you hide your face with your disguise // 'cause someone filled your head with lies

[monoceroscaeli]

[It had been a few days since the hunt for the Great Mujina Youkai had come to an end, having to say goodbye to the kids and to Yoimiya too. The ship that was to take him back to Snezhnaya would be arriving a bit later in the day, and Childe sighs as he sits back in his chair in the tent he's occupying in one such hidden Fatui camp. He had a great time in Inazuma. The country was beautiful, rich with a new culture to learn and all sorts of places to explore and fight new and more exciting enemies. All his things were in order- the gifts that he'd bought to bring back to his family, Teucer's Onikabuto in a little bug box with some food to keep it alive during the trip back- all he'd have to do is wait for the ship and he'd be on his way.

He tells himself that he'd return to the country one day, once tensions between the Fatui and the Shogunate calm down. It was a miracle that he was able to stay as long as he has, evading the Tenryou Commission. He has some people to thank for that, and he won't forget what they did for him while he's been here. Some gifts would be in order for them upon his return.

The Harbinger idly plays with a writing utensil between his fingers. He'd like to bring something from Snezhnaya for Yoimiya, too.

There's a sharp rap at his door, and Childe sighs. He doesn't really want to deal with work right now, perfectly happy reminiscing on the time he's spent in Inazuma before he leaves, but answers with a bored tone to his voice:]

Come in.

[An agent enters, bowing and standing at attention.]

Sir, we've captured a Tenryou Commission spy that was found sneaking around. We've taken her into custody and are awaiting your orders on how to deal with her.

[Childe's eyebrow raises. It should have been hard to find this camp, even by the Shuumatsuban. Somehow, doubt creeps into his mind, but stands from his chair.]

Alright, I'll deal with it myself. At least I can have one last bit of fun before I depart.

[The agent only bows once more, to lead Childe towards the prisoner. He knows better than to argue with the Harbinger, but feels sorry for the spy. The two cross the camp to another tent, the agent stopping him right before lifting the flap for his senior commander.]

She claims to be from the fireworks shop, but we've seen Tenryou soldiers stop frequently at it.

[Before he can answer, the flap is lifted to reveal a certain girl that he'd met not but a few days ago...]

Comments

[monoceroscaeli]

A spicy one, huh? I think I can handle that...

[Tartaglia catches that wink, sending a sly smile back to her. Asking him if he can handle the heat...he'll have to prove it to her by eating several of them at once. If dining in Liyue helped him with anything, it was appreciating spicy food. Between Chef Mao and Xiangling's cooking to the high end restaurants like Liuli Pavillion and Xinyue Kiosk, he's got a whole new set of tastebuds for spiced foods. If only he could return to Liyue...maybe on the DL on a vacation or something. One where he can get by without anyone realizing who he was.

But he can marinate on that later. Now, it's time for the surprise.]

I think it would be best to let them, wouldn't you guys say?

[As if he really needed to ask. All the kids get excited, having already been eyeing the box with curiosity. He could tell that they were dying to open it, and he's sure that they, including himself and Yoimiya, were really going to enjoy what he's gotten prepared for them.]

Ohhh! Oh, yes please! Let us open it!

[Tonia's cute voice punches him right in the heart, he loves his little sister so much...]

Alright, go ahead you guys. Make sure to lay it all out nice once you take it out, since we're going to use it.

["Okay!!!!" is the resounding answer from the three of them, quickly moving to the box and opening it. They begin to pull out what seems to be foldable wooden slabs, with some extra pieces inside. He smiles as they start to try to work out exactly what it is that they've discovered, turning to Yoimiya and keeping his voice low.]

It's a board game, I found it at a shop in Snezhnaya City. It's all handcrafted, stained wood. It's quite an interesting game, the shop owner explained the rules of it to me. You'll see.

[Teucer suddenly cries out in a joyous tone, holding up what looks like a little wooden toy ship that has a few prongs sticking out of the bottom.]

Woaaaaaaaaah!!!!! There's a whole ton of these pieces in here! What is it, what is it?!

Now Teucer, you need to be a little more patient. Let your brother and sister put it all together and you'll see. I'll explain the rules soon.

