Work Text:
The True Angel’s Share Experience
What should be the meaning of Windblume?
The symbol of love in times of peace, many said, blissful and carefree.
The symbol of hope in times of adversity, some others said, solemn and pensive.
The people weave its meaning, one said, knowing the truth, with strings of fate brought about by time.
Windblume was once a tool, merely a means to an end. As decades and centuries went by, its original purpose was lost and its originator’s name forgotten.
But the wind had taken to it and preserved its soul to honor a dear friend.
Thus, its name had become synonymous with a time for festivities filled with songs and poems and gifts and joy.
***
Stood on one side of the City of Freedom was a place, its worn woods and stones nondescript amidst the surrounding buildings.
It had always been there for as far as the city remembered, the event of its conception worth not to remember.
The place was a tavern.
Angel’s Share was the name of the tavern.
Heralded as one of the epitomes of Mondstadt’s local cultural experience, the place had garnered its own supporters over decades, some with more devotion than others. Over many a late night gathering and bottle of wine, these patrons coined the saying ‘true Angel’s Share experience’; a saying that was then spread among the general populace.
Whatever was that, visiting outlanders might ask.
And they would hear different answers.
Dandelion Wine was the answer given by the misinformed ignorant of the masses. They would explain that the tavern was the first in Mondstadt, as was the winery in which their wine was made. On this, a little more reading would reveal its falsehood.
Dawn Winery’s limited collector’s edition wines were boasted by elitists with some disposable income in their possessions and a little too much snobbery their heads could contain. In this, there was truth.
The tavern’s enthusiasts had a different suggestion.
It is when you get the owner to mix your drink.
What about the owner, outlanders would then ask.
They are the richest family in this country, you know.
It is said they drink wine for water.
They are almost never seen in public.
Theory is, they use forbidden magic to grow their grapevines. That’s why they cannot withstand the sun!
Only a very select few of those enthusiasts, however, would give a very particular reason.
They were those who studied the songs and stories of old, passed down from generation to generation or buried under piles of books in the library.
They were those who truly cared, who tried to remember.
According to them, the true Angel’s Share experience would only be complete during the Windblume Festival, as the legacy of Windblume was said to permeate its floor and wall and roof.
And its owner, too.
Do you know that their clan is the descendant of one of Mondstadt heroes, the first to pass the secret sign of Windblume?
Such were the tales of Angel’s Share.
Charles, having worked there for more than a decade, was no stranger to such a blend of outrageously flattering and egregiously bizarre stories. It was the people of Mondstadt after all, innately gifted with a talent for weaving romantic tales of even the dullest pebble in the middle of a street. Not that it was entirely a bad thing. Free advertisements were good for business, as his boss often said, and good business meant Charles’ prosperity. Just as long as the staff did not engage in such discussions. Hence, when days before this year’s Windblume the discussion about this ‘true Angel’s share experience’ began picking up again—like it almost always did during Windblume—and people came to him for his opinion on it, Charles simply grinned and told them, don’t make me lose my job!
“Charles,” Master Diluc called as Charles dragged a crate of newly washed glasses and plates behind the counter. “We need more sparkling water and vanilla syrup.”
“Already?” Charles let out a deep breath as he straightened up. His eyes drifted towards another crate filled with empty bottles at Master Diluc’s feet. “Aye, right away, Boss.”
He managed to heave the crate, then paused before he went for the back door. “Are you sure you don’t want to switch, Boss? Ben can take over my part once he's done washing this batch.”
Master Diluc looked over his shoulder and smiled. “No need. It’s fine.”
“As you wish, then.”
Charles slipped out through the back door to fetch a new crate of sparkling water and another batch of washed glasses. The sky had turned sunsettia-colored as the evening approached, yet even from back here, the streets of Mondsadt was still audibly merry.
A happy day, indeed, he thought.
Then he found Georg chatting with Ben, the former holding a glass of Dandelion Wine while the latter washing the dishes. He narrowed his eyes.
