with anyone within sight, he takes it upon himself to go looking for him. And that's when he comes across what just might be the cutest thing he's ever seen. Lyney fast asleep, surrounded by all the cats and looking for all the world like he's one of them.

He snaps several pictures of it on his shellphone.

Only once that's done does he move closer, carefully so as not to bother the other cats. And he very gently threads his fingers through Lyney's hair, giving him some soft, soothing scritches along his scalp.]

Lyney~?

[legendofthelion]

[In the time since Lyney came forward with their allegiance, Dehya has seen him. She likes to swing by Seventh Heaven after all. She hasn't made the move to approach, though, and understands why Lyney has avoided the same.

But when people are sitting down to actually eat, she slips into the chair opposite him.] Hey.

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham is the one who is manning the grill for the most part, actually, partly because its the one part of cooking he's better at than Kaveh and also because this is a good way to keep himself occupied in a productive manner. It's not common where he can really feel the effect of nerves getting to him... but there is no denying that these are rather special circumstances. If something were to happen...

He doesn't want to dwell too hard on that possibility, but at the same time he isn't going to deny it either. In the end this is just something he will have to deal with, once the time comes.

Until then, he will be mostly manning the grill as a one man show—though that obviously seems to have changed when Alhaitham returns after having stepped away to restock on the butter, coming back to see Lyney apparently having gone to take it over.

There are probably words that Alhaitham can say right now, but he elects to stay silent, simply walking over to place the refilled butter tub close by enough to get the other's attention.]

The... bouncer?

[legendofthelion]

[Look, she was told to be here so she's here. At worst, someone needs to break up any fights that happen, and at best she's scary enough everyone won't try.

She hangs out near the signing by the wall while it's going on, but once some of the tension alleviates she's definitely making herself full with the finger food.]

the bestie™

[indispensable]

[It's not everyday where Alhaitham is stressed enough that it actually shows in his body language, but in his defense these are some especially extraordinary circumstances and the knowledge that he is vastly outclassed by the other party in this arrangement doesn't really help either. He's not afraid of looking at death in the eye if that's what he has to do, but his concerns very much lie something outside of him and very much beyond his control.

But where Kaveh patters about the place to keep himself busy Alhaitham is more of the opposite, keeping himself mostly in one spot that he can ground himself onto and know that it won't be intruded. In this case, it is where the barbecue pit is, and Dehya can easily find him there grilling all the meats for everyone to eat.

For the most part he is fine, but there's no denying the tension that's present in his shoulders, especially it makes his movements a fair bit stiffer than usual.]

🔥

[balemoonrise]

[Arlecchino kept herself fairly in the open, seated comfortably with a plate of food rested just beside her and a cup of coffee in hand. Even as eyes roamed every now and again it was more to find where her Children were than anything else, making note of where others were simply because they were within sight.

Those not were only idly noted.

Really, she kept mostly to herself- save when it came time to refill her cup with coffee or perhaps refill on the meat she took the time to savor.


There was also the Warrior Cat that had walked in well at her side when this had all started roaming about. Occasionally letting out a honking meow before running back to her side for scritches in the spots she found he liked best.

Or Cobrastrike was just belly-up and on some catnip after some serious zoomies with the other felines about.]

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

[Knowing how important this event would be, Lyney's been running around doing his best to help things go smoothly; partly to ensure the event was a success, partly to show his goodwill to their gracious hosts, and partly because he knows Father is watching. Not that he feels he has to put on an act before her, but... well, growing up with the Knave as a parental figure has fostered a few habits within the young Fontainian.]

[Seeing her seated with a cup of coffee, Lyney takes it upon himself to approach her, offering a polite bow before speaking.]

Hello, Father. I hope you're doing well. Did you need more coffee or anything?

[Very much wanting to ensure she's taken care of here, especially since she's such an imposing figure. But it's also to help dispense his own anxious energies he's feeling right now.]

[empyrean_mirror]

[Well, here's one of her hosts now. Carrying a very Zooted Cobrastrike like a baby and with Mehrak bearing a coffee cup on a plate just behind him.]

Ma'am. I believe this one's from your flock?

[He would have left him, but the poor buddy fell asleep in Shadowlily's cat tree and she was having Opinions about it.

Murderous opinions.]