[They continue to pull out more pieces, still confused, but very much in awe with the nautical theme. Tartaglia leans back to Yoimiya, to whisper:]

Well? What's your guess on what kind of board game it is?

[niwabi]

[ A wooden board, foldable slabs, and small pieces that resemble ships... Yoimiya didn't know what to expect, she never does when it comes to Tartaglia but a board game wasn't even on her radar. Like the children, she's oohing and aahing alongside them as they put together their new discovery. Their precious voices and sparkling eyes bolster her excitement, eager to find out what they'll be doing with the surprise once it's complete. No wonder he spoils his siblings, they're all so adorable...

At first, she's not even sure what this object is until he turns and speaks to her in a hushed voice. When she thinks of tabletop games, the first thing that pops into her mind is shogi. However, as the kids continue pulling out parts, it becomes even more clear that it's unlike any game she's ever played. Never before has she seen so many intricate pieces and parts, it's so intriguing! She makes a mental note to ask her beau to show her the shop later, maybe she can purchase her own copy to bring back to the kids of Inazuma.

When Tartaglia raises his question, she muses to herself while Tonia and Anthon are hard at work assembling the game. Studying the wooden pieces, she attempts to make heads and tails out of this fascinating new game. There's definitely a nautical theme to it and the little parts look like boats for sure. Contemplating to herself, she leans in to whisper into Tartaglia's ear: ]

Hmm... the little pieces remind me of boats and the wood looks like it's painted like the ocean. Oh! Do you go out and blow up other enemies like in waveriders?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Leaning into Yoimiya, he sneaks a happy smirk to her, impressed that she was able to put it together already. It's not so obvious just from looking at the pieces themselves, but Tonia has already managed to put one of the boards together to look like a radar screen. He's pretty sure Inazuma doesn't possess that level of technology yet, as Snezhnaya barely does either. Having the greatest military on the continent gains him access to many wartime technological secrets, so he's a little impressed that a toy company might have some sort of idea of what radar looks like- even if the ships look like normal Fatui naval battleships. Might be worth looking into...

He whispers back to her, but keeps the explanation simple. He's going to explain it to the kids anyway, so she'll be able to listen.]

That's right. You've got to destroy your opponent's ships before they destroy yours. Simple, isn't it? It looks fun, I hope you're ready to play a few rounds. I'll explain it now to everyone.

[Turning towards the kids, who have now figured out how to put it all together and are playing with the small wooden ships, he smiles proudly at them.]

Well done! Looks like you guys got it all put together. Ready to hear the rules?

Uh huh!!!

[Three bright, excited faces turn back towards their older brother, ready to listen. They know whatever brother has in store for them, it'll be fun, so they should be good and listen.]

Alright, good. Now, the name of the game is Dreadnaught. You put your ships on the board where you want them to be positioned, on the bottom, like this. And then you use the top part here to put markers in where you guess where your opponent's ship is. You have to sink all of your enemies' ships to win. You keep track of where you guessed with these little markers, see?

[He demonstrates by setting some ships up, and putting markers in the top portion. He also puts a marker in one of the ships, in the designated holes.]

Each ship can get only so many times, but you have to guess all of the spots on each ship. You can't just hit a ship in the same spot multiple times in a row. Do you guys understand?

[They nod eagerly, wanting to try it. Tartaglia laughs as his eyes soften. They really are good kids.]

Okay. One person has to sit out, so I'll join up with Teucer to help him get into the swing of things. You two will be fine without me, won't you? Teucer, want to face Yoimiya?

Yeah! Miss Yoimiya, come play us! It'll be loads of fun!

[Childe looks at Yoimiya, grinning and giving her a soft elbow with a challenging gleam in his eye. He's got a feeling she'll love it...]

[niwabi]

[ Is investigating a toy company next on his Fatui agenda?

Oh! Looks like her lucky guess based off the boat shaped pieces is partially correct, instead of enemy boats she was imagining monsters but attacking each other's ships sounds positively thrilling. Straight and to the point, Tartaglia's explanation of the game is spot on. Very simple, indeed! She files a mental note in the back of her head to ask him about a few of the unknown parts that are unidentifiable to her. The boards Tonia put together to create a circular-like object is fascinating, she's never seen such a unique device before...