“Drinking while all work hard here, eh?”
“Hey, Charles, don’t be like that! We winemakers get a day off today. We work hardest before the festival, y’know.”
“Even we delivery staff have to help out here during the festival,” commented Ben.
Georg grinned. “I’m also here to check in on Diluc. I didn’t believe it when people said he accepts TCG challenge requests! Adelinde will shed a tear!”
“He’d done that before and no she won’t.” Charles’ scowl deepened. “And what do you mean checking in on him—you're drinking here while he works hard.”
“C’mon, when will I get the boss to mix my drink! Besides, it’s good to see him in such a good mood, no?”
Charles could not argue with that. It was not unheard of for Master Diluc to serve the customer himself during big events such as Windblume. However, today was an especially rare occasion, seeing as he had been tending the bar since the opening hour even though the tavern opened much earlier during the festival period. Not to mention the additional influx of visitors from tourists. He even made more effort for small talks with the patrons. Although this left Charles to take care of cleaning and other menial tasks, he was far from upset. He, like many other Dawn Winery employees who worked closely with Master Diluc, noticed his general mood had gradually improved since his return around three years ago. To see him in such a good spirit really brightened the day for many.
When he returned, Captain Kaeya was already back on his seat in front of the counter. Curiously, the captain was also here since the opening hour due to his suspiciously timed day off. He came to help, he said, though in what way he did not specify. All Charles saw he did was either order cocktails or go around mingling with the customers. Still, Charles would not complain. Everything was always far less boring when Captain Kaeya was around.
Dare he say Master Diluc thought the same, even if he would not admit it.
“Captain Kaeya! There you are!” a voice called above the laughs and chatters.
Charles craned his neck to peer from his spot in the corner behind the counter, wiping the newly washed glasses and plates. A green-haired girl whom he immediately recognized as an outlander just entered the tavern. She was panting, her appearance slightly disheveled. When she realized some heads were turned her way, she quickly covered her mouth with her hands in embarrassment.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Collei,” Captain Kaeya greeted back warmly.
“I’m glad I can find you. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you before returning to Sumeru tomorrow.” The girl—Collei, if he heard correctly—sheepishly walked over to the counter. So this was one of the Sumeru guests talked about by the city. Charles heard she was good friends with Outrider Amber.
“Returning already? Say, how do you find your first Windblume Festival? I hope our esteemed guests find it satisfactory.”
The girl plopped onto the barstool next to Captain Kaeya’s and Master Diluc slid her a glass of Apple Cider.
“A gesture of goodwill from our tavern,” said Master Diluc as he offered her a polite smile. If she looked somewhat nervous before, she was practically beaming now, saying her thanks, and Charles chuckled at the sight. Very much reminded him of his two daughters, though this young lady was much older.
The girl then chatted about her time in Mondstadt, how amazing the festival was and how pleasant the people were. She told Captain Kaeya about her lengthy quest to investigate this strange and ominous prophecy that she found, and that he unfortunately did not make it to their list under Paimon’s and the Traveler’s counsel (sorry about that, she said, and Master Diluc not-so-subtly snorted). Charles understood none of those, so he paid little attention. Soon their conversation faded into the background as he lost himself in his monotonous task.
Sometime later as Charles began putting back the clean glasses onto the shelves, their conversation segued into a talk about her gift project. She was looking for flowers to make bookmarks which she explained she would give to Amber, her teacher, and Sumeru’s General Mahamatra. Her teacher and the general were like family, she said. Like brothers she never had.
“What about you, Captain Kaeya?” asked the young girl suddenly. “Do you have any sibling?”
Charles’ wandering mind suddenly snapped back into attention. From the corner of his eye, he could see Master Diluc stiffen as he poured sparkling water into the shaker.
Instinctively, he glanced over in the other direction. Several patrons seated close to the counter caught his eye, giving him knowing looks topped with amused eyebrow raises.
Uh-oh. Charles grimaced. Not good.
