Windblume Celebration

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''We want to draw out the Gorgon by the Temple of the Falcon to her preferable environment. I've set up some harmless mechanisms where we have to apply Pyro elemental energy, so she can enter the domain. The area around the mechanisms will appear warmer than the surroundings, so she is bound to appear and tamper with the mechanisms.

I've already shown Kamui how the mechanism works in the other domains, which he is currently returning to their normal function. We think that the Gorgon is using the sea to travel around Mondstadt from domain to domain.

Mavis will scout from above the city; when she spots the Gorgon, she will notify us immediately. But before we execute the plan, Mavis and Kamui will set up a strong barrier around the city, so it isn't harmed during the Gorgon's sudden appearance.

When the Gorgon appears, Mavis will make sure that the barrier stays up, while Kamui and I find out why she's here and, if necessary, fight.''

''Well planned, but what about Aether? Why didn't you ask for his assistance?'' Diluc wondered.

''Because he's already helped enough. He should enjoy the festivities, and I'm sure that he'll help protect the people inside the city.''

''You're right, I couldn't agree more. I trust that you will make the plan work,'' Jean agreed.

''You can count on me.''

And with that, Diluc and Raelin found Amber and explained the situation to her. She gladly accepted the offer to help.

They went to the Temple of the Falcon and started setting up the mechanisms that Raelin possessed and imbued them with Pyro elemental energy. Raelin had Mavis stay behind and watch over the progress until she returned from inspecting the other domains that Kamui should have fixed by now.

Evening

Aether, Paimon, and Venti entered Angel's Share, and much to Paimon's surprise, it was Diluc who was bartending instead of Charles. There they met Kaeya along with Raelin and Rosaria.

''Oh, I was about to finish this drink and go looking for you, but you've done the hard part for me,'' Kaeya suddenly said, surprising Paimon.

''It sure is lively in here!'' Venti commented and sat beside Raelin, who was drinking Dandelion Wine.

''Of course, it is the Windblume Festival. Aether, will you have a drink?'' Kaeya asked Aether, who was still standing.

''No, thank you for the offer.''

''By the way, I have a message from Jean! Aether, you've been chosen as this year's Windblume Star!'' Raelin informed the traveler.

''It is quite the honor!'' Kaeya commented and proceeded to explain the greatest honors of Mondstadt. ''Tomorrow, you have to attend the Windblume Ceremony with Jean, where you, as the chosen one, have to make a Windblume offering to the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, on behalf of the people of Mondstadt. Only those who have made enormous sacrifices for Mondstadt, or who have proven themselves over the Windblume Festival period, can become the Windblume Star.''

''Since you arrived in Mondstadt, you have offered invaluable support to its people. This is their way of saying thank you,'' Diluc said honestly.

''But, which Windblume are you talking about?'' Paimon asked, still confused over what a Windblume is.

''That's entirely up to you. Everyone has their own Windblume Flower. You can say that this year's Windblume Flower is the flower you love and treasure the most,'' Kaeya explained.

''Hey, where's the bartender? How come Master Diluc is mixing the drinks?'' Venti asked, wanting to change the subject.

''If it's Charles you're after, he's out on delivery,'' Rosaria answered.

''Hahahaha, and who are the two people responsible for creating the demand for an alcohol-delivery service at this time of year in the first place?'' Kaeya looked at the two ladies who were drinking during the whole conversation.

''I see... So, what do you make of Master Diluc's mixing ability?'' Venti asked, intrigued.

''Why don't we ask the formidable Raelin and Sister Rosaria?'' Kaeya directed the question to the two ladies, who continuously drank, not minding the change of subject.

''...He's not bad,'' Rosaria said in a low tone.

''I think he's great!'' Raelin exclaimed.

''It's fine that you guys enjoy drinking and all... But Raelin, I didn't take you as a drinker!'' Paimon exclaimed, curious.

''Of course I am! When you live in Mondstadt, you are bound to love the taste of Dandelion Wine... I don't mean it as a bad thing, but I enjoy the atmosphere in the city, perfect for drinking. Why do you think I offer to take the patrols in the mornings in the first place? It wouldn't be good if I had to do it in the evening.''

''You! You are just like... Argh...'' Paimon gave up knowing that a certain bard was a part of this occurrence.

''And besides, I have to exercise my drinking...''

''Exercise drinking... Paimon thinks that the smell of alcohol is getting to her...''

''How come you 'exercise drinking'?'' Aether took over so Paimon could collect her thoughts.

''You see... Lord Barbatos and I have drinking contests. You know... to see who can hold their liquor. The last two times we saw each other, I was the winner, and I intend to keep it that way.''

''All this talk makes me think of that tuition fee Kaeya and Raelin...''

''Please collect the goods from Diluc. Three bottles, as promised. They didn't come cheap.''

''And Raelin... What about you? Let me see the bottles!''

''What bottles?'' Raelin chuckled.

''Hold on a minute, I'm getting a deja vu here...'' Venti felt suspicious of Raelin.

''As promised, I would get you 'the sweetest ones'... Diluc, would you please...'' Diluc gave Raelin a basket full of grapes and apples, and she handed them to Venti.

''Here you go! The best and sweetest grapes in the whole Teyvat and some delicious apples that grow near Dawn Winery! I never said what I would give you.''

''Raelin tricked the Tone-Deaf Bard! Hahaha, that was genius!''

''Hahaha, indeed. A toast, everyone. To a happy Windblume Festival and the free people of Mondstadt. Cheers!'' Kaeya cheered with a glass of Dandelion Wine.

''Cheers!'' Everyone except Venti cheered loudly.

''Cheers...''


Word Count: 981

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