Right alongside the kids, she's all starry-eyed while attentive to her boyfriend's explanation. Even after hearing it from him, she still can't help but be excited for them. Their big bright blue eyes and infectious enthusiasm is too precious, they are such wonderful kids. Her heart swells with pure joy watching their adorable heads eagerly nod at their brother. As if her heart couldn't feel any more full, Teucer's invitation makes her want to combust with jubilation. She was more than happy to watch the kids play with their older brother. ]

Yes! I'd love to play with you. We're gonna have a great time.

[ Catching wind of Tartaglia's elbow, Yoimiya shifts her gaze to meet with his competitive shimmer. Oh? So he's going to pair with his younger brother. That'll be interesting, she's looking forward to seeing how the two cute foxes work together. ]

Are ya ready, Teucer? Did you know that back when your brother was visiting Inazuma, I beat him in an onikabuto hunting game. [ SORRY BOYFRIEND, SHE'S NEVER LETTING YOU LIVE THAT ONE DOWN 😂 ] Hehe, but you look like a really strong opponent that's gonna give me a run for my mora.

[ And with that declaration, she finishes placing the last of her pieces on the board, grinning from ear to ear. By uping the ante, she hopes to add an extra layer of excitement for Teucer... that, and she kind of wants to goad Tartaglia a little bit. Just a bit. ]

I think you have what it takes to avenge your brother from the Queen of the Summer Festival.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Happy that everyone's settled now, he gets up to join Teucer at his side, sitting next to his darling little brother to help him set his pieces up and so he doesn't see how Yoimiya sets up hers. Teucer and Tartaglia quietly begin to set their pieces in place, Teucer knowing that he has to be secretive about it while Yoimiya tells the story of his big brother's loss in a game. For a moment, the little boy stops working on the placement of his boats as he looks up at Yoimiya, eyes widening with surprise.]

Woaaaaah, no way, did you really lose to Miss Yoimiya? I'll avenge you!

[It's as if Teucer couldn't possibly imagine his big brother losing to someone else, but he supposes it's possible. You can't get your way all the time, nor can you win all the time. That's just how it is.]

Haha, that's right Teucer. We were hunting for onikabuto in the forest, when a giant monster attacked. Turns out it was trying to hide the onikabuto from us, but Yoimiya here defeated it handily. Her pyro arrows whizzed through the air, like shining fireworks as it struck her opponent down. It was quite the sight, and I lost after she claimed it.

[His little brother's eyes get as round as saucers as he turns his head towards Yoimiya, little stars practically shining in them. So cool...]

Really??? You gotta show me sometime, that's so cool!!!

Oh, looks like Teucer really wants to see your fighting techniques, Yoimiya. Perhaps we'll do that sometime tomorrow?

Yeah, yeah! Then I can show you what brother has taught me too! Please, Miss Yoimiya, can we?

[The wink Tartaglia shoots her way says it all. He kind of set her up. No regrets. ;)]

[niwabi]

[ Ah, she's touched by his recollection of her fierce battle with the lawachurl. At the time, she didn't think much of it, completely focused on taking it out so she could get back to their onikabuto competition. Specks of pink dust her cheeks, chest buzzing with warmth as she listens to him, the Harbinger certainly has a way with words.

Look at that wink! She got set up BIG TIME. In all fairness, Yoimiya walked right into that one, not minding in the slightest. If anything, she's beyond flattered gazing upon those stars shining in Teucer's eyes. So precious and adorable... Now she's even more fired up, burning with determination to give the kids a dazzling display of her pyro powers. ]

I'll be happy to show you what I can do! Since it's your brother behind the helm, I have no doubts he's taught you well and you've become suuuuuper strong. I can't wait to see everything you've learned.

[ The mental image of Tartaglia training his siblings in the snow is precious. She has no doubts all three of them will grow up to become talented adults in the future. ]

Let's do it! I've been looking for a chance to go head-to-head with you once again.

