The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a golden glow across Liyue. The Geo Archon's abode nestled within the mountains stood like a grand sentinel—a blend of nature's beauty and human craftsmanship. Pristine white marble walls, adorned with intricate golden carvings, shimmered under the fading sunlight. Grand gates, decorated with mythic creatures, opened into an expansive courtyard surrounded by lush, vibrant gardens.

"Whoa!" gasps echoed in awe from the onlookers.

"I've never seen the Geo Archon's abode up close!" Ningguang marveled, her eyes wide with admiration.

Inside, the main hall bustled with activity, the chaos of preparation contrasting with the serene elegance of the space. High ceilings, gilded with delicate gold filigree, reflected the warm glow of the setting sun. The polished marble floors gleamed underfoot, mirroring the soft light of golden lanterns, casting a tranquil yet lively atmosphere.

"Oh, I remember that day!" Venti grinned, nostalgia in his eyes.

Zhongli chuckled softly as their children groaned in unison, clearly less enthusiastic about the memory.

"Mother always freaks out whenever someone comes to visit!" Lyra complained, crossing her arms with a dramatic sigh.

"And we have to clean our rooms every time—" Aerden began.

"As if anyone's going to look in there!" Harmonia finished, rolling her eyes.

As the family prepared for the arrival of their cousin Kunikuzushi, along with the esteemed guests Ei and Yae Miko, Barbatos was a whirlwind of energy. A feather duster in one hand and a list of tasks in the other, his usual calm demeanor had been replaced with frantic determination. Despite his typically serene nature, pregnancy had made him even more particular about their home's state, and his feathered wings fluttered anxiously in response to the stress.

"Hey, look! It's me!" Valea chimed excitedly, pointing to herself with a grin.

"Xiao! Aerden! Harmonia! Have you finished cleaning your rooms yet?" Barbatos called out, his voice tinged with a trace of panic.

Aerden's Room (1300 years old):

In his room, which was a harmonious blend of earth and wind elements, Aerden was struggling to find his formal clothes. The wooden furniture with green accents and the unmade bed—its frame transitioning from stone gray to sky blue—made the room feel natural yet disorganized. Drawers slammed open and shut as Aerden called out, "Mom, I'm trying to find my formal clothes!"

Harmonia's Room (1100 years old):

Harmonia, ever the calm presence, was in her own room helping Aerden. Her space was tranquil, with muted gold hues that matched her flowing hair. As she sifted through her elegant wardrobe, she shouted back, "I'm helping him, Mom!" Despite the chaos, Harmonia's graceful demeanor never wavered.

Xiao's Room (1500 years old):

Meanwhile, Xiao was in the living room, which seamlessly connected to his simple yet refined bedroom. The dark wooden furniture and his neatly arranged altar exuded order and discipline. Used to his mother's occasional panic, Xiao methodically dusted the shelves and adjusted the cushions on the couch, his expression calm and collected despite the surrounding commotion.

Lyra's Room (700 years old):

In her vibrant and bold room, Lyra was doing her best to keep Navarre entertained. Her sunset-orange hair reflected the room's lively decor, with fairy lights and modern furniture adding a whimsical touch. Creative projects cluttered her desk, a testament to her spirited nature.

Navarre's Room (300 years old):

Navarre, with sandy brown hair streaked with ocean blue, was meticulously organizing a collection of maps in his room, which was filled with curiosities from his many adventures. His keen hazel eyes darted around the room, ensuring every item was perfectly in place.

Morax, the Geo Archon himself, followed Barbatos around, trying to soothe his nerves. "My love, everything will be fine. Kunikuzushi is family; he's not going to mind if there's a speck of dust," he reassured, his deep voice a steadying presence. He added with a chuckle, "And besides, Kunikuzushi is still just a baby."

Laughter erupted from the family as Kunikuzushi blushed, embarrassed.

Barbatos whirled around, his eyes wide with a mix of exasperation and determination. His wings fluffed up, reflecting his emotions. "But everything has to be perfect! It's his first time visiting us, and I want him to feel welcome! And you know how much Ei and Miko fuss!"

A gasp echoed from Ei and Yae Miko, mock offense painted on their faces. "We do not fuss!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Mom, I can't find my tie!" Harmonia's voice called from her room.

"It's in the drawer next to your bed!" Barbatos shouted back, his sigh audible as he adjusted a picture frame on the wall.

Finally, Xiao finished tidying the living room and took a step back to assess his work. "Mother, the living room is ready," he reported in his usual monotone, hoping to bring some calm to the chaos.

Barbatos gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Xiao. You're always so reliable."

"Hey!" the other five children chorused in protest, drawing smiles all around.

Morax placed a reassuring hand on Barbatos' shoulder. "Everything is perfect, my love. You've done an amazing job, as always."

As the final preparations were made and the family readied themselves, the bustling energy of the abode finally began to settle. The anticipation of seeing family and welcoming guests brought a sense of warmth and excitement to their hearts, knowing that no matter the chaos, they would face it together.