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Entry tags:
fic: Moon Buns
Title: Moon Buns
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2,502
Summary: Nahyuta and Ema celebrate both the lunar new year, and Amara's birthday, which happen to fall on the same day.
Author's note: Part of Holidaze series
There is some inspiration here from Chinese New Year and Tibetian Buddhist religious customs.
Note: This actually takes place just after 14th, on the lunar new year. On AO3 it will reflect that, but here I can't so I'll just have to put a note in to remember that this takes place before Moving In, Surprise, Surprise.
and Skeptics and True Believers.
For Seta_Suzume. Happy birthday!
Bright silken banners were lifted high. Far different from the prayer flags, these fluttered soft. Ema couldn't read the words in ink painted upon them, but they had hung up all over, like Khura'in had dressed up for some fancy party. Googling didn't really explain much. She had to wait until Nahyuta was free from helping Princess Rayfa.
At least it wasn't a long wait.
"There you are, Ema, love. Are you ready?"
"Ready for what? Nahyuta, what exactly is happening? There's some kind of celebration? I tried to figure out, but Google is useless about it."
Here she was, out of the loop again.
"It's mother's birthday, and the start of the new year."
Right, Khura'in, like several other Asian countries, went on the lunar calendar. She kept having to sync her calendars to catch up.
"That was when mother was born. It was considered quite a fortuitous omen then. So the holiday coalesced as she came into power. Not just as the new year, but in celebration and honor of our Queen. This will be the first time the country has the new year festivities in over thirty years."
"Huh? Why's that?" Ema said.
Sadness came over him.
"Ga'ran said without Queen Amara, there would be no peace, that time had stopped. We put away many celebrations then, buried with mother. The start of a new year was treated with mourning, not celebration. It was another reminder of what we had lost."
He fell silent.
"It is a wish that the Holy Mother will bless the world with peace. That is what this holiday is. With it are new hopes are lifted up."
He continued on.
"As the day was turned into one of mourning, the traditional dishes were not cooked. Instead, people would pray towards the tomb of Amara....a tomb that was in fact empty," Nahyuta said. There was bitterness in his voice.
"Father and I would cook up moon buns together. Even though it was banned, to remember her. Father wouldn't let the recipes and memories of the traditions go forgotten to time. Just as he refused to give up on her."
There was little Ema could say to offer comfort, or change what had happened. But she reached out and rested her hand on Nahyuta's arm. He smiled.
"It is all right. The past is past. I will do what I can to heal the future. With your help, of course. I hope you will join us in celebration, Ema."
"I don't know. The last thing I want to do is insult your mother, but I'm not a Khura'inist. It kind of feels like this isn't for me," Ema said.
Nahyuta took her hand in his. "It is not about religious fortitude, but finding hope within the darkness of a long winter, and celebrating my mother. Also, there are many delicious sweets to enjoy."
"Well, when you put it that way, of course I'm coming," Ema said.
He laughed, and led her to the temple.
*
Nahyuta wore a thick yak fur coat. The back was stitched with a gold emblem of the country. His silvery braid was hidden away beneath a hat lined with fur.
Ema had gotten a yak fur coat of her own. A gift from Nahyuta shortly after arrival. Somehow, it was way warmer than the specialty coat she'd spent so much on. Go figure.
Ema pulled her coat tighter around her. Being from California, she wasn't used to this kind of cold. Even her time in Germany wasn't as bone-chillingly freezing as Khura'in. This much time in Khura'in and she still wasn't accustomed to just how cold it could be. Even inside the long corridor of the temple, she could see her breath. She really didn't know how these monks took the cold like this.
Nahyuta guided her to the temple, where many had their heads bowed in devotion as they walked forward.
A massive slab of wax was across the table. There were more wicks than she could count. Countless Khura'inese stepped forward to light the candle.
"Do you wish to light as well?" Nahyuta said softly.
"What does this ceremony mean?"
"It is a symbol of the new year. A new beginning. The light fills the darkness," he said.
"All right."
It sounded more symbolic and hopeful than religious.