[ She glances back at Tartaglia, a competitive shine burning behind her golden irises. Of course, they'll have to not go completely all out in front of the kiddos but, there should but nothing wrong with a mini-showdown, right? (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[He can already see it now, Teucer fighting off imaginary monsters in the backyard to show off all the fighting techniques he's learned. Even though Childe is aware that he hasn't learned much, it's still enough that he could probably hack down a training dummy or two...after a long while. But you have to start somewhere, and he's proud of his little brother for all the effort he's put in. Silently, he hopes that Yoimiya is impressed with their work- they both tried really hard. And her approval would make his heart pound a little harder in his chest.

He returns her gaze with a challenging shine of his own, giving her a cocky grin from across the table that only says bring it on while Teucer gets all riled up to show Yoimiya his skills both in this game, and outside with a sword.]

Ohhhh, are you two going to spar? Brother has done a little bit with me too...even though he always beats me.

[Teucer's words finally manage to pull Tartaglia's eyes off of Yoimiya to smile at his brother, patting his head a few times.]

You'll learn quickly if you're always challenging yourself against things that are better and stronger than you, till one day, you overcome it with all the lessons you've learned. Speaking of which...

[He hands a little wooden peg to Teucer, so he can start the game.]

Let's see how Miss Yoimiya here does in a naval battle. You ready? You've got the both of us to deal with now, [he says to Yoimiya, challenging her.]

Yeah! Me and my brother are unbeatable! I'm gunna guess...um...A4!

[The small boy looks up at Yoimiya with fire in his own eyes, and it's more than obvious with the looks on their faces Tartaglia and Teucer are truly siblings.]

[niwabi]

[ That earnest attitude combined with Tartaglia's guidance, Yoimiya is certain the younger brother will grow up to be a force to be reckoned with. For Teucer to start training at such an early age is already an impressive achievement, there's only so much he can do as a kid but with time and plenty of training, he might be able to take out ten dummies. Her smile broadens, heart filled with warmth at the image of the two brothers bonding while training in the snow.

No wonder why Teucer holds nothing but the highest respect for his older brother. ]

Your brother is right! You're already working so hard and with every challenge thrown your way, you'll continue to improve and get stronger. Keep it up, I think you'll be able to beat your brother one day.

[ But now it's time to start the game. Shots are fired and in a most amazing feat, Teucer's first guess is right on target. Yoimiya's eyes grow wide, amazed at him taking out one of her smaller ships right off the bat. ]

Wow! You got it on the first try. Great job Teucer!

[ She looks up to glance back and forth between the two brothers. Look at these two mischevious foxes... they are 100% related, she's literally staring at a mini-me Tartaglia. ]

Let's see, how about C2?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Yoimiya's words of praise ring in his heart, he's so proud of his younger brother and it warms him to hear her encourage Teucer to further work on his skills. It's his sincere wish that all his siblings grow up to be formidable warriors, and Teucer's journey is just beginning down that path. But whether or not Teucer can beat him, well, maybe...but doubtful. ^^]

Woaaahoahhh! I hit your ship? Did I really?

[The kid hasn't even registered that Yoimiya has already called for a ship, to which Tartaglia just smiles at his younger brother, holding up a hand to Yoimiya. Give him a sec, he'll calm him down...]

That's right Teucer, you sure did. But did Yoimiya get yours? You have to check for her.

Oh, right, sorry. Let's see, C2...hah! Nope! You missed! I'm gunna guess...E7!

[Childe looks up to Yoimiya apologetically. The look in his eyes only says one thing- "sorry, he's like six. No mercy from kids, you know..."]

[niwabi]

[ Glancing up, she catches a glimpse of the apologetic expression Tartaglia is sending her. She giggles in response, nodding her head to tell him that she's already having fun. Now where could Teucer have gotten his merciless personality from? Hmmm, she'll have to point that out to him later. ]

Nice try but looks like you missed this one. Hehe, maybe it's time for the Queen of the Summer Festival's firey counterattack!

[ Said jokingly with only the utmost fondness, wanting to ignite the flames of Teucer's merciless kid heart to make the game as fun as possible for him. On the surface, Yoimiya has a big ol' confident smile on her face, but on the inside, she's sweating bullets. The young boy might have missed this time but he got dangerously close to another ship sitting at E4. Maybe he's got a natural talent for Dreadnaught. ]

How about B6?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Relieved to see that Yoimiya is having fun regardless, he relaxes as both Yoimiya and Teucer continue their fake naval battle. Teucer looks down, but determined knowing he missed with his guess, however that won't stop him from sinking at least one of Miss Yoimiya's battleships. He waits with baited breath for Yoimiya's next guess, and Tartaglia notices now that Teucer had placed all his ships really close to each other. That's...not good.

