It was a relatively peaceful and sunny day in the Court of Fontaine. I was currently at Hotel Debord with Paimon, Neuvilette and Furina, the three of us sharing a meal together as per the wish of Furina. To my surprise, Neuvilette seemed to spare no thought when it came to spending more time with the former Hydro Archon, but I could easily tell that this was Furina's way of wishing to remain in good terms with the Iudex. While we were seated on the upper floor together, Paimon happily stuffing her face, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about something as I stared at my meal. Eventually, Paimon had also taken notice of my strange expression.

"Hey, Traveler? Is…Is something wrong?" she asked, my eyes turning her direction.

Oh. Sorry, Paimon. I was…just thinking about something. That's all.

To my surprise, even Neuvilette and Furina seemed to stop as well.

"If there is something you wish to share with us, it is quite all right. As Iudex of Fontaine, I will gladly offer an ear if need be." Neuvilette offered.

"Same here. Is..everything all right?" Furina added. I just sighed.

I guess…I was thinking about what I'd be doing around this time with my sibling. I've spent so much time touring around Teyvat with Paimon, making new friends and dealing with problems in each nation…I suppose I almost forgot what my old life was like…

Neuvilette and Furina glimpsed at each other with worry while Paimon set her food down and floated to my side, patting me on the shoulder.

"Hey. It's okay. Paimon is sure you'll be able to do everything you used to once we find them. Just keep your chin up, sad little Sumpterbeast." she said. I couldn't help but snicker at Paimon's strange description of myself.

Who taught you THAT one, Paimon? Did you pick something up from Nahida before we left Sumeru?

Paimon merely giggled, saying it was something she thought up on the spot. Furina set down her utensils before resting her arms on the table.

"If you pardon my curiosity, what WOULD you be looking forward towards if, say, you were with your sibling?" she asked.

"Perhaps, if it is within my power as Iudex, we can help you ease your mind." he continued. I fell silent shortly after, momentarily debating, before deciding it would be okay to share.

Well, if I remember right, about now would be a holiday we'd celebrate together back home. It's called "Christmas"…and its basically a big deal around the end of each passing year.

Furina and Paimon simultaneously gasped, no doubt the idea of a big holiday exciting them.

"Really? W-Well, how do you celebrate it? What's "Christmas" about?!" Paimon asked, waiting with baited breath. I chuckled.

Christmas…is a holiday where family members get together and celebrate how important we are to one another. While its original purpose was something different, we mostly use it as an excuse to decorate our homes in red and green, complete with a pine tree we brought inside and made sparkle with our ornaments and lights. Also, during the evening prior, a jolly old man named Santa Claus would visit while you slept…and would leave gifts beneath the tree for those who were good throughout the year. And on Christmas Day, families got together and shared in a large meal…

To my surprise, Paimon had been awfully quiet the entire time. When I stopped to gauge her reaction, it was clear as day she was dreaming about the Christmas day feast. Also to my surprise, I had a feeling that Furina was thinking about my description of Santa Claus.

"Hmmmm. In all my time in Fontaine, I cannot say I ever heard of such a holiday taking place here…let alone anywhere else in Teyvat." Neuvilette said "However, I do not believe it would be difficult to host a similar get together. Would you happen to know what date this "Christmas" is celebrated?" I truly could not believe my simple explanation would have perked the interest of the Chief Justice of Fontaine, let alone its "biggest celebrity" and Paimon.

Heh heh heh. We normally celebrate it on the twenty-fifth day of the last month in the year. That's how it always has been for us.

Suddenly, Furina slammed her hands against the table and rose from her chair.

"Then it is settled! We will…without a shadow of a DOUBT…put on the GRANDEST Christmas celebration in all of Fontaine! Nay, in ALL of Teyvat! Surely our fellow citizens would also be estatic to celebrate a wonderous occasion such as this! Would you not agree, o Chief Justice?" Furina asked with excitement in her voice. Neuvilette remained silent before quietly smiling back with a nod.

"I do not see why not. I shall make arrangements with the Gardes to spread the word between the people. In the meanwhile, I believe the Melusine would be able to assist with selecting a prime candidate for the tree. I will also see if I can request assistance from the Melusine who still reside in Melusine Village." he said. Furina nodded before hurrying to my side and took my hand.

"In the meanwhile, I shall assist with the decorating! We'll make Fontaine sparkle as bright as a pearl in the depths of the ocean!" she proclaimed. I was left baffled momentarily before it all eventually sunk in and I thanked them for their help. Behind me, Paimon giggled.

"C'mon Traveler! Let's see if we can invite our other friends from the other nations to join in too! We can't just celebrate Christmas with our friends from Fontaine! Plus…it means MORE PRESENTS too!" she squealed with delight. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

You NEVER change…will you, Paimon?

Christmas in Teyvat: A Genshin Impact Holiday

~ PROLOGUE CHAPTER - COMPLETE ~