Chapter 15: A Quiet Celebration

The storm had finally passed, and Mondstadt was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. The streets, which had been filled with tension just hours ago, were now calm, with only the faint sound of the wind stirring the trees. The battle was over, and the city was safe—for now.

Aether and the group returned to the Knights of Favonius headquarters, their bodies weary from the fight but their spirits high. Amber, always brimming with energy, was the first to suggest a celebration.

"We totally deserve this!" Amber declared with a wide grin. "After all that fighting, I say we have a drink and relax!"

Lisa, as ever, wore her usual playful smile. "Oh, dear, I could certainly use a little relaxation. I think we've all earned it."

Rosaria, leaning casually against the wall, shrugged. "I'm not one for celebrations, but if there's wine involved, count me in."

Jean, despite her usual serious demeanor, gave a rare smile. "It's been a long day, and the people of Mondstadt are safe. A little celebration might be just what we need."

Aether smiled at their camaraderie. After everything they had been through, it was a relief to see them relaxed and in good spirits. He felt the bond between them growing stronger with each challenge they faced, and though there were still many unanswered questions, this moment of peace was something to cherish.

"All right," Aether said, chuckling softly. "Let's celebrate."

The group gathered in a cozy corner of the headquarters, where a few bottles of Mondstadt's finest wine were brought out, along with a spread of food. The mood was light, and the laughter and conversation flowed easily as they recounted the battle and shared stories of past adventures.

Amber, with her usual enthusiasm, recounted her favorite moments from the battle. "Did you see that shot I made? Right in the middle of the storm! I've never seen anything like it!"

Lisa sipped her wine, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You certainly know how to make an entrance, Amber. I'm surprised you don't get dizzy from all that spinning you do with your bow."

Amber laughed, waving off the playful jab. "Hey, it works, doesn't it?"

Rosaria, always the quiet one, watched the conversation unfold with a hint of a smile playing at her lips. She took a long sip of her wine, clearly enjoying the respite from the usual seriousness of her role.

Jean sat beside Aether, her expression relaxed but thoughtful. There was a calm between them now, a sense of mutual understanding that had grown over the course of their journey together. She turned to him, her voice soft as she spoke.

"Aether," Jean said, her eyes meeting his, "I've been meaning to say… thank you. You've done so much for Mondstadt, and for all of us. We wouldn't be where we are without you."

Aether shook his head, his voice equally soft. "I'm just doing what I can. Mondstadt's become like a second home to me. And all of you… well, you've become more than just allies."

Jean's smile deepened, and for a moment, the tension of leadership that always weighed on her seemed to fade. "I feel the same way. You've brought something to Mondstadt that we didn't have before. Hope."

There was a quiet moment between them, the noise of the celebration fading into the background. Aether felt the weight of Jean's words and the sincerity behind them. She had always been strong, a leader who bore the weight of Mondstadt's safety on her shoulders, but in this moment, there was something more—something personal.

"You're incredible, Jean," Aether said softly. "The way you lead, the way you fight for Mondstadt. It's no wonder the people look up to you."

Jean's cheeks flushed ever so slightly, her usual stoic expression softening into something more vulnerable. "I… couldn't do it without you."

Before the moment could deepen further, Amber's voice broke through with a cheerful shout.

"Hey, Aether! Jean! Come on, join the party! We're about to toast!"

Aether chuckled, the moment slipping away as they rejoined the group. Lisa raised her glass, her playful smile as bright as ever.

"A toast," Lisa said, her voice carrying over the room. "To Mondstadt, to victory, and to the Traveler who helped us get here."

Everyone raised their glasses, clinking them together in a cheerful celebration. The warmth of their shared bond filled the room, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like they had truly earned this moment of peace.

As the night wore on and the celebration continued, Aether found himself standing by the window, gazing out over the city. The stars above Mondstadt twinkled brightly, and the cool night breeze drifted in through the open window. It was a rare, quiet moment in a life that had been filled with constant movement and battle.

He was soon joined by Rosaria, who, despite the relaxed atmosphere, remained her usual reserved self.

"Not much for celebrating, are you?" Rosaria asked, her voice low and casual.

Aether smiled slightly. "I guess I'm just used to keeping my guard up."

Rosaria nodded, her eyes flicking toward the stars. "It's not a bad habit. The Abyss Order might be quiet for now, but they're not gone. There's always another fight around the corner."

Aether leaned against the windowsill, appreciating her bluntness. "Yeah. I know it's not over yet. But for now, it's nice to have a little break."

Rosaria gave a rare smirk, her eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Just don't get too comfortable."

Aether chuckled. "I won't."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the stars as the sounds of the celebration carried on behind them. It wasn't often that Rosaria let her guard down, but Aether appreciated these quiet moments with her, where they could simply exist without the weight of the world pressing down on them.

"You're different, Traveler," Rosaria said after a moment, her voice thoughtful. "Most people would've left by now. But you've stayed. That means something."

Aether turned to look at her, surprised by the sentiment in her words. "Mondstadt's become important to me. You all have."

Rosaria's smirk softened into something more genuine. "Then maybe you're not so different after all."

With that, she gave him a nod and turned to rejoin the others, leaving Aether alone with his thoughts. The bonds he had formed with Jean, Amber, Lisa, and Rosaria had grown deeper with each battle, each victory. And though the future was uncertain, he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't facing it alone.