Sorry little brother, you might end up losing this round, and it's barely even begun.]

Oh no!!!!!

[The confirmation that Yoimiya's guess was right, the little boy's voice rings out through the cabin. Chuckling, Tartaglia hands Teucer a little peg to put in the top of his ship, to indicate that it's been hit.]

Sorry Teucer, looks like Miss Yoimiya here found one of your ships. You better prepare your own counterattack or she'll take them all out.

[The smile on Tartaglia's face is warm, fondness for this moment creeping up on his countenance, hidden from his siblings but in full view of Yoimiya. His siblings playing with the love of his life, how could it be more tender, he doesn't know.]

But how do I counterattack? I don't know where her ships are!

[The little boy whines, forcing Childe to press a finger to his lips.]

Shush now, complaining won't get you anywhere. You have to think about it, and have a little luck on your side, too. Remember where you hit her ship the first time? Guess around there.

Okay...where was that...oh, I remember! It was A4, so I'm going to guess A3!!!

[niwabi]

[ In the face of Teucer's precious over-the-top reaction, she's doing her best to hold in her giggles but it's hard to not at least crack a smile at him. Glancing between the two brothers, Yoimiya's heart skips a beat as she gazes upon his features that display a loving fondness for his family. For most people who simply know him as a Harbinger, it might be hard to believe that he even harbors a soft side but for Yoimiya, he's been nothing but sweet and warm ever since their first encounter back home in Inazuma.

In this tender moment, she finds herself getting lost in his beautiful eyes, staring at him with pure love behind her expression, truly and utterly blessed to have him in her life.

Oh! Before she gets carried away staring at him, they have ships to sink. ]

Nope! But that's a great guess.

[ Tartaglia's got the right idea, one of her ships sits at A6. She doesn't mind giving him little hints here and there. If anything, Yoimiya is hoping for Teucer to pull out a victory. Just thinking about him celebrating with his older brother while he showers him with praise fills her heart with warmth. ]

Why don't we go with... D1 this time.

[ It still has yet to occur to her that Teucer's ships are all in close proximity to one another. For the time being, she'll continue throwing out random quadrants until they stick. ]

[monoceroscaeli]

[For a second, he glances up to see that lovestruck look on Yoimiya's face. His heart suddenly skips a beat, but his attention is drawn away almost as fast as he'd given it to her to see if Yoimiya's managed to sink one of Teucer's ships. She misses, but his lips are sealed on that, because she definitely doesn't need two brothers telling her she didn't hit it-]

Mwahahaha-! You missed again. Looks like Teucer is going to win this one.

[His youngest brother's proclamation gets him to chuckle, oh wow, who taught him to taunt his enemies in battle like that...]

You're pretty confident, aren't you Teucer~ I hope you're able to hit one of Yoimiya's ships if you're going to talk a game like that.

[He sends another wink to Yoimiya, his brother is being kind of extra, but please shittalk him back. It'll be good for him when he actually starts shittalking during fights.]

Careful or she might make you eat your words.

[niwabi]

[ Interesting. Yoimiya marks the location on the radar, taking note that all of her guesses have been pretty far away from each other. Did Teucer accidentally put his ships close together? Her next estimate will decide his fate, for now, it's little brother's turn for a counterattack. From the corner of her eyes, she spots Tartaglia sending a cheeky wink her way. She grins back at him, understanding his intentions loud and clear, he wants her to fire back right at the lil fella.

Admittedly, she was holding back since he's just a kid but since the older brother asked... ]

Oh, you're putting up a valiant fight, Teucer. I feel like I'm on the end of my ropes...

