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It should have been a normal day in the orphanage, that was what Lynette was expecting, her and Lyney had a free day with no mission. But when she went to ‘Father’, The Knave ignored her. Lynette had never been so denied by ‘Father.’ Was she a bad child…? Did ‘Father’ regret saving her from that man..? Lynette’s thoughts spiraled as she just sat quietly on the couch. Lyney was practicing magic tricks but she couldn’t be bothered to help him today. She felt worried. Something was wrong, she was sure of it.
It's only been an hour when a knock on the orphanage appeared, Lyney ran to the door while Lynette watched in the distance.
“Coming!” Lyney yelled out as he opened the door. At the door was a short women, but one that the twins knew not to underestimate. She wore a jacket and had pale skin with black and pink hair. The Damsellette.. This must have been why ‘Father’ was so worried. The third harbinger was visiting them.
“Greetings.”
“Oh Lady Columbina- a surprise seeing you here!” Lyney spoke quickly, quite anxious at the situation that was happening, but he didn’t want Lynette to deal with it by herself. He had to be the bigger person and talk to the third harbinger.
“Yes, well, I came here on important matters.” *Columbina responded, her eyes stayed closed as her lips kept a gentle, fake smile. It sent shivers down the twins' spines as Columbina invited herself into the House of Hearth. The third harbinger walked with a grace as if each step was preplanned to make herself look angelic in the dark atmosphere. Lyney and Lynette exchange nervous glances as they close the door.
“Is there anything we can help you with Madame?” Lyney asked walking in front of her to try and stop her from entering farther into the orphanage. This made the corners of her mouth go up in a smirk, and yet she looked… upset, pissed. Lynette noticed this, her ear flicked nervously, she didn’t want to leave Lyney and yet she knew she had to alert ‘Father’ about the invader. Lynette looked at Lyney and he nodded, a silent way of telling her to go. And she bolted.
“So you’re the Knave’s prodigy huh? You’re rather… How do I put this, small? Stick like?” Columbina spoke to Lyney, her eyes closed never opening. Lyney stared at the strange women, feeling a clump in his throat and swallowing.
“What do you want here?” He asked again, trying to remain calm, but this seemed to only fusterate the third harbinger more.
“Chino’s been so busy with you lately. She says you’re like a son. One of the best kids in the orphanage. She’s canceled..” The Third counts on her fingers. “9 meetings with me now, on account of you. I hate you kid.” She said in the kindest voice ever before reaching in her pocket and drawing a dagger. Before Lyney knew it a dagger was flying at him, he was against the wall, he couldn’t get away. His eyes widened in fear, time slowed. He seen her face, she seemed so angry at him for something he couldn’t control. He thought of Lynette, of Freminet alone in the world without him. He didn’t want it to end here, only because he got on the wrong side of some strange women, and before he knew it he felt a gust of cold wind.
“Columbina.” ‘Father’ had arrived, the dagger in her hand as blood dripped from her palm. She looked pissed, Lynette was in the corner, watching but staying out of the way. Columbina froze in the spot as she stared at Arlecchino, her smile finally fading.
“Lyney, Lynette. Please prepare tea in the other room. No citrus.” ‘Father demanded. Lyney and Lynette nodded, running off to the kitchen, happy to get away from the Third Harbinger.
“Chino… I’m sorry I didn’t realize it would upset you that much.” Columbina, now alone with Arlecchino, looked guilty. “You just have been spending so much time with him. I thought if I dealt with him-”
“Dealt with him?” Arlecchino snapped, slapping Columbina across the face, spreading the blood from her wound on Columbina’s face. “Columbina please. You have to realize the difference between you two. You need to take a moment to self reflect. I love him. Because he’s one of my children. I love you because you’re my fucking girlfriend. But if you keep acting like a spoiled brat who needs attention 24/7 then I can’t do this.” Arlecchino snapped.
“Oh don’t act so high and mighty! You’re just as much as a monster as I am. You’ve sent hundreds of children to die in the Fatui, you take one as your favorite and suddenly you’re some sweet angel who could do no wrong? Oh please stop lying to yourself Knave.” Columbina glared angrily, and this time Arlecchino goes quiet, it was her turn to look guilty. Columbina kept her gaze lowered angrily, until Arlecchino somehow ended up infront of her, in a smidge of a second Columbina was pressed against the wall and Arlecchino’s lips were against hers. After a second of Columbina calming down and relaxing against Arlecchino, Arlecchino pulled away.
“I really have been neglecting you recently haven’t I?” She murmured sadly, her fingers brushing Columbina’s hair. Columbina just nodded. “Next time. Don’t threaten my kids. You need to talk to me Bina.” Arlecchino demanded, pressing Columbina against the wall before pulling away. “We’re going to dining hall. Lyney and Lynette will eat with us. You are to be kind to them Columbina. I made them prepare you tea.” Arlecchino explained walking to the dining hall.
When they entered the room Lyney and Lynette looked frightened until Columbina smiled, and opened her eyes, showing a bright pink color. To her it was a way to show friendliness and vulnerability. Though the twins didn’t fully understand her actions, she realized that and sighed sitting down.
“I’m sorry.” She finally manages to say. “You two.. Will soar high. I’m proud of you.”