*sorry if it seems awkward, the order of the paragraphs just won't settle with me. :|
They deboared the Crux, sparing a moment or two for each of the crew, all of whom both travelers had become familiar with over the past days. As they set foot on the docks of Inazuma, Lutsen realized just how far from home he was. Somehow, he had made it to Inazuma, the notoriously closed off country of the Raiden Shogun. Somehow, Lutsen had accompanied a goddess, a being as old as time itself, across the waters of his homeland, and into the place where only rumors escaped from.
They walked down the pier, Lumine scanning back and forth as she searched for her friend. When they found her, the informant was not what Lutsen had expected. She was not a shabby, down to earth and maybe a little below the law scoundrel, but someone who seemed of much renown. From how the citizens of Inazuma looked at the woman Lumine picked out as her contact, she was a highly respected member of society.
Their informant, the illustrious Yae Miko, was a well put together woman with a professional air about her. Lutsen got the feeling she was not the type of person to cross with. She seemed a powerful sort of enemy, with at least enough resources to get a letter out of Inazuma even with the strict closures.
Lumine smiled when she saw Miss Yae, and went in to hug the taller woman. She began speaking a mile a minute, so fast Lutsen could not understand what was being said. He did, however, have an idea of what she would be asking and demanding. For when had Lumine done anything but enquire about her brother? Any traveler they met along the road was subjected to the same question, "Have you seen my brother? He has long hair and looks like me!"
With Miss Yae, whom Lutsen knew Lumine had received the letter about her brother from, there would surely be even more frantic questioning than before. With her brother having been spotted, with Aether identified and reported to her, Lumine would not rest until she learned everything Yae Miko knew. Lumine may not even rest until she held Aether in her arms once more.
Miss Yae interrupted his thoughts, and Lumine, with a smile and a gesture that spoke essays. The movement of her arm said, "Shall we find some privacy? The news of strange abyssal activity is not something the general populace should hear. I will tell you everything, you will not leave my presence without all of Inazuma's knowledge about your brother."
Lumine breathed in, a steadying breath, and nodded for the Shrine Maiden to lead the way.
;
They met in what must have been Yae's home, a fancy place, filled with comfortable cushioned chairs and elaborate lighting. It was more than Lutsen had seen in months, so used to camping out in the wilds, taking shifts so no Hilichurl could sneak up on them as they slept. This luxury was a shock to him, even comparing it to the Knights' headquarters back home. This was a woman who had money for more than functionality and comfort, she had money for beauty and elegance in her home.
She sat down on a plush armchair, and forced a cup of cold dango milk into their hands, stating "After such a long journey, surely you need something to sate your thirst?". Nevermind whether or not he actually wanted it, or even liked it's taste. He sipped the milk, watching as Lumine and Miss Yae began their exchanging of information.
-;-