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A misstep.
A little stumble.
An almost wrong turn, one only corrected after being twisted towards the correct direction.
Yet another misstep.
And when she heard yet another soft sigh in response, Arlecchino decided she has had enough.
“I'm not doing this anymore.”
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
“If you are to be a Snezhnayan diplomat from now on, I won't have you embarrass The Tsaritsa by tripping around a ballroom dance floor in an ungainly way.”
La Signora had exclaimed with a flick of her wrist and a snap of her fingers as Arlecchino rolled her eyes very openly.
It was strange, this ease she had started to feel around Rosalyne ever since they had first spoken in one of the halls at the Tsaritsa's Winter Palace and since Arlecchino had settled more into her new role as one of the Fatui's executive heads.
No longer was she a 'child' of the House of the Hearth – Peruere, the 'king' to be.
The Tsaritsa had given her newly appointed Harbinger every freedom to got about her own way and even follow her own personal goals as long as she returned to her side when the time has come.
And so Arlecchino had decided to take on the responsibilities as the Head of the House of the Hearth.
“Father.” was what the children of the House called her now – those who had formerly been her brothers and sisters and those who she had taken in anew alike.
And 'Father' had rewritten the rules, cut old ties and laid down new harsh strictures – some perhaps almost unreasonably so. All however needed in order to force a change.
And when 'Mother' had promised 'love' and 'care' – 'Father' would be cold and unfeeling.
Arlecchino would assure that the unhappy memories of the past would only ever dwell in her heart alone and make sure her children would see a broader, gentler future, one surrounded by the family.
Her rank as a Harbinger had also given Arlecchino a god-like authority she had however yet to master yielding. And The Fair Lady had willingly offered to share her wealth of experience with her.
Though why La Signora had taken enough of a peculiar shine to the young Knave to make it her responsibility to 'educate' Arlecchino on 'the proper conduct of a Harbinger in public' was anyone's guess, really.
After all the only thing Rosalyne had asked for in exchange was the occasional update on the well-being of the Houses' children. A strange request perhaps but a request Arlecchino could easily grant.
----------
At first and admittedly so, Arlecchino had thought that The Fair Lady was simply looking for an opportunity to flaunt some kind of seniority over a newly appointed Knave.
And while La Signora had indeed a fair share of sharp remarks to make, drenched in haughtiness and put-upon annoyance, Arlecchino would be lying if she said that she did not profit of their regular exchanges.
Rosalyne had taught her how to negotiate for any and all resources, how to balance the House's expenses and the social decorum necessary for their ranks as Harbingers.
She had also helped Arlecchino expand her general knowledge.
Or rather, everytime The Knave would be called back to Snezhnaya she would find her rooms at Zapolyarny Palace filled with new stacks of various books for her to take back to the House of Hearth.
“Your orphanage has enough room to function as a storage space for my outdated book collection.”
was what the note on the first stack she had ever found said.
The residue of cryo energy on the paper had been enough of a signature.
And as Rosalyne never commented on the gifted book stacks, Arlecchino as well never commented on how The Fair Lady's 'outdated' collection parts would always consist of tomes on latest scientific discoveries.
Along with freshly printed picture books for children and newly released novels across several genres.
Needless to say, the children were always overjoyed whenever their 'Father' brought back gifts from Snezhnaya after all.
Aside from anything La Signora was actively teaching her, there were also many things the young Knave had learned by simply observing The Fair Lady.
Especially so during any social gatherings at Zapolyarny Palace that required the Harbingers' attendance.
La Signora was graceful in her movements and cordial, in both her threats and flattery – attributes Peruere had already seen once before.
And yet Rosalyne was different to...her.
Rosalyne after all didn't bother with false affections and pseudo-warm sentiments.
The Fair Lady shrouded herself in ice and frost, by both necessity, to keep the fire in her veins at bay and choice, to keep any who would dare approach at a controlled distance.
The Knave couldn't help but be fascinated.
And so, Arlecchino had learned how to use her own stoic appearance to her advantage and though still taciturn by nature, she had also learned how to use her words more skillfully simply by listening to Rosalyne speak.
Despite of all of the progress The Knave had made in her diplomatic endeavors however there seemed to be one thing La Signora was intent on teaching her no matter the amount protest.
----------
“I will not be 'tripping around' the dance floor, Rosalyne.”
Arlecchino huffed in exasperation.
“In fact I won't even be anywhere near it. Ever. If that makes you feel better.”
The Knave added firmly, though judging by the way Signora's eyebrow had twitched, the declaration did not in fact make The Fair Lady 'feel better'.
There was also the way Arlecchino had found herself grabbed tightly by the scruff of her neck and the overly sweet smile that had appeared on Rosalyne's lips.
“You can't always hide in some dark corner each time the music picks up, Little Knave.”
And Arlecchino was about to take offense to that remark – she could always hide in the dark, it was her business to do so after all – when Rosalyne continued sharply.
“You're a Fatui Harbinger, a diplomat at that. People will eventually notice even the simplest lack of appearance.”
The Knave's shoulders slumped in resignation. Now that she understood her own rank better, she knew Signora to be right after all.
