Archive of Our Own ^beta

Soft footsteps shuffled through the cobblestone path of the Mondstadt bridge. Two guards saluted as the figure approached them.

“Happy Weinlesefest, Captain!” 

The woman replied with a soft smile, entering the bustling city of Mondstadt. It isn’t every day that the city is this busy, but no one could blame them as today is a day to be celebrated by all. Weinlesefest.

The woman walked towards the Knights of Favonious Headquarters while greeting every familiar face she came across. The woman is the highly respected Cavalry Captain of the Knights, a position that she treasures. Upon entering the building, she greeted an older woman with white hair and roses in her hair. She stood tall and elegantly.

“Happy Weinlesefest, GrandMaster Noelle.” The woman greeted her with a smile.

“Oh, Happy Weinlesefest to you, too.” The woman smiled back at her. “But I’ve told you, there is no need to call me by that title, Klee.”

The woman giggled. “Nonsense, you’ve come so far. It’s only fair for me to call you as such.”

Noelle sighed. “If you insist.”

Noelle is one of Mondstadt’s greatest success stories, from working as a maid to being a respectable and hardworking GrandMaster of the Knights of Favonius.

“Do you need help with anything? We always get pretty busy during these times.”

“Oh, there is no need to trouble yourself. I’ve already sorted things out. You go ahead and enjoy the festivities.”

“Hardworking and punctual as ever. That’s our Noelle!” The woman giggled. “I’ll be going to Angel’s Share. Just call me if you need anything.”

“Of course.”

Klee smiled as she smelled and felt Mondstadt’s gentle breeze on her skin. Heading towards Angel’s Share, she stumbled upon the familiar face of a blonde man.

“Mika!!” She greeted her fellow Captain.

“Klee!” Mika smiled. “Are you heading to Angel Share as well?”  The woman nodded excitedly. “Is that so? Let me accompany you then.”

Mika is one of Mondstadt’s Veteran Knights. He was assigned the Captaincy of the Reconnaissance Company after Eula resigned. Mika isn’t really much of a drinker, but there is a special drink that is only served in Angel Share that is specifically tailored for his consumption. 

Klee opened the door of the tavern and smiled the moment she saw a familiar face at the counter.

“Big Brother Kaeya!!” She giggled as she launched herself at the young man. To anyone, it would look strange to see her act like a little child to a person who looks younger than her. But for the people of Mondstadt, it’s something that they take joy in seeing. A testament that no matter how long time has passed, some things will stay the same. “Happy Weinlesefest!!”

“Happy Weinlesefest Captain Kaeya.” Mika greeted him as well. 

“Happy Weinlesefest to you both.” Kaeya smiled. “Come on, have a seat. I’ll prepare your drinks on the house.”

Kaeya Alberich. A name that is well-known throughout all of Mondstadt. A name once filled with mystery, but not anymore. Kaeya is of  Khaenria’hn descent, which is a secret he no longer keeps hidden, and its curse is what gives him his youthful glow. He claimed he wasn't supposed to be cursed, but he believes that on that night, his vision wasn't the only thing he received. Kaeya has never turned his back on Mondstadt, though, as he stayed with the Knights through all the battles and hardships they faced and intends to keep it that way. Now, Kaeya has retired from being a knight and has simply been the owner of Angel’s Share and Dawn Winery for quite some time now.

Kaeya served Klee and Mika their drinks with a gentle smile just in time for him to greet the two figures who had just entered the tavern.

“Bennet, Razor! Happy Weinlesefest! Come on, have a drink, my treat!” Kaeya smiled at the two men who stepped inside the tavern.

“Happy Weinlesefest!” The duo greeted him back in unison as they took a seat next to Klee.

“Are you treating everybody who walked in for a free drink?” Mika asked.

“Hahaha, why not it’s Weinlesefest!” Kaeya responded with his usual chuckle.

“Isn’t that bad for business, though?” Mika sweatdropped.

“Aw, come on, it’s not every day. I can serve you kids drinks.” Kaeya smiled. “I can still remember the times when you’re not even allowed to enter the tavern.”

"By the way, is Albedo still in Dragonspine?" Kaeya asked Klee, who nodded. "Big Brother Albedo is helping Sucrose with a discovery she found recently. They’ll be back soon."

The tavern is soon filled with laughter as they talk about all sorts of things, like the adventures that Bennet and Razor have gone through, as well as Klee and Mika’s work. Kaeya smiled at the scene with his chin resting on the palm of his hand. Pride envelops his entire being.

“Told you, they’ll be great.” He whispered in the air.

As the festivities concluded, Kaeya decided to visit some friends. With a bottle of wine and flowers in hand, he walked the stairs toward the Church of Favonius, where he met another familiar face.

“Barbara!” Kaeya greeted her.

“Captain Kaeya!” The older woman greeted her in turn.

