Xiaolumi S5: Clair De Lune

The Temperance of Your Choice

A/N: This wraps up the Lantern Rite Arc. After the dinner with Hu Tao as the festival comes to an end, four of thearchons gather as the lanterns are set loose. . As the festival finale casts a sea of lanterns, the fledgling God of Hope hears Liyue's prayers and hopes towards the future.

Look around just people,
Can you hear their voice?
Find the one who'll guide you
To the limits of your choice
If I feel in the eye of the storm
Just think of the lonely dove
The experience of survival is the key
To the gravity of love
~"Gravity of Love" by Enigma

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The dinner itself had been one...interesting experience in more ways than one. The first was Venti crashing the dinner party and watching two of the oldest archons' little show of playing ignorance. Teasing and taunting each other in some admittedly witty manners. Then came the looks of surprise from Xingqui and Chongyun at Xiao's appearance after he walked in dressed in his normal robes. Bakari and Nalini on unsteady legs hurrying over to their father with excitement, calling for him.

Even Hu Tao and Xiangling had been startled while Zhongli just smiled as Lumine laughed. The consultant gave one of his little history lessons as Bakari hurried back to Zhongli while Nalini was happily sitting in her father's lap. The little moon deity too enjoyed his grandfather figure's lap. The dinner itself went smoothly besides Xiao's discomfort of so many people. Seeing this Lumine had taken Xiao outside for some air in order to talk around. Her husband and partner were more than happy to talk about his late family. Bidding everyone goodbye, the small family made their way to their spot at the edge of the city, their little ones eagerly following like ducklings on a pond.

"This should do, we'll be able watch it all from here."smiled Lumine.

"Where awre we?"wondered Nalini sleepily rubbing her eyes as Xiao set her down. The poor girl, so young and new to the world, had felt overwhelmed by so much at once. Her green eyes reflected her brother's moonlight as her brother was set down beside her.

"We're just on the edge of the city, Solis. I'm sorry but we will go home soon."soothed Xiao as he bent down with a lantern in hand.

"What thwart?"wondered Bakari curiously touching the glowing lantern. "It pwetty and glowy."

"Oh yeah that's right you don't know. It's a lantern, Bakari."explained Paimon as she flew over holding a smaller one.

"L...Lan...twurn?"the twins echoed with intrigue; Their parents nodding.

"Yes, mommy and daddy are going to make a wish by letting this lantern fly away."Lumine informed. Written by Xiao's own hand inside were his name, Lumine's, and their two children. An idea Lumine had gotten from helping Hu Tao once with the soul of a child unable to move on. Telling Xiao the idea he had at first was perplexed but soon liked the idea. Lantern Rite was not so bad to him anymore, it had significance and he was understanding now. It had brought them together, it had bound them, and now he was looking forward to the future. The twins' eyes were alight with innocent curiosity.

The sight as the lantern of Sea Gazer took flight and fireworks began to set the sky in brilliant colors. Xiao and Lumine each holding the lantern set it free as did Paimon for her own. But no sooner had they did so did Xiao's eyes begin to give off a soft glow that was much stronger than before. The undertones in his hair began to glow softly like she had seen with Venti, Zhongli, Ei, and Nahida many times. "Alatus?"she whispered. There seemed to be an understanding, a sort of enlightened conclusion in his expression.

For the young Lord of the Skies his heart roared in his ears as the world seemed to slow. For the first time he was listening...truly listening. Every lantern was a hope, a prayer for the future. The serenade of all the hopes of Teyvet hit him like an aria on the breeze, soft and gentle to his ears only. The girls and his children watched his awestruck face as trickling droplets of hydro began to manifest around him in very small slow ribbons around his feet and hands. "I can hear them."he whispered.