Ema held out her stick and added the light. They slowly left the temple, and went out to the cold. The mountains, and about everything else, was blanketed with snow.
They followed the procession out towards the prayer flags. She kept stealing glances towards Nahyuta, but he too had his head bowed in prayerful contemplation.
She leaned in to Nahyuta. He smiled. "It won't be much longer now before we go back to my family."
Colorful prayer flags were hoisted high all around them, even more than usual. Nahyuta gracefully wrote something upon a prayer flag and hoisted it high.
"The first wishes of the year." She noticed her name among it, almost with the letters for forever or eternal. She'd learned those ones fast, because Nahyuta used them often. Partly with such zingers as the Accused's putrid soul is filled with the stain of a thousand putrid sins, and must be cleansed by the fires of a thousand hells before they can be reborn anew but even more, he'd used it towards her in markedly more gentle ways.
"Ema and Nahyuta forever? I don't recognize all those characters with the way the wind has it flapping."
"Ema and Nahyuta, united in peaceful and blissful matrimony forever, through all lives, all time, all being and universe, forever and ever," he said.
"I still need to work on my Khura'inese script reading skills."
"You're doing splendidly, especially considering what a difficult language it is. The script of Khura'inese in particular is very arcane, having changed little in thousands of years. I once read an outsider linguist's account that called it the most difficult language to learn in existence. That you have learned this much this fast shows you are quite a prodigy...though that is not surprising, considering it's you."
She rested her head against him. He leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"I don't think my skills at Khura'inese are good enough to write one of those."
"No worries. I took the liberty of writing one for you."
"Oh? What does it say?"
"The same as mine, except with an addition that you are always blessed with many Snackoos."
"You get me," she said.
He smiled. "I certainly try."
"Speaking of which, are we at the part where we eat yet? I've usually had about three lunch breaks by now. And also did I mention that it's completely freezing?" Ema said.
"Yes, we should go in," Nahyuta said.
He took one last look at the prayer flags before he followed her inside..
*
The room was filled with many buffets full of delicious treats. Guards were at every door, and the fireplace was stoked high enough that she could at least let her scarf down a little.
Ema wasn't religious, but this was basically what her version of heaven would be. Also, great wifi forever.
She glanced at her phone. Zero bars. Oh well. One out of two wasn't bad.
"Ah~ So many moon buns. My favorite treat. It's been so very long since I had one."
She took a bite and sighed with happiness. "It is just as good as then. Perhaps even better. I am so glad that you kept the recipes alive, Yuty."
"It was father's idea," Nahyuta said.
Queen Amara wore a slightly different dress than before, with a shawl pulled close about her. It was made of much warmer material than the outfit Ema had first seen her in, and was pink with decorations of lotuses upon the skirt, and a lighter white top.
Hallmark didn't make the kind of cards she'd need for Nahyuta's mother, who was practically considered divine. To say nothing that they didn't sell cards like that here. She really wished Nahyuta would've told her her future mother-in-law's birthday was coming up.
Then again, what kind of birthday did you get a woman who was practically a deity? One who the entire country wasted no time in spoiling with every kind of gift imaginable the minute they realized she was alive?
She had no real need for anything, because the entire country revered her. And the only things she might want--like her husband back--weren't anything Ema could do. Unless she went full Doctor Frankenstein. Except, she wasn't that much of a mad scientist.
At least, not yet.
So, she wrote her a note. Kind of like a thank you card, but for birthdays. Ema always had little cards on hand. She used to use them to write passive aggressive notes to Prosecutor Gavin.
The joke was on her. Prosecutor Gavin just though they were funny.
She put it with all the many gifts the people had left for her.
"Ema, do have one. I know you like sweets so," Queen Amara said.
"Oh, thanks!"
Ema took on and took small bites. She tried not to stuff her face too fast, even though she was starving. She wanted to make a good impression on her practically-divine future mother-in-law.
Man, it was good though. Delicate and slightly buttery, with some kind of stuffing she couldn't quite guess. Maybe yak cream?
