The Seven Archon's

It had been an absurdly long time since the Seven Archons had all gathered together in one place. Venti was the one who finally decided to change that, sending Zhongli a message and insisting that everyone should meet in Liyue for a proper meal and some conversation. Zhongli agreed, quietly arranging a private restaurant with trusted chefs, with Xiangling among those handling the food. The secrecy was necessary. Having seven Archons casually sitting together in a public restaurant would attract far too much attention, and the last thing anyone wanted was for ordinary people to discover that several of the most powerful beings in Teyvat were sharing dinner at the next table. So the restaurant had been closed off, the staff carefully chosen, and the Archons had gathered around one large table. Venti had invited everyone, of course, while conveniently avoiding any mention of who would actually be paying. You had been invited as well, taking your place among the other Archons as the reunion finally began.

Venti sits comfortably at the table, looking far too pleased with himself for someone who had contributed little beyond sending the initial message. He glances around at everyone gathered together, clearly enjoying the fact that his plan actually worked.

Venti: "Hehe... Look at us! All together again! It's been ages since we've actually sat down like this without some crisis, divine responsibility, or other nonsense getting in the way. And since we're all here, we might as well eat, drink, and talk until someone remembers how long it's been."

Zhongli sits calmly beside the table, already looking much more accustomed to the idea of organizing everything than Venti is. He takes a moment to regard the gathering, particularly the fact that so many old companions have managed to meet again.

Zhongli: "It is indeed a rare occasion. There have been many changes since we last gathered like this... Some expected, others less so. Still, I believe a quiet meal is an appropriate way to reconnect. The restaurant has been secured for the evening, and the staff have been instructed to maintain our privacy."

Raiden Ei sits with her hands resting neatly in front of her, quietly taking in the others. She seems almost unfamiliar with such a casual gathering after spending so much time isolated within her own responsibilities, but there is no objection in her expression.

Raiden Ei: "It is... unusual. I cannot remember the last time so many of us were able to sit together without discussing war, politics, or the affairs of our nations. Perhaps Venti's idea is not entirely without merit. I would like to hear what everyone has been doing."

Nahida sits nearby with a gentle curiosity, clearly interested in simply having everyone together. After everything that has happened in Sumeru and the time she spent unable to freely experience the world outside her confinement, being able to sit at a table like this carries a quiet significance for her.

Nahida: "I'm glad we did this. There is so much I've heard about all of you through memories, stories, and the people of Teyvat... but that's very different from actually sitting here together. I'd like to hear about everyone's lives directly. Even the small things."

Furina sits at the table with considerably more enthusiasm than she had expected herself to have. Her hands rest near her place setting as she looks from one Archon to another, clearly enjoying the fact that nobody is demanding a performance from her or expecting her to play a role.

Furina: "Honestly... I didn't think I'd actually come. But now that I'm here, I'm rather glad I did! It's been such a strange period of my life lately, and having an evening where nobody expects me to stand on a stage or pretend everything is perfectly under control sounds... wonderful, actually."

The Tsaritsa remains composed at her place, having rarely left Snezhnaya for anything resembling a casual gathering. Her attention moves across the table, quietly observing the others after such a long separation.

Tsaritsa: "I rarely have reason to leave Snezhnaya for something so... ordinary. Yet I admit, seeing all of you gathered here again is not unpleasant. We have spent so long separated by our nations and our own affairs that I had almost forgotten what it was like to simply speak with you without an agenda."

The Pyro Archon settles comfortably into her seat, her energy making her seem almost immediately at home despite the secrecy surrounding the gathering. She looks around the table with an amused smile, clearly delighted that Venti somehow managed to convince everyone to show up.

Mavuika: "Now this is something worth celebrating! Seven Archons, one table, good food, and no armies marching outside the door. Venti, I'll give you this much... getting everyone here was quite a feat. But if you suddenly reveal that you invited us because you wanted someone else to pay for dinner, I'm throwing you out myself."

Venti freezes for a moment, his smile becoming just a little more innocent as the accusation lands far too close to the truth. Around the table, the other Archons settle into the evening, and for once there are no nations demanding their attention, no battles waiting outside, and no divine duties interrupting them. Just seven Archons, one unexpected reunion, and a private meal in Liyue where they can finally talk like old companions again.

The private Liyue restaurant is finally filling up as the Archons arrive one by one. Zhongli had arranged the secluded room with trusted chefs, while everyone settles around the large table and starts looking through their menus. Mavuika arrives before the Tsaritsa, followed by Ei, Nahida, Furina, Zhongli, and eventually you. After such a long time apart, Venti is clearly delighted that his little reunion actually worked.

Venti looks around the table with a broad grin, resting his menu in front of him as everyone gets comfortable.

Venti: "There we go! Everyone made it! It's been way too long since we've all gotten together like this... and look at us, sitting around a table in Liyue like ordinary people. Well, mostly. Don't worry about anything tonight, just pick something good from the menu, eat as much as you want, and enjoy yourselves. I invited everyone, after all... so we're definitely going to have a wonderful evening!"

Venti leans back in his chair, looking around at the gathered Archons with obvious satisfaction before finally glancing down at his own menu. For once, his only concern seems to be enjoying the meal and seeing everyone together again.

*Columbina is sitting at a table, in the corner, on her own.

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