Chapter Text
“We’ll be arriving within moments, your grace” a voice called from the driving station above your carriage.
The Zapolyarny palace
Whilst grander, more prestigious buildings may lay within Fontaine’s vast hydrophobic city walls, and more sacred and respected temples within Sumeru’s deserts. The Zaployarny palace’s solume dark image harkened a dark contrast over the pure white snow like no other. No greater symbol of the Fatui was spread across Tevat’s vast plains. It’s regality and advanced technology spawning out from under the unwelcoming truths of the frozen tundra.
You stared out of the window with cold eyes, drawing ever closer to its consuming aura.
How very beautiful it would be to see all its regality swallowed up by the very snow it undeservedly contrasts against…
“You certainly took long enough.” A sharp voice greeted with a sneer the moment an attendant had slightly parted the carriage door open. Not even a moment’s peace in this place. With an internal sigh you rose from your seat, and stepped out to greet the familiar face of a man who the foolish and ignorant would describe as beautiful. He stood disgruntled with a hand rested against his hat’s violet edge, protecting it from flying away in the blistering wind.
You plastered on your warmest smile in a pale attempt at a greeting. It was a dim light against the festering gloom that infected inch of this looming palace. The palace was a poison that infiltrated it’s own inhabitants, forcing them to masquerade as well mannered dignitaries when beneath the surface lay lurking beasts, fangs sharpened for a sadistic kill but why should you criticise after all you and them were one and the same?
You had no noble intent in stalking the halls of the Zapolyarny palace, your motivation was a raging flame that could not be stamped out by this darkest, if anything it fed on it.
“Greetings Lord Scaramoushe, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long”
“Have you heard?” Scaramoushe questioned suddenly drawing the two of you from a silent walk you’d been taking since he lead you inside. You had expected to wait until you were more secluded to speak again, but it seems there were more pressing matters than privacy.
When you tilted your head slightly he rolled his eyes. “Of course you haven’t because why would you go through the trouble of keeping yourself apprised of these situations when you have your faithful dog here to update you on every little detail.” Scaramoushe said with an all too put upon tone, his expression positively arduous.
“I take you aren’t happy?” You question rather bluntly with a light tone, knowing he would be too wrapped up in his own annoyance to give stock to your over step.
“They’ve gone and appointed a new harbinger, a simple country boy in every sense of the word.” Scaramoushe informed much to your surprise. They didn’t just go around appointing harbingers out of the blue, you Arelchino and Pantalone being the most “recent” and under all those cases the situations had been rather extraordinary to say the least.
“A new Harbinger?” You swished your tail in disbelief.
Scaramoushe bristled “I just said that didn’t I, don’t make me repeat myself. And yes. From our own lands no less, a small, moron infested village that probably still believes that the rain falls because of goat sacrifice. Case in point they shipped the boy here a few years ago at 14 and he clawed his way up to our ranks”
“How charming” you muttered under your breath. That certainly reminded you of some threats you heard in your youth, the threat of being sent away for bad behaviour was a common threat levied at someone you knew.
“The idea that both the Jester and the Rooster would make someone so simple of mind and only mediocre physical strength a harbinger is an insult the prestige our title demands let alone actually going through with it…” Scaramoshe ranted rather at you than too you his teeth clenched in his usual scowl. You flicked your ear at him allowing his rant to go one whilst your mind tore through the snippets of information he provided you.
As much as Scaramoushe adored letting every creature know how miserably they failed his unreasonable opinions of them and letting his distaste be known far and wide, You’d be a fool to not understand why he was imparting all this to you. A reason he knew you would understand. His warning was as clear as the icy crystals lining the chilly hallway you traversed.
A very young recruit from within your own nation managed to rise through the Fatui’s ranks so quickly that he managed to catch the discerning and oppunistic eye of the Rooster. You may not be as old as the other harbingers but you knew that didn’t just happen every day.