Barbara is now the Head of the Church of Favonius, and she has grown to become a mature, hardworking, and thoughtful individual. Her pigtails went and were replaced by a neat ponytail. She still possesses a heart of gold with a goal to do everything she can to help others, just like Jean.

“Barbara, Happy Weinlesefest.” Kaeya smiled with a sweetened tone as he walked closer to her.

“Happy Weinlesefest to you as well." Barbara giggled. “Are you here to visit big sister as well?”

“Of course, I just picked these Dandelions for her,” Kaeya replied, showing the bouquet of flowers in his hand.

“They’re beautiful.” Barbara smiled. “She’s gonna love them.”

“Hopefully.” Kaeya chuckled as the duo walked their way behind the Cathedral, and just like clockwork, they headed straight to a particular gravestone.

Jean Gunnhildr

Beloved GrandMaster, Forever in our minds, hearts, and souls

"Mondstadt for always"

Kaeya kneeled down to place the bouquet of flowers on the ground and stood next to Barbara in respectful silence as she prayed and his mind wandered.

"A well-deserved promotion. Congratulations, Jean," Kaeya chuckled as he entered Jean's office after the ceremony.

Jean smiled in response, looking back to face him. "Thanks. I'll keep working to the best of my abilities for Mondstadt."

"That's our Jean." Kaeya smiled.

"Your promotion isn't something to shrug off to, you know, Mr. Master of Knights." Jean giggled, eyeing a teasing look at his friend.

Kaeya chuckled softly. "I've been doing that job without the title these past few years. I don't think it warrants that much of a celebration."

"Same goes for me. Does that mean my promotion doesn't call for a celebration?" Jean raised a playful eyebrow.

"You know, that's not what I mean."

"Kaeya… would it kill you to have the spotlight on you just for once."

Kaeya sighed and chuckled softly. "You're getting good at this, Jean." 

"I've known you ever since we were kids. It's only natural. Now come on, I bet they have something prepared for us." Jean smiled as she dragged Kaeya off the Office and outside, where they were greeted by multiple cheering Knights.

"You better get used to this. Who knows, maybe you will get to be GrandMaster after me," Jean said.

"I don't know, and it's not really my style."

Kaeya went into a daze that he didn't even realize that Barbara already left. 

He smiled as he looked at Jean's gravestone.

"Happy Weinlesefest Jean." 

Kaeya shifted his footing, tapping the gravestone one more time before walking away. Upon reaching his next destination, with a bottle of wine in hand, he smiled as he looked down at the gravestones before him.

Crepus Ragnvindr 

A Father, A Friend 

Always Loving, Always Loved

Diluc Ragnvindr 

A Brother, A Friend, A Hero

Memories keep you with us

Kaeya exhaled before slumping down to the ground.

"You know, we never actually got the chance to open this. Shame. Although, I highly doubt you'll drink a sip. You're such a lightweight." Kaeya chuckled.

Upon opening the bottle, its scent brought him back. All the way back.

Diluc served Kaeya a glass of Death After Noon.

"Happy Weinlesefest, this one's on the house."

Kaeya chuckled. "My my, how generous of you, my dear brother."

"Just don't tell anyone. They'll demand to have their own free drink." Diluc huffed.

Kaeya let out an airy laugh, sat on his usual spot by the bar counter, and took a sip from his drink, relishing in the comfortable silence he and his brother shared. Kaeya's happy to have this new normal for them.

"Adelinde prepared quite a sum of food, and we're hoping you could join us for dinner," Diluc said.

"Of course. I still need to finish some paperwork on my desk, though, but I'll meet you there." Kaeya replied with a smile. "Hopefully, you'll indulge me even with just a glass from the wine reserve."

"I have an even better idea." 

"And what could that be?"

"Remember that Weinlesefest wine we made when we were kids? Well, I found it, and I think we can give that a try."

"Are you sure? I'm pretty sure I put chilis in that thing." Kaeya chuckled.

"How about this: we brew a brand new one, and we'll drink that next Weinlesefest."

"Sounds like a plan."

Kaeya placed a glass on the gravestones and poured the liquid in. Kaeya raised his own glass filled. "Happy Weinlesefest." With that, he drank the amber liquid in one gulp. Kaeya stayed there for a while until the sun started setting. Kaeya took the bottle as he stood back on his feet. He smiled back at the two gravestones before leaving.

Going back to Angel's Share, he is greeted by lively patrons and friends alike. He served drinks all night long until it was time for closing. The cool, warm breeze filled the Tavern as the citizens celebrated the festival. 

Kaeya took a bottle of Dandelion Wine and took it upstairs. 

"Happy Weinlesefest Venti, on the house." Kaeya smiled as he poured his friend a drink.

Venti chuckled. "How kind, I'm touched."

"Happy Weinlesefest to you, too, Master Kaeya!"