"See? They are wonderful. I am so glad the Moon Buns will be cooked again. Do you think they would allow this old woman a little mercy and cook more for me even when it's not the new year?"
"Mother, they would give you anything you asked for. Be it moon buns or Gingihl," Nahyuta said.
Rayfa was slightly late, due to her queen duties. Though what those were, Ema couldn't say.
"I am sorry."
"No, it is fine. I too remember how much time consuming being queen was," Queen Amara said.
She patted Rayfa on the head. Rayfa stuck out her cheeks--much like Ema did--in frustration at the gesture. In the end, Rayfa was still quite prickly.
"All of Khura'in has worked to make this birthday special for you," Nahyuta said.
"Being such an old woman, I almost forgot what it was like to have a celebration like this. Maidservants don't have birthdays."
"You're not that old," Rayfa muttered. She blushed when Queen Amara smiled at her.
"You're too kind."
The pile of gifts nearly went to the ceiling, and had hundreds of valuable gifts. From rosary's to sweets to urns and vases and more. Her little card seemed paltry by comparison, but what else did she have to give? Some empty Snackoos bags? Her phone?
Wait, no, she needed that for work.
As if guided by some divine hand, Queen Amara picked her card first.
As she read, Queen Amara suddenly began to laugh.
Nahyuta peered over her shoulder. He let out a little sigh as he read the inscription.
"I must show Dhurke. I will write down instructions when I summon."
"Let me, mother," Rayfa said. "It could be your present from me."
"Yes, your channeling is coming along quite well. And Dhurke would never try and take control of you permanently. If you feel you are up to it, dear. But he has such a strong spirit. Channeling him might wear you out."
"I will try."
Rayfa bowed her head, and pressed her hands together. Her slim frame broadened. No matter how many Ema saw it, it never got to the point where her mind didn't go What the Bill Nye just happened!
And where Rayfa was, a giant man with long black hair stood before them. He wore a long blue robe, and an eyepatch. He smiled, self-assured in a way that softened as he caught sight of Queen Amara.
"Dhurke, dear. Look at this."
She read aloud.
"Thanks for sharing your genetics with Nahyuta, I really like them on him."
He burst out laughing. "Nahyuta, you've chosen some girl, that's for sure. Don't let this one go."
"I have no intention of ever letting her go."
Ema snuck another bun. She had a lot of lunches to catch up on, after all.
*
After much of the presents were opened (since it would take many days for Queen Amara to open that many gifts) and most of the food was eaten (Ema left some for others, honest!) Nahyuta led her out onto the balcony.
Much to Ema's surprise (and slight disappointment) this wasn't some stealthy make out plan.
She leaned into him for warmth. He wrapped a thick yak wool blanket about them. The stars in Khura'in were so unbelievably clear. She could see constellations for miles.
"See that one?"
"The big dipper?"
"Ursa Major. It's the bear."
"All those stars have burned out millions of years ago and we're just seeing the echoes of their brightness."
Gold fireworks exploded in the air. They lingered in the starry sky for a moment before ash and golden lights fell down.
"Fireworks came to Khura'in from Zheng Fa quite early. It is rather difficult to keep fireworks here, due to the cold and moisture. They often would misfire, so they are not used often in festivals."
"They're beautiful," Ema said.
"I find it interesting that America so took to fireworks. America's birthday even uses them," Nahyuta said.
She laughed. "America's birthday?"
"Is that not what you would call the 4th of July?"
"That would make America a Leo. That's a pretty scary thought."
America's birthday. She'd be laughing at that one for years to come.
"Isn't that how it is, though? America had so many immigrants. No wonder the US ended up having something that originated from Zheng Fa as a symbol."
"Now we have spent your country's new year together, and our country's new year. I can only hope to spend every next new year with you."
"Our country?"
"You will always have a place within Khura'in, as long as I draw breath and beyond. You helped save this country...and me."
"You know, marrying me technically probably would give you dual citizenship, too," Ema said playfully. "You could return whenever you wanted, and wouldn't even have to seek visas. Then you could get Jalapeno Southwest burgers whenever you wanted."
"You do have the best ideas, Ema," he said.
