Chapter Text
“And… I’m lost…”
Ana looked at her folded map of the city of Hydro again for what felt like the thirtieth time as she sat down on one of the blue benches. She felt like a fish out of water, ironic considering her current location. She could feel her normally beautiful brown eyes slowly turning red from having to try and understand the layout of the sprawling city of Fontaine.This was her first time in such a large city, compared to her hometown of Mondstadt, Fontaine was more akin to leviathan of marble and brass.
“‘Come to Fontaine’ she said,” Ana thought to herself, “‘I don’t need a guide’ I said…” she knew her pride had gotten the better of her back when the Knave first extended the offer. She wanted to prove herself and show she didn’t need to be coddled by a Harbinger. She was just thankful Sara and Predrag weren’t around to mock her lack of direction.
“Are you lost, miss?” A voice from behind her map snapped her back to her senses, glancing up, she was a bit surprised by the person speaking to her. It was the young magician she had seen when she first arrived. She had watched him perform for a while before setting off for her destination. Well, attempting too at least.
“Ah, is it that obvious?” Ana asked, an embarrassed smile adorning her face, one of her hands nervously rubbing the back of her head, trying to not ruin her cute light blue hair.
“Oh, don’t worry, everyone gets lost here from time to time.” The young man spoke, Ana couldn’t quite tell how genuine the statement was. “If you’d like, I can show you around!”
Ana was both thankful for the offer and a bit embarrassed. But she would rather be embarrassed and know where she was, than wandering around like the bards from Angel’s Share after closing time. “That would be a big help, thank you!”
As she stood up, the young man tipped his hat a bit “Oh it’s nothing, I’m Lyney by the way, nice to meet you properly.”
“I’m Ana, I’m here to visit some family, at a place called… the Hotel Bouffes d'ete?” She asked, mostly because she wasn’t sure if she pronounced it correctly.
“Oho! What a coincidence! I was just on my way there myself, though I do need to find my sister first, she’s likely close by so it won’t take-”
“I’m right here.” A monotone voice spoke from behind Ana, causing both the magician and the blue haired chef to jump slightly. Turning around, Ana sees a young woman with feline features, she was briefly reminded of The Cats Tail bartender back home. Before she can say anything, Lyney interjects.
“Lynette, can you not scare our new friend, and myself for that matter.” He muttered that last part under his breath.
“We’re heading to the hotel, correct?” Lynette asks, seemingly brushing off her brother's remark with little regard. “We are running behind after all.”
“You’re right dear sister, just follow us Miss Ana, we’re professional guides at this point.” Lyney said as he started to walk ahead, leading the group to their destination.
—
It didn’t take long for the trio to make their way to the Hotel Bouffes d'ete, Ana couldn’t help but take in the lovely scent as they drew closer. Compared to the lovely smell of fresh bread and the various deserts around Fontaine, one of the upper open windows of the hotel emanated a delicious smell of fresh barbeque, which told her she was exactly in the right place. Arlecchino had told her in her most recent letter that she would prepare some for her to meet the other members of her family.
In truth, Ana wished she knew more about the children of the Hearth, unfortunately, the Knave was unwilling to divulge names or descriptions of her children in the letters sent to her. Which, considering their line of work, made a lot of sense. Though Ana understood why, it did make her a bit anxious. She was thankful the twins had not asked for more information regarding the family she was to be meeting in a foreign nation. Regardless, the trio soon made their way into the lobby of the hotel.
Before Ana could reach the front desk, she was gently led to one of the nearby sitting areas by the twins, though she still chose to remain standing. Lynette then spoke, her voice still in that monotone level. “I’ll inform Father, you can entertain our guest until then.” The young man simply nodded his head in acknowledgement. The young woman then made her way to the stairs, her figure disappearing around the bend soon after.
“Wait…” Ana started, “What did she mean by-” then it clicked. It wasn’t by chance that a helpful magician and his assistant would help her find her destination. The same one who she had seen when she first arrived off of the aquabus. As well, what are the chances that Lynette would show up so conveniently at the perfect time? Unless… She had been following her.
For most people, this revelation would come as a bit frightening. Being observed and followed in a foreign land would certainly alarm anyone. Ana did get a slight feeling of surprise and anxiety, but it was quickly overtaken by another emotion. Embarrassment.