‘Never matter’ you dismissed internally, it wasn’t as though this new harbinger would mean a thing to you just another player to keep an eye on the board as you drew closer to finally completing your mission.
“So, are we going to meet him then? I appreciate the hospitality Scaramoushe, but if you think so lowly of the boy what reason would I have to meet someone you look down upon so truly. Your judgment is usually correct in these matter.” You interrupted softly keeping a placid tone that would feed into the other harbinger’s ego. You didn’t care where you were going, but calming his bad mood was best in these situations lest you find yourself a casualty of his aggression.
He wishes his judgement was at all accurate in most situations, let alone this one, but that’s how your dance with Scaramoushe went. Keep calm, Ignore all jabs in your direction and feed into his ego a little and he’ll usually tell you just about anything you wish to know. Even if he’s smart enough to know what you’re doing.
Scaramoushe tipped his hat at you causing a shadow to form over his eyes and smirked “Of course it is, and obviously we’re not going to see him you simpleton” Scaramoushe qipped “Your return was just lucky timing. Pierro was going to call you back anyway, he’s decided that it’s finally time to actually start working towards out goals instead of revelling in our success for another century. We’re going to a meeting with the other harbingers, the Ignoramus will probably be there if you’re desperate to meet him.”
You narrowed your eyes feeling your ears flatten softly against your head. Something definitely happened between Scaramoushe and this new harbinger, perhaps keeping mind of his words is the best path forward. If this new harbinger is half as irritating and meddling as Scaramoushe says then he could cause your plans a lot of trouble.
“Well, look who the cat dragged in. Our long lost puppet, figures when we call for her and you’d be trailing behind.” Signora taunted as you and Scaramoushe entered the great hall outside the office where Pierro usually conducted business. Paying the proverbial “cat” no mind as you moved away from the soon to be bickering harbingers. It seemed like you were early for once, with the only other two harbingers being present were Capitano and Pantalone.
As usual Signora stood tall and elegant, her grace and beauty all drawn up in its high prized display too practiced to be reality, and too lacking in any semblance of humility to be anything more than a failing facade. She seemed extra pleased with herself today, which probably meant something bad or at the very least irritating for you, but the saving grace in her insult was that she wasn’t looking to play nice so you likely wouldn’t have to deal with her yourself.
“Signora.” Capitano warned with a low grumble behind her. His coat ruffling much like a disgruntled bird’s feathers. “Decorum between harbingers is mandatory during official business.” He chided the picture of due diligence as if he had decided upon the rules himself, you suppose no one should expect anything less from the 1st harbinger. A man so lost in tradition and “decorum” he believes in the honour he spouts.
“It’s not like I mind” Scaramoushe sneered and leaned towards her with a devilish light “One should always acknowledge their superior’s presence” he drawled out allowing his tongue to rest knowingly on the word superior.
If looks could kill Scaramoushe’s body wouldn’t even need a shallow grave to rest in with the incensed glare Signora sent in his direction. The fury of furrowed brow looking to light him aflame from across the hall. Not that a flame could do much in a room like this you observed stalking closer watching as white puffs of crystallised air fell from your jaw.
"Ah, our dear esteemed Wisteria has returned," Pantalone greeted, ever the mediator, with a nod in your direction. Attempting to divert the conversation before further conflict could arise, he continued, "How we’ve missed your expertise. Our missions have lacked that particular skill you so effortlessly excel in. I trust your presence here indicates the status quo will soon be restored?"
His tone, laced with apparent apprehension, caused you to sigh internally. Such respect from Pantalone could only mean one thing: he had a personal matter he desired your assistance with.
"Your courtesy is appreciated, Lord Pantalone. My duties under the Tsaritsa require my presence to be fluid, but I believe I may remain here for a brief interim," you responded, hoping the deliberate vagueness of your wording would prevent the ever-smiling banker from making any concrete plans. While the Harbingers were perfectly capable of handling their own 'affairs,' it was generally agreed that all high-ranking assassination plots were to pass by your desk before execution. Given the 'esteem' of your colleagues, it meant that most of their matters inevitably required your approval. Even if you technically ranked lower than them.