Series: Ace Attorney
Character/pairing: Nahyuta/Ema
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2,502
Summary: Nahyuta and Ema celebrate both the lunar new year, and Amara's birthday, which happen to fall on the same day.
Author's note: Part of Holidaze series
There is some inspiration here from Chinese New Year and Tibetian Buddhist religious customs.
Note: This actually takes place just after 14th, on the lunar new year. On AO3 it will reflect that, but here I can't so I'll just have to put a note in to remember that this takes place before Moving In, Surprise, Surprise.
and Skeptics and True Believers.
For Seta_Suzume. Happy birthday!
Bright silken banners were lifted high. Far different from the prayer flags, these fluttered soft. Ema couldn't read the words in ink painted upon them, but they had hung up all over, like Khura'in had dressed up for some fancy party. Googling didn't really explain much. She had to wait until Nahyuta was free from helping Princess Rayfa.
At least it wasn't a long wait.
"There you are, Ema, love. Are you ready?"
"Ready for what? Nahyuta, what exactly is happening? There's some kind of celebration? I tried to figure out, but Google is useless about it."
Here she was, out of the loop again.
"It's mother's birthday, and the start of the new year."
Right, Khura'in, like several other Asian countries, went on the lunar calendar. She kept having to sync her calendars to catch up.
"That was when mother was born. It was considered quite a fortuitous omen then. So the holiday coalesced as she came into power. Not just as the new year, but in celebration and honor of our Queen. This will be the first time the country has the new year festivities in over thirty years."
"Huh? Why's that?" Ema said.
Sadness came over him.
"Ga'ran said without Queen Amara, there would be no peace, that time had stopped. We put away many celebrations then, buried with mother. The start of a new year was treated with mourning, not celebration. It was another reminder of what we had lost."
He fell silent.
"It is a wish that the Holy Mother will bless the world with peace. That is what this holiday is. With it are new hopes are lifted up."
He continued on.
"As the day was turned into one of mourning, the traditional dishes were not cooked. Instead, people would pray towards the tomb of Amara....a tomb that was in fact empty," Nahyuta said. There was bitterness in his voice.
"Father and I would cook up moon buns together. Even though it was banned, to remember her. Father wouldn't let the recipes and memories of the traditions go forgotten to time. Just as he refused to give up on her."
There was little Ema could say to offer comfort, or change what had happened. But she reached out and rested her hand on Nahyuta's arm. He smiled.
"It is all right. The past is past. I will do what I can to heal the future. With your help, of course. I hope you will join us in celebration, Ema."
"I don't know. The last thing I want to do is insult your mother, but I'm not a Khura'inist. It kind of feels like this isn't for me," Ema said.
Nahyuta took her hand in his. "It is not about religious fortitude, but finding hope within the darkness of a long winter, and celebrating my mother. Also, there are many delicious sweets to enjoy."
"Well, when you put it that way, of course I'm coming," Ema said.
He laughed, and led her to the temple.
*
Nahyuta wore a thick yak fur coat. The back was stitched with a gold emblem of the country. His silvery braid was hidden away beneath a hat lined with fur.
Ema had gotten a yak fur coat of her own. A gift from Nahyuta shortly after arrival. Somehow, it was way warmer than the specialty coat she'd spent so much on. Go figure.
Ema pulled her coat tighter around her. Being from California, she wasn't used to this kind of cold. Even her time in Germany wasn't as bone-chillingly freezing as Khura'in. This much time in Khura'in and she still wasn't accustomed to just how cold it could be. Even inside the long corridor of the temple, she could see her breath. She really didn't know how these monks took the cold like this.
Nahyuta guided her to the temple, where many had their heads bowed in devotion as they walked forward.
A massive slab of wax was across the table. There were more wicks than she could count. Countless Khura'inese stepped forward to light the candle.
"Do you wish to light as well?" Nahyuta said softly.
"What does this ceremony mean?"
"It is a symbol of the new year. A new beginning. The light fills the darkness," he said.
"All right."
It sounded more symbolic and hopeful than religious.