“Ah... I do, in fact, have a brother,” answered Captain Kaeya with that this-is-getting-interesting tone he was known for. A cloying smile spread across his face.
“Really? I didn’t know that!”
“Yes. You can ask Master Diluc here.” Captain Kaeya waved his glass in Master Diluc’s direction behind the counter. “He knows him quite well.”
“Oh...” Collei glanced at Master Diluc, who in turn sent a glare Charles’ way.
Charles shook his head in panic. Please, Boss, don’t drag me into this!
“He’s... anything but nice, though. He never smiles. So serious. He thinks he’s so mysterious and charismatic.”
The man in question narrowed his eyes at the exaggeration.
“Uhm, but...” Collei started then stared off at something distant only she could see, fondness emanated from her eyes. “General Cyno is a bit like that, too. He’s so intimidating that the whole Sumeru is kinda afraid of him.” She giggled. “But he actually loves to joke—uh, even if they’re not funny—and he’s caring, too.”
“So he at least knows how to have fun,” Captain Kaeya said as he flashed Master Diluc a withering glance. “You see, my brother’s sense of humor is nonexistent. Except maybe for some crude jokes.”
The girl seemed unsure of how to respond.
“But the best one is, a bard once likened him to a fine wine with too much ice,” Captain Kaeya continued, ignoring Collei’s confusion. Charles immediately recognized that verse.
Don’t. Charles shot the captain a warning look. He shook his head slowly.
He was naive.
“It was nice at first, but too much and you get a brain freeze! Can you believe that?”
A series of coughs came from a few tables around the counter. No matter how furtive they tried to be, it was noticeable those patrons were listening in to the conversation. Some looked flabbergasted, some widened their eyes in horror, and still some miserably tried to suppress their laugh.
What bard had the audacity to say such things about Master Diluc?
It was José, you know.
Really? Damn that José!
Has he finally gone mad?
He was really eager to lose even more fingers, wasn’t he.
Charles pressed his fist against his forehead. How naive he was to think his warning ever stood a chance against the power of Captain Kaeya’s four glasses of cocktails. Or was it five?
He half-dreaded that one would finally ruin Master Diluc’s mood, but other than the glare of mild annoyance he shot Captain Kaeya, he did not seem too bothered and carried on mixing his orders.
The captain in question wheezed in silent laughter.
“That’s awful...,” Collei said, sounded and looked genuinely sad.
“Right?”
“No, I meant the bard! Not your brother!”
Bless your heart, Miss, thought Charles.
“Nah, I think it’s funny.” Captain Kaeya clicked his tongue and waved a hand to dismiss her concern. “Quite clever, too. Besides, if he’s truly concerned about it and wants to prove otherwise, he should try being friendlier and smiling more, should he not, Master Diluc?”
“Maybe he’s just having a bad day,” Master Diluc responded after an awkward pause.
“Bad day? Seriously?”
“Or maybe he just finds you insufferable.”
“Oh my, is that so? Well, I think he is insufferable.”
The girl began fidgeting in her seat, visibly growing uncomfortable. Her eyes had been shifting back and forth between Captain Kaeya and Master Diluc the entire time.
Please Barbatos, save this poor girl’s soul, prayed Charles. Yet still he found this whole situation too interesting to put a stop to.
“Point is, he’s no fun,” the captain added, giving Collei an apologetic look as if it was a disgraceful state to the family.
“Even so... You sound fond of him, Captain Kaeya.”
Master Diluc stilled as he was about to take out a glass.
Captain Kaeya blinked, raising his eyebrows.
“Oh? Do I?” he said awkwardly.
Failing to suppress the vehement shaking of his shoulders, Charles ducked down, pretending to be busy searching for something in the cabinet under the countertop. That was unexpected.
“Yeah. I mean... my master and General Cyno often bicker, too, though it’s mostly one-sided. Still, they’re good friends and always help each other.”
“Is that so?” Captain Kaeya chuckled nervously, no longer so suave. “I wouldn’t say that. It's annoying how he always tries to sabotage my drinking.”