And as she sighed a little, Arlecchino could have sworn that Rosalyne squeezed her shoulder ever so gently, almost as if to console the young Knave.
“Besides, you would be surprised at the amount of information people will divulge while turning around on a dance floor.”
La Signora remarked slyly before grabbing a bit more forcefully onto Arlecchino's shoulder.
And as the young Knave was inadvertently dragged in the direction of one of the empty ballrooms in the Winter Palace, Arlecchino inhaled deeply.
She should be fine.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The Knave almost snarled as she all but actually slapped The Fair Lady's hand of her own shoulder.
She knew that she had no reason to be this frustrated, it wasn't as if she cared about doing well here.
Nor did she actually care about her public image as a Fatui Harbinger – or her internal one as a matter of fact.
Even Rosalyne had, perhaps knowing that at the end of the day Arlecchino was simply humoring her, been much more patient than usual with her.
And yet.
As she and Signora swayed and turned, as she tripped and stumbled more and more, Arlecchino started to become more aware of the dull ache that started at her fingertips and continued to move up her arms.
An ache that Arlecchino had thought she left behind these days and an ache that Peruere had last felt when she glanced at a crumbled Lumidouce Bell.
Usually that ache was also precursor of something more.
Arlecchino grit her teeth and turned to strut towards one of the ballroom's balcony doors.
What was she doing here anyway, really? Pretending to be mingling in noble societies.
She could hear Rosalyne's voice from behind but as her blood started boiling and rushing to her ears, The Fair Lady's words became intangible.
----------
“P-perrie!”
Clervie's voice sounded more guilty than surprised when she spotted Peruere sitting on the window sill of their shared room, her pale face only illuminated by the silver moonlight.
“Why aren't you sleeping already?”
It was a pointless question, Peruere thought silently. They both knew that she would never go to bed without Clervie present after all.
“I told you, you didn't always have to wait for me, didn't I?”
Clervie chuckled. Bashfully so and painfully so.
And Peruere felt a sting in her chest.
She would always wait for Clervie, especially so on the evenings the latter decided to talk to her mother.
And even in the dark Peruere could see the swell of Clervie's cheek.
The scrapes on her legs, the slight limb in her steps and the edge of the bandage she was trying to hide underneath her sleeve. A bandage that had long ago stopped being tied off with a bow.
Peruere stood from her seat at the window sill and quietly walked towards Clervie who avoided her gaze.
She had stopped meeting Peruere's eyes on nights like this a long time ago. Peruere wished she still would, but she also understood.
And so, as always, she would stand in front of Clervie and slowly open her arms in a clumsy offer of an embrace that would usually earn her a small giggle.
But when Clervie would normally simply lean into her, today she instead suddenly snapped her fingers.
“Oh, I know! Let's do something fun!”
She exclaimed, her face now bright and adorned with a gentle blush.
“Dance with me!”
And there was little Peruere could do but catch Clervie when the later quickly flung herself in into her arms with a giggle.
“You know, like they do in all of the fairy tales with the ballrooms in the giants castles.”
She explained as she took one of Peruere's hands into her own and placed the other on her hip.
Peruere furrowed her brows.
“But there's usually music playing though, isn't there?”
It was feeble as far as protests go, as she still stood passively and allowed Clervie to adjust her arms and posture.
“I could sing?”
Clervie offered cheerily and Peruere winced.
“Please don't.”
“Hey, don't be rude!”
Clervie pouted and with both of her hands occupied she gently bumped her forehead against Peruere's in retaliation.
“I said 'please'.”
Peruere dead-panned, earning a snort of laughter from Clervie.
“Silly.”
And it was indeed silly, not just Peruere's excuse but also the way they started to turn around each other in the middle of the night with no music, in a pale imitation of what they thought a dance would look like.
Of what the pictures and descriptions in story books had taught them.
And soon enough Clervie broke into giggles as what started as careful swaying turned into inept twirling and stumbling steps.
And Peruere allowed herself a small smile. These days she rarely got to hear Clervie's genuine laughter anymore.
“Let's go to a huge ball together one day.”
Clervie had swooned.
“We will dance to the greatest music and wear the prettiest dresses...oh, wait, you don't really like wearing dresses...that's okay, we can get a nice suit jacket for you...”
In her excitement she had started to ramble enough to finally fully trip.
Luckily however Peruere was quick enough to grab onto Clervie. And even though the two of them tumbled down onto the floor as a result, she had at least managed to cushion latter's already battered body.
Clervie had buried her face into her neck to stifle a fit of laughter and Peruere couldn't help a small smile of her own.
And Peruere still remembered the way Clervie looked into her eyes once she had calmed down again.
She also still remembered the small shake in Clervie's hand as she gently brushed black and white strands back.
And she remembered the way her own breath stopped as Clervie inhaled deeply in turn.
And the way their noses brushed against each other before Clervie leaned further in...
----------
Arlecchino exhaled slowly.
What a sight she must be making.
Though she supposed she was already labeled the 'crazed, mad' Knave.
What difference would it make if somebody saw her gripping onto the balcony banister tightly enough to almost break it. Sleeveless, without even her tailcoat on, as Snezhnaya's frost and frigid winds stormed against her.
