By the hands of the Gods, you have been plucked from your time and from your world, dropped into the box.
Only the box is a world of its own.
We are a mass crossover based on the concept of Pandora's Box. Characters from nearly any fandom can be played here. Because of the endless character possibilities, we are canon only here at Pandora. Take a peek at our rules and plot information before starting your new life in Pandora.
The crackle of the open fire is all that can be heard at the cascade stable, the faint whinnying of the horses that are resisting the urge to sleep, a few stray dogs have taken their rest at the side of the campfire, where a hooded figure has taken to stroking them gently with one hand as he holds a stick that is impaled with an apple over the open flame.
Perhaps this was violating a few fire safety laws, however that was not his concern for now, they would be installing a cooking pot soon, he had hoped. Although he is met with the gaze of another wayward traveller, sat across the campfire from him.
He is silent.
"You are going to burn your food"
Is the first thing he states, he is calm, barely tearing his gaze of the apple that was now covered in light charcoal. A simple recipe he had learned from the king. For those peculiar times when one cannot be bothered to put in the effort for a more glamorous meal.
Throughout the next month or so, Xingqiu wandered around the Crystal Vales with his faithful companion, Mizu, roaming around Cascade Bay and Oakheart. Travelling through the leafy forests and glowing crystals, the boy felt the sense of wonderment befall upon him. Liyue was beautiful and familiar, the Vales were beautiful and unfamiliar. Maybe he needed something new in his life.
The peaceful night was crawling through the dusking sky, littering the welkin with a dusting of stars. The moon shone brilliantly, a white ethereal glow amidst the inky blackness. A gentle night breeze strummed the air and waves through the trees. The stable horses could be heard amidst the chirping crickets and hooting owls.
Xingqiu sat opposite from the hooded stranger with dogs by his side. In between them was a crackling campfire that cast a warm, orange glow on his face. He looked at the other, enjoying the silence between them for a moment.
“Ah! Forgive me,” Xingqiu said. He quickly took the apple out of the dancing flames and blew on the smoke. “I’m not terribly good at cooking.” The kind stranger showed him this simple recipe when they crossed paths earlier that evening, and the boy stayed to share the warm fire. He sat the apple aside so it could cool a little before he peeling the charcoal bits off.
One bite of the warm, sweet juices was all he needed to keep him captivated. "Wow, this is delicious!" He exclaimed, covering a full mouth with his hand. Quickly, not a bite was left of the amazing treat. What a simple yet wonderful recipe. He would remember this for his future travels.
"Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe," Xingqiu said, hugging his exposed legs. “Hewww, it’s still cold at night.”
"It is alright, it is something an old friend taught me once upon a time"
Even before the warm embrace of the open flames, there was still a chill that ran through the air regardless, then again when wearing shorts.. it was to be expected that there would be some sort of chill regardless.
"There are blankets in the tent, I can collect one for you if you wish."
He takes a glance towards Cerberus, already content for the evening having eaten through the stack of meat and was now rolled on his back.
"I can teach you other recipes if time allows it before your departure."
An old friend huh? Xingqiu thought back to Liyue Harbor and his friends. Playing with Chongyun in the wilderness, eating spicy food at Wanming Restaurant, compositing poems with Hu Tao that are shown in their duality. Oh, how he missed his friends.
“Oh, that would be lovely. Thank you.” Xingqiu responded to the kind stranger. It was completely his fault that he had forgotten to bring warmer wear to this gathering. Alas, his usual shorts were much more comfortable and preferable, after all.
“I have plenty of time to listen,” He told the other. “I am staying for the night after all.” He had been walking around Cascade Bay, enjoying the forests and rivers when he came upon this stable in the late afternoon.
He took out a notebook and pencil, intent on writing down the recipes.
Hey broskis. Sorry I've been borderline AWOL for the better part of a year. Things have been a little meh and I feel like I'm stretched so damn thin right now. I wanna come back and write with you guys again, but idk when that's gonna be. Hope you're all doing well. <3
