It had been a cloudy evening, leading into a stormy night.
The wind had forced the windows open, letting rain pour into the hallway. The candelabras had been snuffed out, leaving only the bleak moonlight to illuminate the room. The curtains flapped, reaching out like silky, disembodied arms that failed to embrace her.
The Knave moved with purpose. Her heel dipped into a puddle of blood and gore, but she kept going. Each step left a faint dot of red on a once-expensive carpet. Behind her, the men who had tried to stop her were either dead or dying. She had no time to finish anyone off; this was a matter of urgency.
Her stained hands pushed open double wooden doors. A dimly lit office, decorated with austere paintings, welcomed her. That one was by far the least orderly room in the mansion. Toppled furniture, broken glass, and scattered ornaments told her all she needed to know about what had unfolded in the room minutes prior. The fighting here had gotten messy. The oak desk at the end of the room had collapsed after being struck several times with something heavy. Judging by the large bloodstain and scratches on the carpet underneath it, someone had attempted to hide only to be dragged out and severely wounded.
Arlecchino pursed her lips. She knew her children didn't carry out missions haphazardly, and causing unnecessary destruction went against the House of the Hearth's code. Something had gone horribly wrong.
She was ready to move on to the next room when she heard something stir in a dark corner.
"Father?"
The Knave pushed a wrecked cupboard aside, revealing a young woman curled up and shaking. She had been beaten beyond recognition. Dried blood made her auburn hair stick to her forehead, partially covering the swollen bruises on her face. Her breathing was uneven, and her eyes were dim. She had exhausted herself trying to stay alive.
The operative weakly exhaled. Red droplets fell from her lips. "He had men with him. Hired muscle. I'm so sorry, I couldn't do anything–" A violent cough overtook her as blood dripped from her chin.
"Lucia. Shorter sentences." Arlecchino shushed her authoritatively. "You've lost a lot of blood. Where were you injured?"
Lucia held her knees closer with a sudden urgency. "My stomach. But there's no time, Father. They're getting away."Her choice was made in a second. She knelt by the girl's side. "Let them. There will be more hunts in the near future and more opportunities for us to catch them. You failed because your intel was incorrect. As the one who sent you on this mission, I am also to blame." She carefully pushed Lucia's arms down until she had access to her stomach. The gash was wider than it was deep, but she would still bleed out within minutes if nothing was done about it. The Knave pressed her palm against the bloody wound.
"This will hurt." she warned.
She had very little experience with using her flames to cauterize wounds. But this was a better alternative than leaving her child to die. She maintained her fire at the weakest level possible, burning away the skin's tissue and stopping the blood flow. Lucia winced, gritting her teeth in pain. Silent tears rolled down the girl's cheeks. Arlecchino kept her shoulders steady with her other hand. She drew back before the flesh could sustain further damage.
"Your siblings will be here shortly to treat you and escort you back to the House. Don't fret about the mission anymore. You've done well by staying alive."
Lucia nodded. Her breathing was coming back to a regular pace. Her body would soon shut down to recover. Arlecchino stayed by her side until she'd drifted off completely.
The storm had worsened. At their captain's signal, a squad of Gardes entered the building down the street. Despite the rare foot traffic at this hour, Clockwork meka established a perimeter to prevent passersby from approaching.
Arlecchino observed the men scurry about from a safe distance, umbrella in hand. She already knew they wouldn't find anything noteworthy aside from a pile of nameless charred corpses. The few criminals who'd survived were too low-ranking to have any useful information. This was a disappointing night for the gardes and the Fatui alike, marked by meaningless bloodshed and lacking a proper conclusion.
Like a poorly-written play where the actors on stage were too despondent to yearn for anything else, everyone still bore with it and saw it through to the end. Subpar plays and somber nights came with the territory.
A silhouette set itself apart from the rest of the law enforcement. She knew who it was at a glance. The Traveler was discussing something with the squad captain, who nodded in turn. The conversation was over quickly, as the blond then turned around and began walking in her direction.
Arlecchino was slightly taken aback by his sudden approach. Before she could decide on a course of action, she found him standing before her. For the civilians who didn't know him personally, Fontaine's Executor wore the same face everyday. But to a Harbinger who always zeroed in on the details, he couldn't have looked more different. The rain had thoroughly soaked his clothes, and the streetlight lent his golden eyes a sharp and intense glow. Peering into them, she saw a turmoil of weariness, as well as the fabricated energy to carry on – potent, but not infinite. The Knave figured that if she could see the cracks in someone like the Traveler, he was probably having an unsatisfactory night as well.
