The Traveller and the Heron Chapter 2
Kamisato Estate 10:05 | Ayaka
"Alright then, it seems that we have reached some conclusions for this month's report; the assembly is now adjourned."
Thereafter, the leaders of the Tenryou Commission and Kanjou Commission, as well as the political representatives and nobles, filed out of the room. At the end of every month, this was a regular occurrence for discussing the state of the nation and implementing executive decisions. Being the daughter of the Kamisato Clan as well as holding a position in the Yashiro Commission, I also must attend these functions with my elder brother, Ayato. Meeting with the Triarchal Council was part of my duty as a member of my clan ever since I was a young girl, aside from my normal routine.
Despite the fact that I am committed to Inazuma's social affairs and helping to maintain the balance of power within the noble families, I don't exactly enjoy political jargon. Being completely honest with myself, I sometimes found these meetings to be rather drawn out, and taking away some time to myself and my agenda.
"My lady?", a voice speaks behind me, "A prisoner of your own mind again I see." I turn and look behind me, the face of my dear retainer meets my gaze as he looks down upon me. I quickly return from the grasp of my thoughts and stand up from my seat.
"Thoma! Ah. No." I reply, "Not exactly. The occasional feeling of my duties becoming a burden is all."
"I see, well if it makes you feel better, know that I am always at your service m'lady" he says with a bow. Unfurling my fan, I laugh at his gesture.
"No need to be so formal with me Thoma," I say, "Always know that you are a true and dear friend to me." I think back to my earlier thoughts.
"It is just...it would be rather nice to have Ayato around to assist me once again, even if he is busy enough to not attend meetings like this."
"Well, even if he didn't tell us where he was going, he has all the faith in the world for you to carry out leading the clan in his absence, as do I." Thoma says, making me smile.
"Thank you, my friend." I replied.
Inazuma City 13:27 | Ayaka
Finishing the remaining tasks for the day, I left the estate and made my way to Komore Teahouse for the afternoon. After a somewhat onerous day, it's always Komore Teahouse that returns my peace of mind with a cup of hot tea, as well as a meaningful conversation with another. Thoma and I have taken out some of our time to discuss the very important matter of our soon to be guests.
"My lady, I'm afraid I must depart soon for Ritou," Thoma explains as he stands from the table, "I believe the Traveller will arrive very soon within half a day's time, so I must leave immediately so I may welcome him. Beidou and the Crux Fleet have surely passed the tempest by now."
He's almost here.
"Very well, I will remain here in the city for the time being, perhaps do something else," I say, leaving my seat from the table as well, "Thoma, I trust that you will attend to whatever the Traveller will need upon his arrival."
Thoma bows as he exits the room of the teahouse.
"That can be assured m'lady, I will return tomorrow morning," he says, leaving the teahouse.
I do hope Thoma can bring the Traveller to the mainland sooner rather than later. I fear for their passage through Ritou, and how it may become a hindrance.
I leave a small pouch of Mora and a silver of Crystal Marrow in the box reserved for payment, beside Taroumaru.
"Thank you for your kind hospitality as always, until next time." I bow and give my thanks. Taroumaru returns with a small bow of his own, with that, I take my leave.
"Ah Miss Kamisato," I am greeted by Miss Kozue outside the entrance to the Teahouse, "I trust the tea was to your regular standards?"
"Perfect as always Miss Kozue, thank you kindly, I shall return very soon" I say as I leave the premises.
I try to remember if there was any such matter that needed resolutions for today or a noble I needed to discuss matters with, to which I couldn't at the moment. I look up at the great blue sky above me, the weather was a gift today, no inclement rains or storms. Perhaps a walk through the city really is in order, with preparations for the monthly assembly and the assembly itself, I don't believe I've had some time to myself like I may have wanted. Walking through the streets of the city always brought me joy, even if I rarely had someone else accompany me. However, the sound of water flowing under the stone streets and the petals of the Yumemiru trees carried by the wind fulfilled that role for me. Today was truly a gift, and I did not plan on wasting it. The vitality of the cityfolk was in full effect with shops open and the scent of food stalls just beckoning for someone to have a taste. Even then, I do wish I may get another to accompany me, so I may share this with them.
"It's the Shirasagi Himegimi!" I hear off to my side, two young girls wave in my direction. I smile in return, walking over to them.
"It's a beautiful day you two, enjoy it to its fullest." I say to them.
"Let's go to the festival!" one says to the other, running off down the street. Seeing them and their freedom warms my heart ever so slightly.
Continuing down the street, I arrive in front of Aisa Bathhouse. It's owner noticed my arrival and walked over to my position.
"Ah greetings Miss Kamisato!" I am greeted by the owner of the bathhouse, Mr. Susumu.
"Greetings to you as well, Mr. Susumu." I say.
"I hear you're off to meet a foreign envoy very soon, always working hard I see!"
"You as well, I'm afraid I must be off now, have a good day Mr. Susumu," I return with a bow.
"Of course Miss Kamisato, thank you for stopping by!" he says, returning to the bathhouse.
I reach the balcony overseeing the rest of the city, all the way to Ritou and Mt. Yougou. I took in the breathtaking view that it offered, and with the sun beginning to set and the color of sky beginning to shift , it was especially magnificent. The distant lands of Liyue and Mondstadt were visible as well across the ocean, even if they were just silhouettes.
In the corner of my eye, I glimpsed it. The Alcor had pulled into port, the Crux Fleet had arrived. Which meant, the Traveller had arrived.
Port of Ritou 17:48| Aether
The sun was setting over the horizon as the ship sailed into the port. Paimon and I ran to the side to take in the view of the town just ahead of us. The dying light of the sun shone on everything, making the landscape glow in an orange hue. Inazuma was beautiful. Even as the anchor was dropped from the ship, we couldn't stop looking at the nation and all of its glory.
"Come on you guys, we're here." Captain Beidou says, beckoning us towards her. Paimon and I ran to the other side of the ship as a plank descended down to the dock. Captain Beidou led us down and on to the dock. I still took in the sights as we walked across, following close behind Captain Beidou.
As my feet hit solid ground again, I felt a wave of accomplishment. We made it. We actually made it to Inazuma. Despite everything, despite being caught in a relentless storm for what felt like hours, despite Inazuma being a closed nation, we were here.
Just then, a light haired man in a red and black outfit jumped in front of us, taking a few steps forward thereafter.
"Ahoy there."