“But that’s nice, isn’t it? He must care for your health.”
It became even harder for Charles to gasp for air.
“It appears this forest ranger trainee has better comprehension than the cavalry captain of Mondstadt,” Master Diluc chimed in. From Charles’ position it was hard to see his expression, but his tone sounded far too self-satisfactory than it should be. “Maybe the Knights of Favonius should start sending their recruits to train in Avidya Forest.”
“Sorry to break it to you, but I was schooled by tutors personally chosen by my father. Do you think it’s a lack of foresight on his part, too?”
“It is known that one’s quality does not linearly correlate with the quality of one’s teachers.”
“Enlighten me then, Master Diluc, what qualifies as a ‘good student’? Obtaining a vision by the age of ten and becoming the cavalry captain by fourteen?”
“Huh... That’s oddly specific, Captain Kaeya. One might find it rather flattering that those criteria are the first on your mind in regard to the topic.”
There was a pause, filled by the indistinct chatters that felt like they grew louder by the second. Charles looked up to peek from his crouching position and was met with something resembling a glaring contest between Master Diluc and Captain Kaeya.
A secondhand embarrassment crept up in him.
Should he interrupt and ask whether the girl wanted to leave? That would be rude. Or maybe offered another drink?
Quick, Charles, think of something!
“So you had private tutors, Captain Kaeya? That’s amazing,” Collei said gingerly, clearly trying to dissuade the awkwardness. “I didn’t have a good education as a child—well, you know that already. I’m still struggling with my studies now. Writing is a lot harder than it seems. I’m lucky I have such a good teacher.”
“You’re right, Collei,” Captain Kaeya said after a while. He watched his drink swirl in his hand, his words spoken with true sincerity. “I truly am blessed than most to be given such a good family.”
If the girl found his choice of words strange, she did not show it.
The words did make Charles’ heart ache a little, however.
Their conversation then transitioned back to the topic of Collei and that prophecy she was solving, and Charles finally felt safe leaving them to continue his tasks. As he went on to collect empty glasses from the tables, those patrons from earlier grinned and laughed at him. Those two were at it again, huh, they said. These denizens were mostly of Charles’ age or older and had been regulars at Angel’s Share since the time of the previous owner. Some were good friends with him, and even with Master Crepus.
It’s not Angel’s Share without Crepus’ sons messing around!
Charles would have to agree to that.
“I think I have to go back since it’s already dark,” Collei said just when Charles got back to restock some ingredients. “I also want to check our mailbox before dinner.”
“Good luck, then, Collei,” Captain Kaeya said. “Have fun for the remainder of your stay in Mondstadt.”
“May the wind be with you,” Master Diluc added.
Collei said her thanks and goodbyes, and Charles offered to see her out.
Warm air greeted them once they were outside. It was pleasant-smelling, a mixture of grilled meat and caramel and pepper and various other spices. Most stalls were set up outside the city wall by the lakeshore, but there were some temporary stalls selling street foods inside like the two across from Angel’s Share beside the stone stairs. Restaurants were also quite busy this time around. As it was only early in the evening during a period of big festival, it was expected to see some crowds still milling about the streets. Families and friends who were dining out, children who were running around aimlessly, and traveling tourists who were having a tour. Some lovebirds could be spotted strolling around hand in hand, laughing blissfully or talking sheepishly.
“Uhm, Mister, you don’t have to do this, but thank you,” Collei said.
“No big deal.” Charles scratched his head. “Actually, I just want to say sorry about earlier, yeah? They can be childish, those two.”
“Don’t worry about that. It’s not your fault,” Collei said with a reassuring smile. But then the smile turned a little sad. “Even Captain Kaeya has someone he doesn’t get along with.”
“Er...”
“But Amber said this tavern is Captain Kaeya’s favorite. I wonder why, if he’s not on good term with the bartender?”
“This tavern is Captain Kaeya’s family’s business, Miss, that’s why. It used to belong to his father.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. That’s amazing!” Something must have crossed her mind because she suddenly looked confused. “But... isn't Master Diluc the owner of this tavern now? That’s what Amber said, if I’m not mistaken...”
