Mondstadt, the city of freedom. The city of wind. It went by many names but none were quite as flattering as one, home. Mondstadt was home; Amber’s home, and today the sun shined down with more radiance than ever as she woke up. Ah yes, no better way to start a birthday.
Amber:*hops up* Time to get the day started! Maybe if I finish early enough I can get the picnic ready and convince Eula or Aeth-
Her eyes lit up. That’s right, Aether. He’s been giving people birthday presents without fail. Now it was her turn! Amber rushed to get her outfit and wash up. At this point all other thoughts left her mind. She’s seen the cakes Aether has made. At this point he must be a pro at making them. She wondered what flavor he’d bring. A knock on the door caught here hear. Typical Aether, he always tried surprising people but she was prepared for anything!Amber ran downstairs and took a breath before stepping outside to greet the day. She wasn’t prepared to be greeted by familiar knights standing guard at her door in standard uniform.
Amber:Kaeya and Albedo? What’s-
Kaeya:I would love to play twenty questions with you…
Albedo:But it’s better to show rather than tell.
They both unsheathed their swords and stood at attention as she came out. To see not only them, but what appeared all the knights standing proudly on each side of the walk way with plenty of citizens; celica petals flowed on the gentle breeze through Mondstadt. Amber’s face began to feel warm. This was not a cake. Amber looked at Albedo and Kaeya to see them smiling. Clearly she wasn’t going to get an answer so she started walking, the two of them following close behind. Each set of soldiers she passed joined to form a line in step with their colleagues.
Shop owners smiled, Timeaus waved, the likes of Sucrose and Noelle joined the line silently as Amber went up stairs where more soldiers soldiers stood at attention until it was time to fall in line. Diluc and Eula stood up in the standard uniform as well like everyone else. Amber grinned ear to ear and almost spoke until a look from a frustrated Diluc kept her snickering quietly. The two, joined by Klee, walked beside her as they headed towards the statue. The Spark Knight hummed happily to the tune of lyre played by everyone’s favorite bard. Amber quickly recognized it as the Favonius theme. Then it suddenly clicked. This wasn’t just some birthday idea. This routine is a ceremony!
Amber finally reached the top and gasped. Under the statue, Jean and Lisa stood proudly on each side behind Aether; all three clad in armor. Aether’s signature braid was replaced with a high ponytail and his Favonius sword gently piercing the ground. All the nuns, lead by Barbara, started to hum along with Venti’s lyre. Even Rosaria was at attendance. Amber felt her own heart start to flutter. A lump in her throat formed while she got a little misty eyed at Aether’s bright smile. Even his eyes expressed nothing but deep joy.
Aether:Hey Amber. Happy Birthday.
Amber:Hehe, this uhhh this not a cake. *wipes eyes* what’s going on here?
Aether:From the start of my journey into Mondstadt, you have been by my side. Besides a certain floating guide, you were the first actual person to welcome me. You’ve been my companion, friend, teammate, my windblume…
Amber turned bright red as several people swooned and fawned instinctively. Her eyes were already watering again. She was not emotionally prepared for any of this!
Aether:You have been so many things to me. More than what I could’ve ever dreamed of and I’d like to continue to keep discovering all this land has to hold with you, but I want to do it right. I want to truly be your partner; your fellow Outrider. *kneels*
Amber:Y-You…Aether, that’s….
Jean:As you know, it’s customary for knights that lead any given branch to officially accept their new members personally.
Lisa:Though technically an Honorary Knight, Aether has officially requested to join the ranks of the Outriders. Which means only one person is fit to carry out such request, you.
The heat Amber felt in her face rose. She couldn’t remember the last time her heart raced this fast or throat ran dry. Amber knew this ceremony well. Growing up she’s seen it performed numerous times. She could still remember her own, the words of grandpa’s speech resonating till this day. Amber somehow managed to keep composure. She took a deep breath and walked forward to grab Aether’s sword.
Amber:To be an Outrider…is to be Mondstadt’s wings; to soar high and scout over all. Barbatos‘a winds grant us freedom not only to defend said freedom, but to let us know there is always more across the horizon. Distant but never out of reach; for the wind and sky connects us all. To be an Outrider is to fly. Honorary Knight, you wish to fly for Mondstadt and it’s people by my side?
Aether:In any weather over any land or sea, I’ll spread my wings and fly by your side.
Amber:*smiling*……Then let the wind lead.
Amber raised the sword high before gently tapping each side of shoulders. The sounds of joyful cheering and clapping erupted from knights and townspeople alike. Aether stood up a proudly and ran his thumb over the tears Amber couldn’t contain.
Aether:Outrider Aether, reporting for duty! Permission to kiss!
He pulled her close and Amber didn’t waste any more time, pressing her lips against his while the crowd cheered even louder.
Venti:Woho! Way to go you two.
Barbara:They’re just…so happy! Imagine if this was a wedding!!!? *crying*
Rosaria:Pull yourself together. *rubs nose*…. It’s just another ceremony.
Lisa:It’s funny. This doesn’t change anything actually, and yet it changes everything. I couldn’t think of a more perfect reason to where this stuffy thing.
Jean:I agree. Though I do feel rather nostalgic wearing it. *raises sword* Everyone! Let’s give another warm welcome to our new Outrider, and a Happy Birthday to its leader!
Paimon:*flying high* C…can…can Paimon stop spreading petals now please!?