Ema held out her stick and added the light. They slowly left the temple, and went out to the cold. The mountains, and about everything else, was blanketed with snow.
They followed the procession out towards the prayer flags. She kept stealing glances towards Nahyuta, but he too had his head bowed in prayerful contemplation.
She leaned in to Nahyuta. He smiled. "It won't be much longer now before we go back to my family."
Colorful prayer flags were hoisted high all around them, even more than usual. Nahyuta gracefully wrote something upon a prayer flag and hoisted it high.
"The first wishes of the year." She noticed her name among it, almost with the letters for forever or eternal. She'd learned those ones fast, because Nahyuta used them often. Partly with such zingers as the Accused's putrid soul is filled with the stain of a thousand putrid sins, and must be cleansed by the fires of a thousand hells before they can be reborn anew but even more, he'd used it towards her in markedly more gentle ways.
"Ema and Nahyuta forever? I don't recognize all those characters with the way the wind has it flapping."
"Ema and Nahyuta, united in peaceful and blissful matrimony forever, through all lives, all time, all being and universe, forever and ever," he said.
"I still need to work on my Khura'inese script reading skills."
"You're doing splendidly, especially considering what a difficult language it is. The script of Khura'inese in particular is very arcane, having changed little in thousands of years. I once read an outsider linguist's account that called it the most difficult language to learn in existence. That you have learned this much this fast shows you are quite a prodigy...though that is not surprising, considering it's you."
She rested her head against him. He leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"I don't think my skills at Khura'inese are good enough to write one of those."
"No worries. I took the liberty of writing one for you."
"Oh? What does it say?"
"The same as mine, except with an addition that you are always blessed with many Snackoos."
"You get me," she said.
He smiled. "I certainly try."
"Speaking of which, are we at the part where we eat yet? I've usually had about three lunch breaks by now. And also did I mention that it's completely freezing?" Ema said.
"Yes, we should go in," Nahyuta said.
He took one last look at the prayer flags before he followed her inside..
*
The room was filled with many buffets full of delicious treats. Guards were at every door, and the fireplace was stoked high enough that she could at least let her scarf down a little.
Ema wasn't religious, but this was basically what her version of heaven would be. Also, great wifi forever.
She glanced at her phone. Zero bars. Oh well. One out of two wasn't bad.
"Ah~ So many moon buns. My favorite treat. It's been so very long since I had one."
She took a bite and sighed with happiness. "It is just as good as then. Perhaps even better. I am so glad that you kept the recipes alive, Yuty."
"It was father's idea," Nahyuta said.
Queen Amara wore a slightly different dress than before, with a shawl pulled close about her. It was made of much warmer material than the outfit Ema had first seen her in, and was pink with decorations of lotuses upon the skirt, and a lighter white top.
Hallmark didn't make the kind of cards she'd need for Nahyuta's mother, who was practically considered divine. To say nothing that they didn't sell cards like that here. She really wished Nahyuta would've told her her future mother-in-law's birthday was coming up.
Then again, what kind of birthday did you get a woman who was practically a deity? One who the entire country wasted no time in spoiling with every kind of gift imaginable the minute they realized she was alive?
She had no real need for anything, because the entire country revered her. And the only things she might want--like her husband back--weren't anything Ema could do. Unless she went full Doctor Frankenstein. Except, she wasn't that much of a mad scientist.
At least, not yet.
So, she wrote her a note. Kind of like a thank you card, but for birthdays. Ema always had little cards on hand. She used to use them to write passive aggressive notes to Prosecutor Gavin.
The joke was on her. Prosecutor Gavin just though they were funny.
She put it with all the many gifts the people had left for her.
"Ema, do have one. I know you like sweets so," Queen Amara said.
"Oh, thanks!"
Ema took on and took small bites. She tried not to stuff her face too fast, even though she was starving. She wanted to make a good impression on her practically-divine future mother-in-law.
Man, it was good though. Delicate and slightly buttery, with some kind of stuffing she couldn't quite guess. Maybe yak cream?