[ Yoimiya lets out a long sight, adding a flair for the dramatics to make this game even more exciting. However, it's not long until she flashes him a toothy grin. ]

But I'm not going down without a fight. What's your next guess? Bet you aren't gonna hit me.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Teucer, naturally, eats all that drama all up, feeling more and more confident in himself. He's winning! Against an adult! He's going to make his brother proud of him, rubbing his hands together. But it looks like she's not going to give up, the little fire behind Teucer's eyes lighting up when she taunts him. It takes a lot for Tartaglia to hold back a giggle, his fist coming up over his mouth as he hides his smile. What a show, this game was a great idea after all.]

Ohhhhh, just you wait and see! Hmmmmm...I guess! E2!

[Even now, the other two siblings have seemingly lost interest in their own game to become spectators to Teucer and Yoimiya's game, with Tonia sliding over to cuddle up next to Yoimiya and Anthon taking a place next to Teucer. They watch on silently, now engrossed in how this battle will end. Tartaglia too, waits patiently to see the outcome, finding it so endearing that all three of them have gotten involved in this one little game. Bringing Yoimiya home was a good idea, and he's glad to see that they're all getting along so well.]

[niwabi]

[ Like a child herself, Yoimiya is having a blast playing up the drama, Teucer's precious reactions adding fuel to her boundless excitement. He's so funny rubbing his hands together, looking like a mini diabolical menace ready to blow up some ships. ]

Nope! That was a good guess though.

[ A small hint for his troubles. Glancing over at Tonia, she gives the sweet girl a wink, gesturing with a head nod that her ship is floating its life away at E4. Giggling to herself, she scoots over to give her companion some room. Ever so gently, she places her hand on top of her head, combing her fingers through the girl's soft ginger hair. Having Tonia by her side is the power boost she needs to take on Captain Teucer! ]

Hehe, what did I tell ya? And now that my trusted first mate Tonia has arrived, we're gonna be unstoppable.

[ Now with the trash talking out of the way, it's time to confirm a theory about her rival captain's ship placements. ]

A6?

[monoceroscaeli]

[Both of the younger boys' jaws drop when Yoimiya guesses A6, another hit and what seems like the beginning of the end to the siblings. Anthon can't help but give Teucer a look, seeing his placement of all his ships...]

Teucer, no wonder she found your ship again! Look at how you placed-

Shhhh, Anthon, don't give it away, [Tartaglia quickly interjects, shushing his younger brother so Teucer still has a fighting chance.] If you say anything more, Yoimiya is going to find all of his ships no problem. Don't give your opponent any more information than you have to. This is an important principle in not only Dreadnaught, but in battle. You have to keep your enemy on their toes, got it?

[Both brothers look upward at Childe, eyes wide and nodding.]

Got it!

[Both of them turn to look at where Teucer's already guessed, their faces scrunched up in concentration trying to figure out where to go next. Tonia, as they think, looks up at Yoimiya with concern on her face.]

Miss Yoimiya, you have to win! It's two against one now, so I can help to even it out, right? I'm your first mate!

[Now having come to a decision with a few whispers between the boys, Teucer pipes up from behind his board.]

We're still gunna win even if you do help! Heheheeee...Teucer guesses B3!

[niwabi]

[ Oh? Although Anthon didn't get to finish his thought process, he confirms her suspicions. Poor sweet Teucer placed his ships too close together without much thought. She grins to herself, purposely feigning innocence to keep the game going. The kids having fun is way more important than winning and truthfully, she does want to see the little fella pull out a victory through sheer willpower.

To play up the drama, Yoimiya lets out the most over-the-top gasp. ]

Drat! They got a hit... Captain Teucer and his crew sure are powerful.

[ Yes, she's including Tartaglia as part of the crew. Maybe his fighting words resonated with his younger brother because she was impressed with that quick counterattack. ]

That's right, Tonia! Even if they have the advantage, we're gonna shine through with our teamwork.

[ She belives in Tonia power! ]

With all my heart, I trust the judgment of my reliable first mate. So Tonia, where do you think we should strike next?

[monoceroscaeli]

Uhm...

[Yoimiya's confidence in Tonia makes the little girl blush, putting her finger to her lips as she looks at the board. Where would her silly brother be hiding all his ships, she wonders. Teucer is still really bad at games and gets ahead of himself due to all that pent up energy he's got, but Tonia doesn't want to mess up Yoimiya's chances of losing, either, so she's being careful. Tartaglia watches from across the table, wondering how his little sister will deal with the situation now that she's been put in the hot seat with intrigue.]

