17-Dawn Winery

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None of them spoke until they arrived at Dawn Winery, Kaeya’s first home in Mondstadt. It was a tense silence, with everyone being busy sorting out their thoughts the whole trip. Albedo was shaken by seeing Mondstadt destroyed, even though he was the one who did it, Diluc avoided Kaeya’s gaze, while Dainsleif seemed concerned, although Kaeya couldn’t quite figure out why.

When Kaeya knocked on the large wooden door of the mansion, it quickly opened, revealing Adelinde. The shock was visible on her features when she laid her eyes on Diluc, who still had his wrists bound, but all she did was look at Kaeya and say:

“Welcome back, Master Kaeya.” she bowed.

The man walked past the maid inside and looked around like it was the first time when he stepped foot in that place. He then turned around to face Adelinde and ordered:

“We have guests. Aside from my bedroom, prepare two rooms for them.” he glanced at Diluc, who kept his eyes on the ground. “Let’s head inside.” he told the others.

They sat down on the sofas, without anyone saying anything before Kaeya was the one who spoke again.

“Should I tell them to prepare dinner?”

Time passed by so quickly, and the sunset was already approaching. They couldn’t sleep with an empty stomach, not when the last days were spent so rushed. They needed to relax for a little bit, even if it was just for a night. Kaeya was simply too tired, and all he wanted to do was eat and sleep until morning.

But he couldn’t.

Diluc was right beside him at that moment, and he had so many questions he needed to ask, so many words he wanted to exchange with this man that was thought to be long lost.

“Yes.” Dainsleif was the only one who answered, while Albedo only nodded, and Diluc continued to stay silent, looking at the floor.

Kaeya signaled with his hand to one of the maids to start cooking dinner, then turned his gaze once more to Diluc. He looked and behaved so differently from the last time they met. He looked so fearful and fragile, things that made Kaeya afraid that it was all just a dream and that if he were to hug him close it would all vanish like the city of freedom under the dragon’s claws.

Suddenly, a question interrupted his thoughts.

“Could you...please... untie my hands...?” Diluc asked, his voice more like a murmur, the words full of fear.

The fact that he finally spoke almost startled Kaeya, but all he could feel was joy until another voice answered him:

“Who do you think you are?” Dainsleif said, although his words were harsh, he spoke in a calm manner.

But Kaeya wouldn’t let this slip.

“Who do you think you are?” he got up, facing Dainsleif. “First you dare use your powers against me, then you speak like that to him, without my approval?” he raised his voice with a scowl on his face. 
    
Kaeya paused and took a deep breath, turning with his back at the blonde man and gazing at Diluc, who didn’t move an inch.

“Untie him.” Kaeya ordered.

“But...” Dainsleif started but was interrupted.

“Untie him.” Kaeya repeated.

The bounds made from the blonde man’s power on Diluc’s slender wrists quickly vanished, and Kaeya sat down next to him, not bothering to look at Dainsleif.

Just when the silence began to be suffocating, Adelinde walked towards them and bowed.

“The rooms are ready.” she paused for a little bit to glance at Diluc before she continued. “Do you wish to eat first, or...”

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