Despite that, she knew the faint smile he greeted her with wasn't forced.
"I figured everyone affiliated with the House had left long ago. Not afraid you'll get taken in for questioning?"
She extended her umbrella's cover to him. "I would like to believe the gardes know better than to approach me. But if an overzealous officer does come this way, won't you get questioned as well? Standing with me is not always to your benefit, Aether."
"I'll be fine. I'm the one who called them here. Besides," he shrugged. "You're not the snake others make you out to be."
Arlecchino eyed him in the corner of her vision. He was directly interfering with her business without an ounce of fear. Collaborators who'd crossed her in the past had met unfortunate ends, but he knew himself to be an exception. Still, meddling with the Fatui's affairs warranted more than a slap on the wrist.
The Knave tore her eyes away from him. "Lyney, Lynette and Freminet have been away on missions for several nights. I'm curious to know whose lips were loose enough to leak our whereabouts to you."
"You don't expect me to just give out names, do you?" He returned her look with a quiet chuckle. "The noble you're after won't leave Fontaine. I asked a few friends at the Spina Di Rosula and Maréchaussée Phantom to keep an eye out, just in case. They owe me enough favors to do it without asking sensitive questions. I would have called in reinforcements earlier, but your child was still in the building. How is she now?"
She breathed a heavy sigh. "Lucia is stable. Though she was badly injured, her life is no longer at risk. Her siblings took her away before you arrived." What she truly wanted to say burned her tongue, until she realized there was no reason to restrain herself in front of him.
"You know how much I dislike beating around the bush when it comes to running the House. So what games are you playing this time, Traveler?" she snapped. "Unlike the Spina and the Maréchaussée Phantom, the Hotel Bouffes d'été does not owe you any favors. If you are trying to ingratiate yourself into something, I suggest you brace yourself for disappointment."
He shook his head. "None of that. I'm sure you're already aware, but I've helped out at the hotel a few times. And when kids feel comfortable around an adult, sometimes they'll open up and share a few secrets. I don't know why the little ones chose to tell me specifically, but they did."
The slight narrowing of her gaze wasn't lost on him, and his tone softened. "Don't punish them. They're children, they have all the time in the world to learn. If you give them negative feedback now because they were worried about one of their 'big sisters', it might hinder their capacity for teamwork in the future. Allow them to have each other's backs."
She took in his words for a moment. The orphanage's caretakers had told her all about his visits, of course. The Traveler's schedule never seemed to coincide with hers, so she had never seen him at the hotel herself, but she found no reason to bar him access provided he didn't step out of line. As far as the children were concerned, he was a kind guest who brought gifts, played with the younger ones, and regaled everyone with stories of his travels.
Arlecchino was forced to admit that he probably spoke truth. Their methods were different, but his understanding of a child's mind was at least on par with hers. However, the House of the Hearth was still under her supervision, and its residents abided by her rules. Leaking information to an outsider was a severe offense.
"I see." She closed her eyes to let them rest. When she opened them again, her crimson pupils appeared slightly more vibrant. "I will be frank: I believe you to be a mostly positive influence to these children. You are a source of insight and experience that, in some areas, even I do not possess. But you are also too lenient in the way you treat them, which in the long run is more detrimental to a child's development than a relatively firm hand." Aether opened his mouth to protest, but she did not allow him. "Personally, your visits are no bother to me at all. But I must remind you that these children are future agents, operatives, and other Fatui soldiers fated to one day play a part in the Tsaritsa's grand scheme. If your contact with them somehow interferes with that design or leads them astray in any way, not only will you lose all privileges as an esteemed guest of the House, you will also make an enemy of me."
She exhaled deeply. "I don't know what the future holds. Perhaps one day we will cross blades again, this time with a mutual intent to kill. But while these possible circumstances are still ahead of us, please do not give me reason to end our cordial relationship over something so foolish. That is the most sincere warning I can give you, Aether."
The topic of discussion was heavy, but she had made her words as honest and considerate as possible. The Traveler was far higher in her esteem than the orphanage's numerous benefactors, as well as a select few of the Eleven Harbingers. But in order to remain true to herself, there were no exceptions to be made about the House's usual boundaries. In the worst conceivable outcome, she would fight with the goal of giving him a swift and honorable death, and if he ended up prevailing over her, she had no doubt he would grant her the same.
In case he couldn't accept her terms, this was his chance to no longer be involved with her. Many had walked away after witnessing far less than he had. If the Traveler chose to leave now, she would let him.
Arlecchino waited. The rain around them showed no signs of letting up. Aether did not stew on her overt threat for very long. With a frightening composure, he nodded.