It was tiring not to mention distracting, you had more important things than any privileged Fatui nonsense to focus on.
Pantalone nodded no doubt about to ask your assistance in his matter or fail to butter you up further, but before he could the large, looming doors to the room where the Harbingers gathered in front of creaked open. Everyone instantly dropped into a bow. Even Scaramouche, though the tension in his clenched jaw betrayed his irritation. Such was the unwavering respect demanded by the director.
“Lord Pierro,” you all greeted in unison as a more intense chill swept through the air, the whispers of the Cryo Archon seemingly intertwined with his presence. Pierro surveyed the five of you from the doorway in a long, breathless silence, his stoic scrutiny palpable. Even the shadow he cast felt oppressively heavy, forcing you to shift uncomfortably and avoid his piercing lone eye, hoping his gaze wouldn't detect your unease.
“Capitano,” Pierro commanded, his words a mountain pressing down on the thin air. “Where are the others?”
Capitano’s response was instant displaying none of the lightly veiled unease the other harbingers held in his presence. “Dottore, Sandrone and Arelchino are discussing further details on a potential project in Fontaine and will be along shortly. Punchinella and Tartaglia had some delays in making it here from the city but they shouldn’t be too long either.” He explained, purposely obvious to the tension he created in the already uncomfortable atmosphere. Pierro despised those who could not make themselves punctual. Especially for such important matters such as these.
“Very well, you all may join me in waiting for the stragglers.” Pierro responded sternly and turned on his heel.
You let out a quite breathe, that was the hard part at least. The rest of today should go fine with any luck. Then again that never seemed to be on your side.
“Our newest harbinger is aware we all have duties to keep, does he not?” Sandrone commented with an irritable shake of her head in discontent. She didn’t have much room to comment after only arriving a few minutes earlier, but she did have a point: this was waiting was getting a little ridiculous.
“If he doesn’t, Pulcinella does.” Capitano responded a growing edge to his tone. Dottore looking completely uninterested in the conversation next to him simply turned away fiddling with a bronze contraption in his hands muttering irritably about “deplorable wastes of time.” Which knowing him could a many number of things.
“Didn’t he even volunteer for that Geo gnosis mission?” Columbina yawned from were she rested against the table, her voice as softer than silk.
Arelchino lifted her head to observe the room with a swift glance. Analytic and careful as always. ”Perhaps a more experienced harbinger should take the lead on establishing contact, lyiue is a nation with a culture that has high expectations on respect punctuality especially. Some citizens pay well above reason just for a mere half hour of their leader’s time. The Wanshang inn funeral parlour, shouldn’t be expected to do otherwise.” Alrelchino commented rather bravely given who assigned harbinger missions of this order.
You countered swiftly. “From my intel the director seems to be opposed to most the Fatui’s actions in the region, and generally would prefer to keep a lower profile despite the success of his business, leaving most of the promotion to his subordinates. A newer harbinger wouldn’t attract nearly as much attention to our presence and given his age and inexperience Zhongli would be less likely to attribute the same amount distaste as he would other harbingers.”
Scaramouche scoffed lightly annoyed by the harbinger’s discussion, before he nodded in agreement. “She's right. Drawing too much attention would be counterproductive. We need someone who’d be recognised with assumed respect but only that…”
You would have preferred to stay out of it given your role in this plot wasn’t slated to play a part until much later in the game, if you had your way not at all, but from Signora’s energetic look you knew you’d have to step in. Before she suggested to lead the entire mission instead of working in the shadows as was ordered, her direct involvement in these matters would only make your work harder. Signora never left a good impression.
