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“Oh, who could be bothering me at this hour… archons, it’s barely noon… Coming, coming!” The retired god could be heard shuffling around behind the door of her apartment in the Court of Fontaine. A ring of her doorbell had awoken her from a drawn-out slumber that no one would call reasonable except for Furina herself. Reaching the door, she threw it open. “Hello, hel- wait… oho, y-you?” She startled in surprise at who was on the other side of the door.
“Lady Furina.” She’d recognize that voice in an instant.
And so it was that “The Knave” Arlecchino, Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers and patron of the House of the Hearth, would come across former archon Furina de Fontaine in baggy light-blue sleeping clothes decorated with cartoonish illustrations of Melusines at twelve-fifty PM on her birthday.
“Y-yes, h-hello Miss Knave, a-apologies for my sorry sta-“
“No need to apologize. I had reasons to expect this would be the case. Regardless, I’m simply coming by because I was in the area, and wanted to deliver a missive on behalf of the children. As Lyney informed me, today is your birthday, correct?”
Furina’s face was pale from the beginning of this conversation, and the Harbinger’s words did nothing to assuade this. “U-um… yes, that’s correct…”
“Good,” the taller woman continued. “The youngling said he was planning to deliver this himself, but I figured I might as well pitch in. And perhaps spare you some flair in the process.” She unveiled a box of a warm red color - closer to the color of Pyro than to the signature color of this Harbinger. A flowery yellow bow adorned it. “I heard this was a team effort of sorts. Do enjoy it,” she finished, extending the box with a black, clawed hand.
“Uuuu…” Furina made a stressed noise as her eyes concentrated anywhere but the Knave and her box. Eventually though, she gingerly took it, withdrawing herself from the Knave’s close proximity as quick as she reasonably could. “Thank you… Miss Knave…” She moved to politely retreat into her apartment.
“Of course. I look forward to our future partnerships…” And before the Harbinger could say anything more, the door shut and Furina was gone.
Why her why her why her?! Furina’s mind raced a mile a minute from stress as she held back tears. Future partnerships?! she panicked as she set the box down to take a breather. Okay… calm down, Furina. You’ve overcome so much worse than that foul woman… The box can’t be that bad, if it’s the magician’s work and not hers… After a couple minutes of heavy heart thumping panic, she undid the ornate ribbon and opened the box.
She saw this part coming; Lyney’s signature cat-hat-creature popped up with a sparkle of miniature pyrotechnics. Other than that, no less than six cards, all of different handwriting and appearance, were present inside the box, as well as two slices of cake.
The first card in the stack was the least fancy. The stationary was some of the standard Melusine-print birthday card stuff you could get at any gift shop in Fontaine. A classic of the last two years, certainly.
Happy Birthday Furina! it read. The Traveler had the idea to send some kind of gift box around to everyone we met in Fontaine, and all add our own cards to it! So this is Paimon’s card. She picked out the cake too!! The card was unsigned, but given the writing style, the name written therein, and the comically large handwriting, it wasn’t hard to guess who wrote it. Furina gave off a single giggle at this, shaking a tear to the stationary and wettening it. Oh, bother… ah, it’s whatever. It’ll dry~ she thought.
The next card was written on Palais Mermonia official stationary. I wonder who this is from, she thought sarcastically.
Dearest Furina, it read. Words cannot properly express my gratitude to you for your efforts in saving Fontaine. The Traveler gave me this gift box, telling me to write you a birthday card, place it within, and forward it to the next person. While said next person was intended to be Wriothesley, he has been busy with work for quite some time. Therefore, you will unfortunately not find a card from him (nor Sigewinne) enclosed within. I do not fully understand how to properly give you any better birthday wishes, and I fear if I included a gift of water it would only cause problems for the machinations of those down the line. Therefore, please enjoy my wishes, as well as those of Navia and Clorinde, who will be receiving this box shortly. Sincerely, Neuvillette. Impeccable handwriting, no adornments. Classic Monsier Neuvillette. And of course he spoiled the surprise as to who was next as well… Furina wiped away her tears and started to smile at this.
The next card in the stack was on official Spina di Rossula stationary, but a couple of papercrafted flowers adorned it, making it clear that this was indeed the much beloved President’s doing.
Dearest Furina , it read. Same opening as the last card, but the handwriting was much more fluid, and written in some kind of gold ink too. Shame on our lovely Iudex for spoiling the surprise! I hope this card finds you in good health and spirits. I’ll keep this short so I can pass this thing onto my dear Clorinde soon; that said, remind me next time we meet to take you shopping! My treat, for our dearest Miss Furina, who’s done so much for this nation and for each of us. Sincerely, Navia <3
No anticipation was needed for the sender of the next card. It appeared to be on plain stationary, but a purple pen had been used to create floral designs around the edges. The handwriting was neat, but not too neat like the Iudex’s.
Dear Furina, Clorinde’s card read. Now knowing what Navia had been so excited about the past couple of days, I send my own birthday regards. May this letter find you in good spirits, and please do have a good birthday. Sincerely, Clorinde. The signature was decidedly unique, signifying someone who had years of repitition reinforcement in signing documents. P.S. The sword I picked out for you didn’t fit in the box. I’ll give it to you next time we meet.
The second-to-last card was written on a reddish-pink paper and decorated with stickers and artwork of Lyney and Lynette’s design. And a clockwork penguin for good measure. Furina smiled softly at that. She’d always thought Freminet was a fine young man, and was happy to see him pitching in.
To the illustrious Lady Furina, from all of us at the House of the Hearth! this card opened. (Well, it’s Lyney writing this, but we all wish you well!) Clorinde gave this to me and told me all about the setup. I’ve added my own flair to the box as well, as you’ve certainly seen~ We are incredibly grateful for your efforts in saving Fontaine as well as your unending support of our performances, our efforts, and our family. I’d add one more person to this chain, but unfortunately our Father is away right now, so unless she pays us a surprise visit, I’ll be coming to your place to deliver this and give you a personal show~ Have a splendiferous birthday! Sincerely, Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet. At the mention of Father, Furina tensed up a bit, realizing there was one more card left. Of course that’s who it’s from. Nevertheless, Furina still cracked a warm smile at this card. It was things like this that reminded her that her 500 years of suffering were never in vain.
That left one card. Written on dark-colored stationary, the card was inked in crimson. Furina shuddered at the thought of the sender. Nevertheless, she had to admit, the Knave’s handwriting was beautiful and poised, though with sharp points here and there.
Lady Furina, it began. Classic Knave. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to give my best wishes to the person who saved my children, would I? I hope this letter finds you well. Birthdays are a special time in the House; for mine, each year, we have a barbeque with all the children included. I would be honored to invite you one year, if you are interested so. For now, though, I hope you enjoy the cake that Paimon has so generously included. I’ve added a second slice for good measure. After all, they say this cake in particular is best enjoyed in twos, and that is why it is sold exclusively so… might you agree with my personally held suspicion that our dearest Paimon has made off with one of the two? In any case, I wish you well. Know that the children, and I myself, are willing to help you with anything you might find yourself in need of that our Iudex has not provided you. Enjoy your cake. Yours truly, Arlecchino.
Furina thought the letter had a somewhat sinister undertone… but then again, when did anything that Knave said not have a sinister undertone…? With that said, this felt like the most sincere thing that foul Knave had ever said to Furina… Perhaps the Harbinger didn’t fully understand the trauma she caused to the former archon. She would never fully forgive that Knave, certainly, but… at the very least, she was starting to feel better about accepting birthday wishes from her. Maybe, just maybe, she could be convinced to attend that barbeque.