ChiLumi - Crimson Tides of love

41

The sun hung low in the sky, painting the Kamisato Estate in hues of gold and lavender as Lumine, Paimon, and Childe approached the dining hall. The sound of soft laughter and clinking dishes drifted through the open doors. Lumine felt a warmth bloom in her chest at the thought of enjoying an evening with her friends, especially after their recent adventures across Teyvat.

"Paimon hopes Thoma made enough food! She's absolutely starving!" Paimon exclaimed, flapping her tiny arms excitedly as they entered the elegantly decorated dining room.

Childe chuckled, his voice smooth and inviting. "Don't worry, Paimon. Thoma's cooking has never let us down. Besides, I've heard he's been experimenting with some new recipes recently."

As they stepped inside, the cozy atmosphere wrapped around them. A long table was beautifully set, adorned with vibrant dishes that promised a delightful culinary experience. The aroma of grilled meats and fragrant rice tickled their senses, making Paimon's eyes sparkle with anticipation.

Thoma stood by the kitchen counter, sporting his usual apron, a few flour specks dusting his cheeks. He glanced up at their arrival and grinned, his warmth ever-present. "Welcome! Dinner is almost ready. I hope you all came hungry!"

Lumine exchanged a smile with Thoma, feeling gratitude swell within her. "You know we never turn down a meal prepared by you, Thoma."

Paimon fluttered over to Thoma, peeking at the dishes with unabashed curiosity. "What do you have for us tonight?"

Thoma gestured proudly towards an array of colorful plates. "Tonight, I've made a special grilled fish, infused with herbs from Liyue, and a rich mushroom risotto. For dessert, I attempted to recreate some Liyue sweets, though I'm not sure they turned out as planned," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

Childe stepped closer, his eyes glinting with mischief. "If your mushy dessert turns out to be inedible, I might not be the only one to get a taste of Zhonqguang's wrath, huh?"

"Hey!" Thoma laughed, the warmth in his voice blending with the friendly banter. They all broke into laughter, the sound echoing warmly around the room, before they settled at the table.

As they served themselves, Paimon filled her plate to the brim, while Lumine took care to choose a balance of flavors, making sure to sample everything. "This looks incredible," she remarked, her eyes shining with admiration.

They began to eat, and with each bite, a chorus of delighted exclamations filled the air. "Mmm! This rice is so creamy! Thoma, you really outdid yourself this time!" Paimon gushed, her cheeks full like a chipmunk.

Childe nodded in agreement, savoring a piece of grilled fish. "Flavors like these have a way of bringing people together, huh? I'm grateful for moments like these."

Lumine nodded, her heart warmed by the camaraderie around the table. "It's moments like this that remind me what we're fighting for. It's about the bonds we create along the way."

Their cheerful laughter continued, and stories from the day unfolded—Paimon regaling them with tales of their latest adventures, while Childe chimed in with playful exaggerations. Thoma listened intently, his laughter blending with theirs, the occasionally chiming of plates and glasses accentuating the joy of the moment.

As they neared the end of the meal, Thoma rose with a flourish. "And now, for dessert!" He unveiled a tray adorned with sweet dumplings, each dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a precious paste that sparkled enticingly.

Paimon's eyes widened in awe. "They look amazing! Can we eat them all?"

Childe chuckled, shaking his head. "Slow down, Paimon. Let's savor them."