Capitano huffed his face hidden deep behind his mask. “As a new comer Tartaglia is also lacking in the same high priority duties we are, if he’s called away on work it wouldn’t take nearly as long, or have to limit his actions to avoid conflict in the region. He’s in a far better position to do so the rest of us.”
Signora relented the sharp rebuttal she had readied to levy in your direction when Capitano spoke, though you heard a distinct “tch” under her breath. The Damsellette suddenly rose from her slumped position with a warm smile. You expected her to have a comment on the discussion, but with some otherworldly sense, she said, “They’ve arrived.”
Pierro looked up from his seat at the centre of the table where he’d been intentionally ignoring the rest of you in thinning patience, and watched as the door slowly opened. You were mostly apathetic to the arrival despite just having defended this stranger. He mattered little to you, and you only let your eyes briefly flash towards the slightly blurred forms before looking back to Pierro, listening to the light taps of feet as they moved towards the group.
“We apologise for our delay. So much snow this time of year. I do hope you’ll forgive us,” Pulcinella greeted, going to take a seat close to Pierro. To your surprise, your ear flicked towards the distinctive scrape of a second chair being pulled up beside him. Tartaglia had chosen to sit next to Pulcinella? Usually, Harbingers arranged themselves in order of rank; it was a rather bold decision to purposely sit next to someone so much higher in rank. As the 11th, with Pulcinella being the 5th, it was odd he’d make such a choice. You’d do the same if it didn’t mean sitting next to Pantalone and Signora.
That was enough to make you glance his way, and in the moment you did, your heart stopped.
Deep blue eyes returned your gaze, familiar ruffled, fluffy ginger hair lightly cascading over pale skin like ripped curtains. He carried himself with an energetic cunning reminiscent of a sly fox. Upon noticing your attention drawn towards him, “Tartaglia” gave you a small wave through a gloved hand previously rested on the table.
You couldn’t move, you couldn’t think, your breathing completely paused.
You had met him before. It was Ajax, and he could ruin everything you’d worked so hard for…
“Yeah, yeah, you’re late. Let’s get on with it,” Scaramouche barked from the seat beside you, forcing life back into your body. You had to remain calm. A single emotion in this moment could ruin you further. How much did he know? Did he recognize you, or was he waving simply because you hadn’t met before? Did he tell Pulcinella or even Pierro about you? Endless questions attacked your mind with increasing damage while you pushed your head towards Pierro, hoping that looking away would assist in your plight. This couldn’t be happening. You had to be mistaken, there was no way. Not after all this time.
“I welcome the new lord Tartaglia to his first official Harbingers meeting,” Pierro’s muffled voice momentarily brought you back to the present. You hadn’t even heard him officially call the meeting into session.
Pierro turned swiftly, only allowing a brief introduction to Tartaglia before he looked to you with a small nod. “We also welcome the return of Harbinger Wisteria back to the homeland after her prolonged work in service of the Fatui,” Pierro said, despite knowing full well that you’d never left the homeland. That was just how these things worked; secrecy between each other was not just expected but was as thoughtless as breathing. Best just to act like you believe it and compile your suspicions for a later date.
You were an assassin; you had hidden your emotions for the last 10 years. Despite the great fear and surprise raking your form, you did not concede to it. Your face remained calm as you dipped your head in recognition, and Pierro moved on to Pantalone, the rest of the Harbingers seemingly unaware of your inner turmoil for now.
”Pantalone, why don’t you start us off by explaining your efforts to bring preparations to Mondstad.”
If fear had a name it’d certainly be yours. Your chest had never been tighter. You had to remind yourself to breathe every few seconds, let alone blink. The meeting dragged on, your nerves fraying with each passing minute. Pantalone’s voice droned endlessly. You were almost scared he’d choke on his own breath with how little he stopped… at first. After another hour of it you were partial to using your anemo vision to make it a reality.