“That’s correct, Miss. Master Diluc inherited it from his father.”
“Oh... But—wait—didn’t you say it belonged to Captain Kaeya’s father?”
“That’s also true.” Charles grinned.
“I see... It must be some complicated business politics. No wonder they don’t get along.”
He laughed at her unexpected conclusion.
“What? No—what I meant to say is, Master Diluc is the brother Captain Kaeya was talking about earlier.”
“Oh.” Collei’s expression gradually changed as realization dawned on her. “Oh.”
“Get it now, Miss?”
“Oh, no...” She covered her face with her hands. “That was embarrassing! I was the one who started the topic. Should I apologize?”
“Nah, don’t think about it. Bet my entire savings this year they’d be past it once I walk in. I guess that’s just how brothers are.” Then he was reminded of what those patrons from earlier said to him. “On the bright side, you get to taste the true Angel’s Share experience!”
“What’s that?”
“Ah, it’s nothing,” Charles said, chuckling. “Just... a local saying, not important. Have a good evening, Miss!”
Collei said her thanks once more before continuing down the street headed towards the fountain near the city gate. As he watched her disappear around the intersection, he was left with a warm feeling in his chest. She somehow reminded him of the time when both Diluc and Kaeya were around her age. Cheeky and carefree. A lot happier with less burden and fewer scars life decided to engrave into them. Now they had all grown up. Diluc had become Master Diluc, head of one of the most influential noble clans of Mondstadt and owner of the biggest business in the country, while Kaeya had become Captain Kaeya, not only a captain but also one of the highest ranked individuals in the nation’s governing body. Charming gentlemen, in Adelinde’s words. It felt strange every time people around him referred to them in such admiration. In his eyes, much like to those patrons, the two were boys still. Childish at times yet endearing.
How time flies, he thought.
Charles chatted around with some familiar customers seated on the outdoor tables before going back in. And just as he told the young lady, he found the brothers were already conversing about something else he had no idea about.
“… not expect a legend to live among them,” Captain Kaeya said. Master Diluc raised an eyebrow, his cheeks betrayed the smirk hidden by his glass. “Just don’t raise your banner of rebellion against us. Although if you do, we’ll try to be understanding—it’s a hereditary condition, after all.”
Water suddenly spattered the countertop as Master Diluc almost choked on his drink. He made a sharp turn and grabbed a towel from the shelf, a fit of muffled violent coughs followed. Some customers heard the commotion and craned their necks to see what was up. Captain Kaeya was not sympathetic, only grinning triumphantly instead.
“Alright, Charles, pay up,” he said cheerily, opening a hand towards Charles. Then he added after seeing the confused frown on Charles' face, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about our bet from earlier?”
Damn! Charles totally forgot about that.
“Okay, okay, I will.”
“What is this about?” asked Master Diluc in a hoarse voice when he finally calmed down. He looked quite literally miserable.
“Just a little fun bet between us.” Captain Kaeya shrugged. “If I manage to make Master Diluc laugh, he’ll pay me 20,000 mora. If I fail, I’ll pay him triple that.”
“I didn’t laugh.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure you didn’t.”
“I was coughing, thanks to you.”
“You were coughing because you laughed while you were drinking, thanks to me.”
“Not quite—”
“By the Four Winds—why are you so insistent on being ill rather than happy?”
“What?”
“Laughing equals happiness while coughing equals illness. Need I explain more?”
“…Truly a bizarre logic befitting a man of bizarre fashion.”
Seeing another argument threatening to ensue, Charles slapped both of their backs.
“C’mon there, young masters,” he said, deliberately calling them the way he used to, “you almost made a young lady cry there.”
“I had no idea you have a talent for exaggeration,” Master Diluc replied. He eyed Charles with his impeccable businessman stare. “Besides, I find it hypocritical coming from someone who seemed to have a good time throughout.”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t think I’d miss your indiscreet laugh and exchange of looks with our good patrons over there, do you Charles?”