The entire time she was wandering around lost in the court of Fontaine, she was being seen by her soon-to-be family. Nothing says a great first impression like map illiteracy, especially after she was so certain she could find her way around just fine.
Before she could continue to think on it, her thoughts were swiftly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, notably, the sharp tap of a pair of stilettos on marble floors. It wasn’t long until Lynette returned, beside her was a young man with freckles, compared to the twins, he seemed much more shy and reserved. The duo then took positions on either side at the bottom of the stairs, their heads bowed slightly. Clearly the House of the Hearth has some interesting traditions in regards to receiving guests.
The small amount of chatter in the lobby quickly silenced, leaving only the sound of the approaching Harbinger. As she turned around the bend, Ana made eye contact with her dear Knave for the first time in months. It filled her with delight, excitement, and a touch of fear. Though, that last part came from her normally commanding aura.
Ana quickly noticed that she was fidgeting with her cryo vision, which hung from her neck like a pendant. As she went to move her hand away from her necklace, Arlecchino reached out and held her hand in her own scarred and blackened palm.
"It is good to see you dear," The Harbinger spoke as she bent down and kissed Ana's hand, leaving a small kiss mark on the back of the shorter woman's hand. "I do hope your trip here was an enjoyable one."
Ana couldn't focus, replaying the small intimate act over and over in her head, Lyney wasn't faring any better, it was taking a lot of effort to not leave his jaw on the floor. Lynette, being the protective older sister she was, covered Freminets eyes, he was too young to see their Father doing such things. Seeing the synapses in Ana’s eyes firing blindly for a response, Arlecchino decided to speak again.
“Dinner is almost done, we had best make our way upstairs. I would hate to serve a cold meal to my dear chef.” The Harbinger then gently lifted Ana’s gaze to meet hers, a subtle yet gentle smile adorning her normally stoic visage. “Shall we, my dear?”
Ana could feel the blush rapidly adorning her face, her capacity for language failing her, she quickly nodded in agreement. With that, the Knave led her gently by the hand, letting their fingers intertwine. The act was foreign to Arlecchino, but it was a very welcomed one.
—
“Oh… I’m so full..” Ana said, laying down on the couch next to the fireplace. The sun had long since departed, leaving only the gentle warm light of the hearth. The children had been sent to bed, the father of the home was cleaning up the remaining messes in the kitchen, though it admittedly wasn’t much.
Ana had a wonderful time at the table, sitting next to her Harbinger and enjoying the delicious meal. Listening to the children talk about themselves and their interests was a joy Ana had not expected she needed in her life, but was more than ready to embrace it immediately. It had been a long time since she had this, a good and happy meal with family. She had forgotten what it felt like after so long. She really needed something like this. Her reflecting was cut short when Arlecchino approached her, seemingly done with the clean up.
“May I sit with you?” The Knave spoke, her eyes burning a beautiful crimson, just barely illuminating her face in the darkness.
Ana couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle as she sat up, “I’m in your house, I should be the one asking that.” she patted the spot next to her. “But yes, you may.”
“Oh is that so?” Arlecchino started as she sat down next to her partner, “Maybe I wouldn’t have had to ask if you didn’t lay down on it.”
“Not my fault dinner almost knocked me into a food coma!”
“It is when you refill your plate even after saying you were full.”
“It was just one more! Besides, it was too good to not indulge a little.”
Arlecchino let out a little laugh, “Well, I am glad it met your expectations.”
It wasn’t long before Ana could feel the fatigue of a long journey and wandering around the city finally catch up to her. She had been running on pure excitement for most of this day and now, she felt at ease. But, she was missing one small thing.
“Arle,” She spoke. “If it’s alright… Can I cuddle up to you for a bit?”
The Knave glanced at her with curiosity. She had never been asked this before, admittingly, she was a bit uncertain of the experience, but for her beloved, she was willing to try.
“You may.” With that, the cyro user snuggled up to pyro aligned partner. Resting her head on the Harbingers shoulder, Ana watched the flames in the hearth dance. She took in her partner’s scent as she relaxed. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier with each passing second. Just before she fell into the hands of slumber, she could feel Arlecchino gently wrap her arm around her waist, the Harbinger lowered her head closer to her beloved, before softly saying the final words of the first day of their new life.
“Welcome to the family, Ana.”