The room felt colder than usual, the sharpened crystals lining the walls reflecting the tension in the air if you breathed in a moment longer you felt as though you’d feel those same crystals clawing your throat. Scaramouche’s glances didn’t help. His eyes bore into you, a silent reminder to maintain your composure.
You felt a yawn clawing at your throat and breifly considered faining exhaustion of some kind before quickly abandoning that idea. Even if it worked Pantalone would probably take the opportunity to annoy you into agreeing to tie up some loose ends he didn’t want traced back to him with his own personal matters, just to get him to leave you alone. Scaramoushe and Dottore probably would just go on about weak mortals, the rest of them would just make snide remarks about “sleepy kittens” you were in no mood for.
Your tail bristled slightly at the thought and Scaramoushe gave you an odd look parting his jaw to speak when a voice interrupted him.
“Lady Wisteria?” You looked in the reflection to your side to see the new lord Tartaglia calling you from his spot in front of Pulcinella. “Could we discuss something?”
You breathed in sharply your back still turned away from the harbinger and you made your best effort to force your body not to flinch. Anxiety momentarily crippled your tongue as your mind raced away with thoughts. It had been doable to get through the meeting, knowing it would have been impolite for Tartaglia openly speak. You’d thought it would have been easy to slip away once it was over but it seems not. For once a welcomed snide voice broke you from your personal hell and you turned back towards the others with a practiced neutrality.
Scaramoushe scoffed “In love already? I’d say she’s a fair bit out of your league.” He looked at Tartaglia as though he was ant beneath his foot.
You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. Your ‘friendship’ with Scaramoushe was something you’d worked hard to achieve but one undeniable thing about him was his possessiveness. Once he had decided he liked you enough to consider you tolerable to speak with, no one else was allowed near you lest they try take you away. “friendship” with Scaramoushe was necessary and you’d spent years slowly cultivating it, despite his less than desirable traits at times it was advantageous to keep him somewhat close if only for the advantages within the fatui it gave you.
You considered your options for the moment, and watched as Ajax sniffed with a mildly offended huff. Agreeing with Scaramoushe and walking away would be your preferred option but that would be far too rude for the situation. To your relief Ajax didn’t seem focused on you, it was becoming more likely that he didn’t recognise you and if the worst case scenario occurred and he did, he didn’t seem like he was going to make that information public. He’d had enough of a chance to by now and yet he didn’t say anything.
Before anything could escalate further you made up your mind and you flashed Scaramoushe a warm smile. “I’ll be along soon.” You assured and his displeasure brefily softened before he quickly bristled turning away with his head held high and making his intention to leave well known to everyone in the hall.
“What are you telling me for it’s not like I care, just have what I need from you or else.” He threatened and you watched Dottore tilt his head at Scaramoushe, a smug smile visible under his raven beak. Calling out something you’d rather not address. Dottore’s smile unsettled most and although you’d never admit it, it unsettled you. Especially when it was the ‘real’ him and not a stand in. There was something so sinister about it, even more sinister than you’d expect for someone of his rank.
Ignoring the second for the moment you twitched your ear at Tartaglia staring at him curiously a moment pondering his intentions once more before moving in his direction.
Some harbingers still lingered near by, wether it was to discuss their own affairs or as you were beginning to suspect from the rather unabashed glances in your direction, their stalled movements were fuelled by interest in what their newest harbinger’s business with you might be. Watching like vultures circling a wounded animal, waiting for the moment it faltered enough to go in for the kill. Unfortunately for Ajax what they wanted was something all the harbingers carved to have over one another, leverage.
A single slip up, something Ajax might let loose to ensure his future subservience to their will. You were in much the same situation in this moment weather you wished to admit it or not.
“Lord Tartaglia.” You greeted respectfully swishing your tail as you bowed a little, the bow was swift enough to show respect but you were careful to ensure it did not last. In this room showing too much respect to a harbinger even a single rank below your own was playing with fire. “Might I offer my congratulations to your new position within the fatui.” Your words were fairly careful, respectful but not familiar.