C'mon Tonia! Just pick a spot!

[Teucer, being impatient, whines from behind his board. But their game won't last much longer, because a new voice pops up from the doorway as their mother enters the room.]

Be nice to your sister, Teucer. It's just a game, let her take her time.

Mother.

[She glides into the room, and Childe stands quickly to greet her, giving his mother a small kiss on the cheek before he turns back to his warring siblings.]

Hey you three, Yoimiya and I are going to go in the kitchen with Mother for a little bit, so you guys behave and finish up this game, okay? You can play another if you'd like, but after that, get ready to wash up so you can come help us with dinner.

Okay!

[They all chirp in unison, with the oldest son present giving them a look of satisfaction. He offers a hand to Yoimiya to help her up from the couch, before looking at the two women and nodding.]

Come, so I can do a proper introduction. It's a little too noisy in here, after all. Let's go somewhere more quiet.

[Tartaglia will lead the ladies away as quick as he can so the kids can play their game, which they're fully into now as they try to sink each other's ships. Once they're in the kitchen and away from the kids, Childe is able to breathe a little easier for the moment.]

Alright, shall we? Yoimiya, this is my mother. She's been very excited to meet you.

It's true, I've been waiting ever since he told us about you. He never stops talking about you, [she offers, with a big smile on her face,] so I couldn't help b-

Mother, please, [Tartaglia begs, his face flushing a hue of red.]

[niwabi]

[ Out of the blue comes a beautiful lady striding into the room. As she gracefully enters to the glee of her sweet children, Yoimiya is star-struck, in total awe at how pretty her appearance is. It's no wonder the whole family of gingers are all so precious. ]

Y'all have fun. Make sure to tell me who wins, I gotta know. [ But of course, she doesn't forget to cheer her lovely helper on. ] I believe in you first mate Tonia!

[ As she takes Tartaglia's hand to stand up, Yoimiya makes sure to give each of the three kids a warm pat on their adorable heads, a thank you for the immense fun she had. Whatever happens after they leave, she can't wait to find out, knowing they will have a fun story to share at the table.

She gingerly laces their fingers together, quietly inhaling a soft breath as they make their way into the kitchen. There's no denying her heart is racing with both excitement and nervousness that she's finally meeting her beloved's mother. This momentous occasion has been on her mind for some time, ever since they started exchanging letters. Impressing children with sparklers, fun, and games comes naturally to Yoimiya but making a good first impression on her boyfriend's mother? That's a brand endeavor. One she hopes to succeed. Ahhhhhh! This has to be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of her young life.

But then, her worries start to seem a bit silly. The playful tease does the trick in settling her nerves, merrily giggling at poor Tartaglia's plight. Now she's starting to see where her boyfriend gets his mischievous side from. ]

Hehehe. It's so wonderful to meet you! I've been looking forward to this day.

[ With a smile as bright as the sun, Yoimiya feels at peace now. Gently, she slips her fingers out of Tartaglia's grasp to clasp her hands together, greeting his mother with a polite, Inazuman bow. ]

Thank you for the warm welcome and for inviting me into your home.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Thankful for the fact that Yoimiya isn't joining in on the teasing quite yet, he breathes a small sigh of relief as his girlfriend introduces herself. He's not completely used to their ways of meeting people quite yet- Inazumans are incredibly polite, and he's glad his mother hadn't reached out for a handshake or anything, as he'd warned her not to prior to their meeting. Though, he hadn't really known what to tell her how to greet Yoimiya back, but he's sure she's not offended.]

Of course, we're so happy that you could come visit. It must of been such a long ride for you here in the far north. How are you liking Snezhnaya so far? Is it as pretty as he's surely waxed poetic about?

[He'll leave those two to converse for a moment, walking over to a door that leads out to an enclosed porch, walking out there for a moment before returning with what looks like a bottle of wine which he sets on the center island of the kitchen. He quickly pours two glasses out for them, handing them over so they could have a little drink while they got to know each other.]

What's wrong with expressing my love of Snezhnaya's beauty? I love my country just as much as the next person, [he says, not taking that comment lying down.]