"See? They are wonderful. I am so glad the Moon Buns will be cooked again. Do you think they would allow this old woman a little mercy and cook more for me even when it's not the new year?"
"Mother, they would give you anything you asked for. Be it moon buns or Gingihl," Nahyuta said.
Rayfa was slightly late, due to her queen duties. Though what those were, Ema couldn't say.
"I am sorry."
"No, it is fine. I too remember how much time consuming being queen was," Queen Amara said.
She patted Rayfa on the head. Rayfa stuck out her cheeks--much like Ema did--in frustration at the gesture. In the end, Rayfa was still quite prickly.
"All of Khura'in has worked to make this birthday special for you," Nahyuta said.
"Being such an old woman, I almost forgot what it was like to have a celebration like this. Maidservants don't have birthdays."
"You're not that old," Rayfa muttered. She blushed when Queen Amara smiled at her.
"You're too kind."
The pile of gifts nearly went to the ceiling, and had hundreds of valuable gifts. From rosary's to sweets to urns and vases and more. Her little card seemed paltry by comparison, but what else did she have to give? Some empty Snackoos bags? Her phone?
Wait, no, she needed that for work.
As if guided by some divine hand, Queen Amara picked her card first.
As she read, Queen Amara suddenly began to laugh.
Nahyuta peered over her shoulder. He let out a little sigh as he read the inscription.
"I must show Dhurke. I will write down instructions when I summon."
"Let me, mother," Rayfa said. "It could be your present from me."
"Yes, your channeling is coming along quite well. And Dhurke would never try and take control of you permanently. If you feel you are up to it, dear. But he has such a strong spirit. Channeling him might wear you out."
"I will try."
Rayfa bowed her head, and pressed her hands together. Her slim frame broadened. No matter how many Ema saw it, it never got to the point where her mind didn't go What the Bill Nye just happened!
And where Rayfa was, a giant man with long black hair stood before them. He wore a long blue robe, and an eyepatch. He smiled, self-assured in a way that softened as he caught sight of Queen Amara.
"Dhurke, dear. Look at this."
She read aloud.
"Thanks for sharing your genetics with Nahyuta, I really like them on him."
He burst out laughing. "Nahyuta, you've chosen some girl, that's for sure. Don't let this one go."
"I have no intention of ever letting her go."
Ema snuck another bun. She had a lot of lunches to catch up on, after all.
*
After much of the presents were opened (since it would take many days for Queen Amara to open that many gifts) and most of the food was eaten (Ema left some for others, honest!) Nahyuta led her out onto the balcony.
Much to Ema's surprise (and slight disappointment) this wasn't some stealthy make out plan.
She leaned into him for warmth. He wrapped a thick yak wool blanket about them. The stars in Khura'in were so unbelievably clear. She could see constellations for miles.
"See that one?"
"The big dipper?"
"Ursa Major. It's the bear."
"All those stars have burned out millions of years ago and we're just seeing the echoes of their brightness."
Gold fireworks exploded in the air. They lingered in the starry sky for a moment before ash and golden lights fell down.
"Fireworks came to Khura'in from Zheng Fa quite early. It is rather difficult to keep fireworks here, due to the cold and moisture. They often would misfire, so they are not used often in festivals."
"They're beautiful," Ema said.
"I find it interesting that America so took to fireworks. America's birthday even uses them," Nahyuta said.
She laughed. "America's birthday?"
"Is that not what you would call the 4th of July?"
"That would make America a Leo. That's a pretty scary thought."
America's birthday. She'd be laughing at that one for years to come.
"Isn't that how it is, though? America had so many immigrants. No wonder the US ended up having something that originated from Zheng Fa as a symbol."
"Now we have spent your country's new year together, and our country's new year. I can only hope to spend every next new year with you."
"Our country?"
"You will always have a place within Khura'in, as long as I draw breath and beyond. You helped save this country...and me."
"You know, marrying me technically probably would give you dual citizenship, too," Ema said playfully. "You could return whenever you wanted, and wouldn't even have to seek visas. Then you could get Jalapeno Southwest burgers whenever you wanted."
"You do have the best ideas, Ema," he said.