Ajax looked at you through partially closed eyes, but you didn’t trust it. You watched as he shifted his pupils sharpened like an analytical blade before he flashed you a warm smile. A smile you were sure he’d used far to much in the past, seemingly expecting you to enamoured by its presence before he spoke. “Thank you, Lady Wisteria. What an honour to meet someone so hidden from the public eye.” There it was.
A crackle of excitement danced its way around the room at Tartaglia’s veiled disrespect.
Dottore openly snickered. Pantalone breifly paused one his droning speeches to Arelchino, and she in-turn raised a brow in your direction. Signora more insulted by the disrespect of misuse of title, than defensiveness over you glared at Tartaglia Sandrone supporting an equally irritated look and Scaramoushe’s quick exit for the door slowed. Pulcinella barely a pace behind Tartaglia, reading a report that Pierro had given the harbingers in the meeting didn’t even glance in your direction.
The first time he greeted you by ‘My Lady’ you hadn’t noticed it but the second time was deliberate. Harbingers were greeted by my lord, or my grace. Something he’d have been schooled on from day one. It seems Scaramoushe was not Exaggerating his eagerness for a fight, it was as close to an insult the more even toned harbingers could get in this room. But it wasn’t personal. If Ajax recognised you in that first moment he’d have been more apparent, subtly was a lost art to him.
However as you registered Tartaglia’s word choice you couldn’t help but notice the Rooster, where the other harbingers even the ones “polite” enough to pretend to have other business there was a reaction of some kind.
You smelt a rat. You were the target he chose for Tartaglia to challenge first. Punchinella was sure you’d react, and you decided right in that moment he wouldn’t be proven right.
“Your grace.” You corrected swiftly leaving no room for response as you continued on. Further reaction would be loosing, especially with the rest of them watching. “Now, you said you wanted to discuss something with me. What might I assist our newest harbinger in?” You added a little weight to the ‘newest’ in way of establishing some control back by reminding Ajax of his place.
Ajax either was content with his short victory or didn’t wish to offend you further, just nodded “As you may have heard, I worked under the other harbingers at one time or another for various amounts of time. And well I’d like the opportunity to work with you, or under if you’d prefer to take charge?”
You had to admit it was an interesting offer, this greatly reduced the mental planning you’d decided to partake in the second Ajax’s existence was brought to your notice to figure out just what Ajax was doing here.
Your brows furrowed in fake thought as if you hadn’t already decided to say yes. “Hmm… I suppose with my return there’s likely a few matters to attend to but I doubt I should need assistance of even my own agents let alone that of a harbinger. Did you have any need of me Lord Tartaglia, I’m sure settling in to a new role must bring its hardships?” You had to stop a cunning smile pouring onto your face. You may be isolated from your co-workers but the idea of getting one of them indebted to you this early, and an apprentice of a harbinger 5 ranks above your own was appealing in its own right but it also meant if he made the choice and lead the mission you could focus entirely on what figuring out why he was here.
Ajax snapped to respond the instant the words left your mouth, the art of patience about as lost on him as the art of stubtly. “In fact I do. Tell me my grace, is it true that Snezhnayian Meifwas are adept climbers even in harsh weather conditions?” If he already knew that much then he knew the answer. but you entertained his question nevertheless.
“Indeed it is, our prey has been known to be rather elusive. Agility and an ability to adapt to intolerable weather comes along way in assisting that.” You confirmed flicking your ear in expression of your point.
“Wonderful, we’re looking for the most elusive kind of prey.” Tartaglia hinted vaguely.
“Human?” You questioned with a raised brow. His flare for the dramatics certainly hadn’t fallen with age. He nodded his gaze darkening with a much more sinister spark.
“We’re hunting someone who dares to stand against the might of the Tsaritsa‘s will. Be ready for a fight my grace, our beloved archon’s image will not go tarnished whilst I go on breathing.” Tartaglia vowed.