"I respect that. I don't really care for the Fatui's wishes, but in your House I'm only a guest. It's only fair that I abide by the Father's rules."
She expected to feel nothing. But his words caused cinders to stir quietly within her. First with a sudden anxiety, and then with soothing relief.
She had seen countless others try to get close to her either directly or through her children, all with carefully concealed motives and agendas. Those same people had been driven away, taking her trust with them. But the Traveler was different. His actions were measured, but only in order to judge an individual's character before choosing whether to side with them or not. This sincere conviction set him apart from the rest, and had unknowingly allowed him to stand by her side as an equal. His honest answer had turned her apprehension upside down, filling her with a peace greater than just relief.
A dangerous, forgotten feeling raced through her like a line of powder being set ablaze, but she deliberately ignored it.
Despite the heat in her veins, Arlecchino's expression remained even and proud.
"I appreciate your honesty. And of course, I would never ask you to unconditionally agree with the Fatui's ways. That is an unfair treatment that I do not inflict even upon myself." She slowly reached out and pressed her index finger against the radiant jewel on his chest. "I hope you understand why I had to make sure I knew where you stood. As I have been frank with you today, feel free also come to me with any concerns you may have in the future."
Aether looked down at her dark finger amusedly. For an instant, she thought he would try to take her hand. "I understand. I think we're both way too tired for me to start dumping my actual concerns on you, but I'm grateful for the thought. The Gardes will clean up shortly, so there's no need for us to linger at the scene. Let's just take it easy. It's been a long night. "
His offer was sensible enough. The rain showed no sign of letting up anytime soon, and the Gardes had fully locked down the perimeter. This tiring night was coming to an end.
Arlecchino crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I suppose you're right. Thanks to your many acquaintances, I shall be able to track down the man Lucia was pursuing tomorrow. Well, I should say in the morning, considering sunrise is only a few hours away." she mused. "What about you? I would dissuade you from participating in the manhunt, but I doubt you will listen to a word I say. Do you plan on getting some rest in the meantime?"
"Sleeping won't do me any good if it's cut short." He rubbed his neck. "I have a few hours to kill, so I figured we could head back to the hotel and relax together. Only if you want to, of course."
She was getting tired. And the implications that her weary mind pieced together plunged the Knave in a deep and contemplative silence. The children would be asleep at this hour. Those old enough to carry out missions usually never returned before morning unless an incident occurred. As for the caretakers, their numbers were greatly reduced at night, leaving the remaining handful of the staff scattered around the hotel. The Traveler had offered to be with her in the quiet and fleeting hours preceding dawn.
Her dangerous feeling from earlier was turning into a more serious scenario. She stamped it out in her mind. Making such a clumsy pass at a lady was not his style. At least she supposed so. Hoped so.
"Not… like that. Sorry, I'm tired." Aether pinched the bridge of his nose. His own expression betrayed that he had thought of the same shameful thing as her. "I just have a few things to clean up from when I dropped by earlier today."
"...I see."
The rain drowned out the awkward silence that followed. Arlecchino still allowed him to share her umbrella as they walked through the empty streets on their way back to the hotel.
The building was as quiet as the Knave expected it to be at such a late hour. Her key turned in the lock, and she motioned the Traveler inside.
Brightly-colored letters jumped at her eyes. The main hall was nearly unrecognizable, crammed with vivid balloons and handmade banners displaying birthday wishes. Crude drawings and decorations had replaced the more sober artwork usually mounted on the walls. A table was set in the room's center, with a line of empty dishes leading up to the Father's seat. The preparations for a surprise party had been messy, irregular, and clearly interrupted halfway through completion. The sight made her wonder how a room's interior could appear so dull despite being charged with color.
The few caretakers who held down the fort were already scrambling to have it all removed, and the Harbinger's return had only caused them to rush even more. Arlecchino clapped her hands to demand their attention.
"This can easily be handled in the morning. No need to rush, I am merely passing through. Take the few hours that you can to rest."
She did not have to ask twice. The same tiredness was imprinted on each custodian's face as they murmured a word of thanks to her, a mutual nod or smile at the Traveler, and excused themselves one by one.
This time, the hotel was truly quiet. Aether broke the silence in response to a remark the Knave thought so hard, she may as well have spoken it aloud.
"I am too lenient with children. Sue me. I was gonna help your people clean up this mess, but–"
"There was an emergency." she finished for him. "Nothing could've been done to avoid it. Be at ease."