And yet, Arlecchino barely felt a chill against her skin as her very own blood was boiling underneath her skin and the fire within her veins was threatening to continue burning blackened marks even further up arms.
She closed her eyes and tried to will any lingering emotions that had been stirred inside of her down. She would no longer be controlled by them and no longer would she have her curse run rampant across her body.
Just as her jaw clenched tightly in concentration, The Knave started to feel a new, different, more intentional, kind of frost approaching her.
“I don't think I have called for break time.”
The Fair Lady's voice sounded from behind Arlecchino. As presumptuous as her words were however, Rosalyne's actual tone had no bite in it.
The sheer audacity however, was enough to elicit a sarcastic snort out of the Knave and for some inexplicable reason break the tension within her body.
And perhaps, Arlecchino thought, as La Signora's frost dispersed and Rosalyne stepped to stand beside her, there was some intention behind her remark.
There was a moment of silence and from the corner of her eyes Arlecchino could see Rosalyne take something small out of her coat pocket.
“Have this.”
The Fair Lady ordered and waved a small item in front of the young Knave's face who in response scrunched up her nose.
“What is this?”
Arlecchino turned her head to face Rosalyne who continued holding up the item.
“This, my dear Little Knave, is one of Snezhnaya's best coffee candies. They are meant to reduce tiredness.”
La Signora explained with no small amount of pride and Arlecchino narrowed her eyes at her.
“Aren't you too old to carry around candy?”
Perhaps, Arlecchino thought, as she noticed the twitch in Rosalyne's eyebrow, her response might not have been the most ideal in a scenario such as this.
Yet she thought it a bit too petty when La Signora huffed and swiftly drew away the candy.
"Children who dislike me shall receive none."
“Well, I'm not a child.”
Arlecchino countered and to prove her point she swiftly snatched the candy out of The Fair Lady's hand, quickly unwrapped and popped it into her mouth.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Rosalyne knew Arlecchino to technically be an adult, even if barely so and if not mature by age, very much so by experience - this current incident alone was enough to prove so.
And yet – with her cheek puffed up ever so slightly as The Knave chewed on the candy she had just snatched from her – Rosalyne couldn't help but be reminded of just how young Arlecchino really was, not only by the standards of The Fair Lady herself.
With a repressed sigh she reached forward, took Arlecchino's chin between her fingers and turned the Little Knave's head from side to side.
“Your hair has gotten unruly.”
Signora remarked as Arlecchino furrowed her brows and begrudgingly allowed Rosalyne to scrutinize her.
“I don't have the time to take care of this kind of thing.”
The Little Knave huffed and Rosalyne huffed right back.
“Make time. Or I will make some for you.”
Signora threatened and, really, she didn't know what possessed her as she reached out and started fussing through Arlecchino's bangs.
“If you are going to grow your hair out at least have it shaped in a tidy way.”
Did your mother never teach you how to take care of it?
The question was right at the tip of her tongue when Rosalyne stopped herself.
Of course Crucabena wouldn't have.
----------
Her relationship with the previous Knave had been cordial at best.
When La Signora had expressed interest in visiting the children of the House of Hearth, Crucabena had denied her request all while making almost insultingly horrid excuses.
Soon The Fair Lady's grace towards her had dwindled, though her dislike instead grew. Crucabena as well had started to guard her secrets even more carefully and barely left Fontaine anymore.
It was only within the small vacuum left between Crucabena's fall and Arlecchino's appointment as the new Knave that La Signora had the chance to investigated her former colleague's projects.
Afterwards, she quickly understood why Crucabena had always so adamantly refused her visits to The Hearth.
And if one of her children had not decided to take her down, perhaps Rosalyne would have reported Crucabena's actions to The Tsaritsa and been tempted do so herself.
The Doctor she may not be able to touch for several reasons, Crucabena however would have been no match for her.
The current Knave on the other hand was much more formidable than her predecessor.
----------
Rosalyne sighed – a bit too disdainfully perhaps if the glare Arlecchino threw back at her was anything to go by – but The Fair Lady only rolled her eye.
“And if you can't tie the ribbon properly of your own, I will get you an adequate clasp.”
Signora huffed as she pulled Arlecchino closer to reach around and swiftly undo the small black ribbon the Little Knave had used to crookedly tie her hair together at the nape.
“I can get one of my own.”
The Little Knave exclaimed mockingly as she tried to turn out of Signora's arms – only for Rosalyne to lightly smack her head right back forward.
“Don't be petulant.”
Signora chided and couldn't help a small smirk at the way Arlecchino simply crossed her arms with a huff in response.
And Rosalyne was almost surprised at how she – despite the Little Knave's initial display of defiance – was actually allowed to comb her fingers through black and white hair for quite some time, before finally gathering it to neatly tie it together.
“If not for your own good, at least learn about such mundane things for the sake of the children in your care.”
And The Fair Lady watched as Arlecchino's gears turned and the Little Knave nodded slowly.
“Tell me more.”
Rosalyne smiled.
This Knave was indeed much more fit to be the head of the House of Hearth.