[niwabi]

[ Poor Tartaglia... she's watching a mother embarrassing her son right in front of her eyes and it's hilarious. Sorry boyfriend, she can't stop the giggles slipping out of her lips as he pours them glasses of wine. The whiplash from Lord Tartaglia commanding over his men to a good mama's boy is really quite endearing. She's all smiles, bringing the cup to her lips to enjoy the taste of the wine on her tongue, along with drinking in Ajax's funny reaction.

Yeah, she definitely sees where the son gets his mischievous nature from. His mother is an absolute riot. ]

Snezhnaya is absolutely stunning! Hehe, his flowery poetics described the beautiful country perfectly. [ ONCE AGAIN SORRY BOYFRIEND, she can't help herself with this one. ] I've never seen this much snow in my entire life.

[ IT'S SO MUCH SNOW... her beach-loving heart still can't believe it. And oh boy, she's looking forward to playing in it with his family. ]

Have you lived in Snezhnaya your whole life?

[monoceroscaeli]

[At least someone's appreciating his poetry. Tartaglia will gladly look proud of his choice of words, pouring himself some wine as well for the moment- he feels like with his mother here, he might need it. Surely she'll break out the baby stories about him soon enough, and he's going to need to be a little loose for that.]

Oh yes, myself and his father have lived in this little village our whole lives, we met here when we were little...I suppose you could say I got to marry my childhood friend. Everyone in the village was delighted when we were engaged, and it's one of the most memorable weeks of my life.

[He can see what's going on here, and Tartaglia quickly clears his throat because mom we are moving on from the subject of marriage thank you, changing the subject to stay away from any more potentially embarrassing topics.]

Yes, and now she has a son that spoils her rotten every chance he gets, [he adds, sipping from his wine glass as he turns to Yoimiya.] Mother's birthday is coming up, and I've managed to keep her gift a secret from her. Every single year, she somehow catches wind of what I've gotten her, but I've taken every precaution this year to keep that from happening. Perhaps I can ask you to help me with this year's gift to her, Yoimiya.

[He smiles at her, before turning his eyes towards his mom with a mischievous grin. NOT THIS YEAR, LADY.]

[niwabi]

[ As she listens to Tartaglia's mother, Yoimiya's chest bubbles with tender warmth as she imagines his father proposing to her in the most romantic fashion, the entire village of Morepesok celebrating their marriage to a breathtaking wedding near the ocean. But before she gets a chance to inquire, her son quickly changes the subject! She can't help but giggle, the poor guy has been embarrassed enough as it is.

Not to mention, the topic of marriage is a bit too soon for a couple that's only been dating for a few months. He still needs to meet her parents before they consider tying the knot... SWEATS NERVOUSLY AT SEASONS ]

Oh! Yes! It'll be an honor to help pick out a present! If we work together, I'm sure we can come up with a surprise that she won't see coming, hehe.

[ To throw her off, it'll have to be something from Inazuma, she ponders to herself, already formulating ideas. Suddenly, a glimmer of realization reflects in Yoimiya's honey-colored eyes. That's right! She can't forget the presents!! ]

Speaking of gifts! [ She turns to Tartaglia. ] Do you know where your men placed that chest? I brought some presents from Inazuma to give to your whole family.

[monoceroscaeli]

[Crisis averted, for now. He's gotten his mother off of the topic of marriage, knowing full well that she wants her son to tie the knot with a nice girl and settle down, despite the fact that she knows that he's a Harbinger and can't do any such thing for the foreseeable future. Bless his mom, but she's really got to keep that mischievous side out of this for the time being, he can't be making any promises he can't keep here...]

Ah, yes! I placed the chest upstairs in the room you'll be sleeping in tonight.

[Going to not say it's in his room in front of his mom, here. Not yet, not till later. They just met, and he doesn't want to starting throwing that kind of thing right in her face.]

I can take you up there. Mother, you don't mind if we head upstairs for a moment, do you?

[He smiles at her, that face saying everything. Let them go upstairs for a minute, have a little moment to themselves, and they'll be right down with gifts.]

Oh, yes of course, you two go fetch those gifts. Thank you Yoimiya, you shouldn't have. That's so very thoughtful of you, to think of us all the way up here in the cold north.