His tendency to act so carefree with some matters while being hard on himself for such a casual event made her smile internally. Lacing her hands behind her back, Arlecchino leisurely explored the room.
"The decorations themselves are of poor quality, and there are many choices that I personally would have avoided in terms of interior design. Nevertheless, there is an undeniable charm to the children's work, clumsy as it might be." Her gaze softened as she took in the empty table. "Festivities are few and far between in this house, especially when Lyney is away or unavailable. My true date of birth is a mystery even to myself. All the records show is the day I first entered the House of the Hearth, a date worth little celebration in my eyes. I don't allow the symbolism of a particular day to chain me down, of course, but I don't miss these joyless years either."
Aether joined her by the table. Her expression was troubled. Far beyond the red crosses of her eyes, he found boundless yearning. A quiet, pensive child with a heart wider than her scars looked back at him. Her innocent gaze was enough to make him lose his composure.
Peruere sighed wistfully. "A small get-together with everyone would have been quite pleasant. Another time, perhaps."
Before the thought could fully form in his head, Aether had taken her hand.
She regarded him in stunned silence. He had nothing to give her. There were not enough words or apologies in the world to heal that child, and no empty promises could ever hope to cover her deep wounds. The chasm in her heart would never mend if all he did was drown her in a semblance of comfort.
Aether was at a loss. So he put as much meaning into this simple gesture as he could convey.
She did not pull her hand back from his. The silence thickened between them, whole and indecisive, only broken up by a clock ticking nearby. Her hand's natural warmth seeped through his gloves and tingled his fingers.
Peruere's lips parted. She articulated her sentence for longer than usual. "How many times must I warn you about getting too close?"
"You could have stopped after the first one. I had already made my choice then."
"How stubborn." Her words didn't carry the full sting of a rebuke. "I can assure you, there is nothing to be gained out of this relationship. I am not someone who needs to be saved, and your efforts would be put to better use elsewhere."
"I couldn't save myself if I tried, and I'm not pretentious enough to claim something like that. What I can do is offer you some company, even if it's just for tonight." His smile became more apparent as he glanced at their linked hands. "If I'm wrong, just say the word and I'll leave you alone. Your house, your rules."
Arlecchino gave his hand a most subtle squeeze before pulling away. The Traveler was pushing his luck much farther than any others had before him. In all honesty, she was giving him special treatment. That line of fire burned brighter when she suddenly missed the soft feeling of his palm.
This same black hand she loathed had been held boldly by someone who understood her. The Traveler was strong enough to protect himself, smart enough to look past her facade, and more importantly, kind enough to stay close to her in spite of everything. Her quickening heartbeat was the final hint that forced her to acknowledge her own feelings.
"Honestly, you..." she breathlessly sought her words. He calmly waited for her, meeting her intense gaze with his own.
"You lack proper coordination." Peruere flatly said. "As far as I am aware, the children raised in this house are all quite gifted. The fault for failing to organize a surprise party in a few hours, even cut short by unexpected circumstances, lies in your own leadership skills. You must take charge more adamantly when giving orders, leaving no room for misunderstandings."
Aether's lips twitched, then upturned into a smirk. "I don't think that's what you really wanted to say."
He had seen right through her, but she was not so easily deterred. "You dare call me a liar? My reasoning is sound. I shall start inviting you more often, so you can see how we truly organize gatherings in this house."
"Sure, I'll take you up on that. As for taking responsibility for the mess I caused..." His eyes swept across the walls and ceiling. It would be lengthy work. "I feel bad leaving your people to take care of it for me."
"Well, assuming your offer to relax together still stands, you may make it up to me in other ways," she offered. "I would be delighted if you could brew us some coffee and take it up to my office. If we truly are waiting until sunrise, we will need something strong to keep us awake."
Aether nodded with a light grin. "Got it. I'll join you in a minute."
Peruere watched him go, her shoulders dropping as she sighed fondly. She cherished this feeling that was too relaxing to last. The light he brought was not blinding or overwhelming, but accepting of her flaws and sharing some of her ambitions. It was a simple, pleasant warmth, one that offered a moment of respite regardless of what was occurring around her. She dwelled on that feeling, basking in its glow as she slowly realized what it was so reminiscent of.
Aether returned at that moment, balancing a pot and two steaming cups on a tray. She gratefully accepted hers and took in the coffee's rich aroma. The heat between her hands constrasted sharply with the storm raging on outside. The first sip scalded her lips.
"Just like a hearth..." she murmured.
Aether was quietly blowing on his cup. "Did you say something?"
"No." Peruere shook her head with a smile. "Nothing important."