Captain Kaeya hummed his disapproval. “Bad, Charles, bad. Maybe you should give him a penalty, Master Diluc.”
“Maybe I should.”
Charles grimaced. “So I’m the target, now? What would Master Crepus say if he found his sons bullying his employee?”
“Nuh-uh,” Captain Kaeya said with a disappointed look. “Bringing Father into this—”
“That’s double the penalty,” finished Master Diluc.
“Are you being serious, Boss?”
“According to Captain Kaeya here, my sense of humor is... ah, nonexistent.”
Charles was at loss for words.
“You know what—I'm not gonna argue,” he finally said, throwing his arms up. “Lemme just finish my job here, yeah? Otherwise you’ll give me triple penalty.”
And with identical smugness, the two rascals had the audacity to toast.
Charles shook his head. A wide smile spread across his face.
These boys.
Evening crept deeper into the night, more and more tavern goers walked in through the door. Some of them had visited earlier for an alcohol-free hangout session and were now returning for the alcohol. Others were regulars with familiar faces who exclusively saved the tavern for the evening, festival or not. With Master Diluc still refusing to be replaced and Captain Kaeya resuming his adventure around the tavern, Charles carried on with his cleaning and logistics duties, occasionally joining some patrons on their tables.
When he spotted Captain Kaeya walking up to the counter, there were still around three hours until midnight.
“I’m leaving,” said the captain to Master Diluc. “I’ll need time to write everything down.” In comparison to his usual visit, now was relatively early. And as far as Charles knew, he had not ordered a single drink since the girl left, though it might just be his imagination.
Master Diluc nodded. “Just pass it to Elzer tomorrow. He’ll be in the Guild.”
“Alright.”
Master Diluc then dropped a leather pouch onto the countertop. “Here.”
“What?”
“Your commission fee.”
Charles was a little surprised to hear that, but he refrained from voicing his curiosity.
Captain Kaeya regarded the pouch for a moment before shrugging. “No need. I’m here on paid leave, anyway. Maybe consider giving me extra glasses sometimes.” He then looked at Charles and grinned. “Good night, Charles. Also, I’ll be waiting for my money.”
Charles grimaced for the umpteenth time today. “I promise I’ll pay. Just don’t blackmail me or anything, yeah?”
After giving him a dramatic salute, the captain sauntered towards the door.
“Kaeya.” Master Diluc called suddenly. He threw a bottle, which the captain caught just in time. “Thank you.”
It took Captain Kaeya a single look at the bottle to sneer. “Grape juice?”
“Did you not hear what the young lady said?” replied Master Diluc. His brother only snickered in response then took his leave.
The door closed behind the captain and Master Diluc resumed his work, yet Charles found himself standing in place staring quietly at it for a while. There was this sudden indescribable wave of… something that washed over him. He could not decide whether it was happiness or sadness or hope or fear. He did not understand superstition nor prophecy. He was just another ordinary folk in the city. He was but a small part of their lives, which he somehow was made aware were destined for greater things just now.
But they were a big part of his life and he cared for them, dearly so.
Lord Barbatos, he prayed, please watch over them.
And even though no window was open and all the doors were closed, a gentle breeze brushed against his skin.
***
Let me bear tidings of a flame of fortitude that never dies
It sits in its hearth, its fire mild and warm
Yet under the sun, it shies away
Turning somber and dull, as if dying
But its fate never is the light
For should darkness ever return to engulf this land, it will burn bright
Setting hearts ablaze, rising echoes of forgotten songs
So the people may be crowned victors once more
***
END
***
Extra:
Laid atop the desk of the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius was a sheet of paper. It was only a leave application, yet it made her smile for the rest of her day. Written with a beautiful penmanship, the application read:
Applicant: Kaeya Alberich, Quartermaster and Cavalry Captain
Number of leave: 1 day
Reasons for leave: Family affairs. (real)