Metanoia // Aether x reader . . ?

──O2─────────────〃☕
ㅤ╰⮞ the light waves
ㅤㅤㅤㅤof water crashing
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤbeneath the boat were

heard. the sailor sat down near the sail, whilst you sat on the deck. keeping in check of your supplies as you scavage through your backpack, constantly trying to recall every item that you've brought with you and reassuring that they haven't gone loose. you were still checking your essentials when the sailor calls out to you.

"we're here!" he lowers the sail, waiting for you to get off the boat. you close your backpack, standing up from your position, and walking towards the sailor. "here's my payment" you quickly snatched almost all your mora from your pocket and hastily placing it on the platform he stood. before he could retort, you dashed out the boat. "thank you!" you shout, landing on the sand and sprinting towards the high mountain.

you arrived at the foot of the mountain, looking up at it, you furrow your brows. thinking of a plan to reach the crux's ship, anchored near it. that was when an idea popped in your mind, as if a light bulb appeared next to your head.

you started to climb up the terrain, walking up a some sort of pathway up the mountain. grabbing ahold of some rocks that sprawled all out on the mountain and getting closer to the top, inch by inch.

. . .

you heave, exhaustion now kicking in your joints. but you couldn't give up now, especially when you have already reached the top of the rocky mountain. you pull up the cloth that covered the top of the backpack, sliding a hand in to grab a felt.

you haven't gone to mondstadt to acquire a wind glider, though you did plan on traveling there before bestowing upon the traveler's whereabouts. but as of right now, you could only improvise. you walk up near the edge of the high terrain, looking directly at the boat. thankfully, it was quite near to shore, albeit still required to swim over.

a sigh escapes your lips, as you place the corners of the jacket on your shoulders. getting ready to take off with the winds, you step a few foots back before running and jumping off the edge of the mountain. you huffed, the harsh wind clashing against your face.

it made your eyes widen. you look down, the land below you slowly becoming smaller and farther from you. a state of panic overcomes you, leaning frontwards hurridly. it had only been a few seconds you were up in the air, flowing up and down, but the boat's paddles on the sides were starting to push the water. for the 2nd time of this day, you start to panic again.

a liyue patterned rooftop lays infront of your eyes, you place a hand on the tiles and rest your body on it. the jacket over you still firmly held in your hands. you heave an exasperated sigh, a bead of sweat from exhaustion sliding down on your temples.

you turn around, your (e/c) orbs lay on the sky, descending to a deep color of gray. the boat below you steadily but swiftly crosses the waters.

as if in a blink of an eye, the skies finally turn vivid, the winds soothing. you were barely drenched in the rain. the jacket you had earlier, was fully soaked, droplets spilling out of the felt. you groan. the only extra clothing you had prepared for harsh cold weathers, now only used for a roof to shield you from the avalanche of water.

you pulled yourself up, sitting upright. you gaze to the dock. the blonde, from hours ago, talking to two adults. you start to wonder, 'how do I sneak in...' your face quickly fades to a puzzled expression. you glance around, in search of any openings to pass through. "Who may you be?" a voice rings behind you. you flinch, immediately swing your head in the direction of the call.

"ah.. haha...."

. . .

"I suspected something was amiss." the man, before you, says calmly. the woman beside him had her hands on her hips. you nervously laugh, scratching the back of your head. some few of the crew had their stares bore into you, only making you more anxious.

the woman heaves a heavy exasperated sigh, she switches her arms, crossed. "why did you sneak in?" you glance at her, "I wanted to see what inazuma was like." your response was quick and voice stern. you didn't want to be evicted and abandoned on shore.

"how did you know we were going to inazuma?" the man's scarlet eyes gazed at you, eyebrows slightly rose. the woman, on the other hand, looked at you, suspiciously. you sweatdrop, your response had only made your situation worse.

you couldn't lie to them. sighing, you fix your posture, standing formally. "can you please let me stay? I'll... I'll help around!" words start to utter out from your lips in a hurry.

you screw your eyes shut, awaiting a response from either one of them. silence fills the atmosphere, only making you uneasy and the situation awkward than it is. you flutter your eyes open, looking up at the two infront of you. they look at each other for a second before returning their gaze at you.

"just to be safe, what is your reason for traveling to inazuma?" you silently click your tongue, an irk appearing on your temple. you move your hand to the strap of your backpack, clenching it lightly. "I'm an adventurer," you say, nonchalantly. the two of them looked at you. 

you could tell they were taken aback by the expression painted on their faces. "so... I can stay, right?" you eyed them. desperation evident in your (e/c) orbs. they glanced at each other again, before looking back at you. the woman exhales deeply, "alright, you can."  she places a hand on her hip, the other founded on her side.

you were just about to mentally yell out of victory, when the woman opens her mouth again, "but, you will not leave without consent." you nod at her order, sternly. albeit, in the inside, you were beaming with aspiration.

▸ 1077 words ## rewritten ✓
───────────────────