Maelstorm, Yearning for her Thunderous Love. ( On Hold )

We meet again | Chapter 3

THE CRISP MORNING SUN OVERTOOK THE NIGHT.

Two figures trended the dirt path from the stone gate that marked the official start of Liyue land. The events of the morning skirmish occupied their minds with conflicting ideas. [Y/N]'s hand that caught the blade flared with stinging pain, only comforted from loose gauze wrapped over it. Dark bags under the Inazuman's eyes felt like weights that threatened to shut his eyes if it were not the glaring sunlight.

On the other hand, Lumine wasn't doing much better as although she was spared most of the morning's events and had some rest, she was still exhausted. Even the floating fairy had not escaped insomnia's grip as she lazily lingered behind Lumine, her eyes half-closed.

Perhaps it was wise to rest at Wangshu Inn [Y/N] thought as they were trekking through Dihua marsh. The mixture of cobblestone and soil accumulated into a traversable path that weaved and turned. Lantern posts flanked the road every once in a while, flora flourishing in the bright daylight. The dins of distant birds chirping and the ambient sound of nature filled the air around them.

The clouds dotted the sky in clusters, allowing the blue sky to flaunt its beautiful form. The rivers that carved themselves into the landscape were crystal clear, its banks being home to collections of soft, luscious plants.

"Paimon's hungry..." The grumble from the mascot's belly broke the silence that [Y/N] had enjoyed. Lumine looked over her shoulder and spotted the hovering fairy. Her mouth drooled at the images of food in her mind, hands on her stomach, trying to soothe her complaining stomach.

"Wangshu Inn is nearby so we could get something to eat there." [Y/N] suggested, pointing to the towering distant building. Lumine's eyes glistened at the idea and turned to paimon, who just seemed to drool even harder at the prospect of actual authentic meals instead of what was in her head.

"Well, lunch does sound nice," Lumine added as now her stomach's growling now was made apparent. "Though, seeing we have to feed Paimon here.." Lumine's expression mirrored the horror she had to endure every time she took Paimon out. Her purse was at this point in the grave.

"Hey! Paimon just loves food!" She stomped her tiny feet in the air. "I do not mind paying for the expenses." [Y/N] extended.

"I couldn't possibly ask someone who's assisting my commission to pay for my lunch!" Lumine denied, waving her hands in disbelief. "Oh please, this is a mere brush of my mora, even if your companion bought the entire menu." [Y/N] flatly stated. He knew he was critically low on mora, but it didn't matter.

Building a sense of "trust" is more important than saving mora.

"Yipeee!" Paimon cheered in the announcement of free food, an offer she wouldn't ever dare refuse. Lumine, however, narrowed her brows in suspicion. [Y/N] did not appear to be affluent in wealth, far from it. His clothes were cheap, bearing origins from Mondstast. The only thing considerably ornate was the polished sword tied to his waist.

"Well, if you insist, It would be nice to have something to eat." [Y/N] nodded and began leading the way to the Inn. Paimon continued to chant, promising [Y/N] he'll get to Inazuma and do what he has to do.

⥷☐✦──Wangshu Inn──✦☐⭃

The trail was replaced by timber as the group trekked over the bridge that led into Wangshu Inn. The overhead archway overlooks above as they continue to walk. Small groups of wagons and merchants clustered around the area. The air was filled with the rattling of equipment and people alike. The outdoor restaurant was mildly bustling, footsteps of waiters and customers with the clinking of plates filled atmosphere. The massive log the Inn was built on overshadowed a large portion of the dining area, receiving [Y/N]'s gratitude for a break from the ever-increasing dazzle of the sun as the day reached its zenith.