Chapter Text
“To think he would still follow that fool even in death,” The Knave mused when Varya had completed her report. The Knave closed her eyes for a moment before continuing. “I take this to mean Regrator is returning to Snezhnaya?”
“Yes. Her majesty is calling for a gathering of the Harbingers.”
“I see. Is that all you have come to discuss?”
“I-” Varya realized she had been caught. Of course she wished to say more, ask more, understand more. What had Arlechinno witnessed in Nod Krai? Varya herself had been told to prepare, in case she was needed for the catastrophe there, but it ended up being resolved before she could arrive. From there, she had been kept in Snezhnaya for one reason or another until told to deliver this message to Fontaine. While all this ran through her head, Arlechinno waited patiently for her to speak. Finally, Varya thought of her most important question. “At this meeting, do you think Her Majesty will appoint new harbingers in the place of Marionette and The Doctor, or will the seats be left empty. Like when-”
“I do not know,” The Knave responded as Varya trailed off. “That is for Her Majesty to decide.”
“Understood,” Varya nodded.
“Now, I have a mission that I wish for you to take on. That is, if you have time. This is a more, ah, personal request.”
“Her Majesty only called me from Monstadt to deliver this message to you, then to head for the gathering of the Harbingers. My subordinates can handle Monstadt until after the gathering. What do you need, Father?”
“It is more on the behalf of Lyney that I ask this,” Father explained. “The waters of Fontaine have become polluted, leading to more divers in the water. The pollution coupled with the extra bodies is harming the life that calls the waters home.”
“What do you wish for me to do?”
“Assist in purging the waters of filth. You may interpret my command however you please.”
“Understood.”
“Oh, I have also called in assistance for you.”
“Father, I do not require assistance for this. I am certain that Freminet has already begun the work required- I suspect that he is the one that told Lyney in the first place. And speaking of Lyney, I'm sure he and Lynette have other matters to deal with. I am more than capable of handling this.”
“It is not a member of the House of the Hearth. You will work with him, and that is my decision.”
“Father,” Varya narrowed her eyes. “Who have you requested assistance from?”
“I only ask that you attempt not to fight with him. No matter what he requests.”
“Father, I do not need assistance. Especially not his.”
“Head to the Wingalet to meet with Freminet,” Father continued, as if Varya had not objected.
“The Wingalet?” Varya arched her brow, remembering the name of the ship from the report she received after Fontaine flooded.
“Apparantly the ship is quite expensive and has been rented by the Fortress of Meropide to assist with upkeep,” Father exclaimed simply. “The person who currently is residing over it is supposedly quite elusive, though the traveler has been seen going to and from the deck. Not only her, but it is being used as a setting for the film festival. According to my information, Columbina is taking part in the festival and by extent is frequenting the ship.”
“She left Nod Krai?” Varya froze at the name.
“Yes. Apparently she is here to see Sandrone’s homeland.”
“I see,” Varya looked away. She had no intention or time to decipher her feelings on the matter, so she would not at this point. The death of Sandrone, the betrayal of Dottore, and Columbina leaving the Fatui would be situations for her to sort her emotions on later. They would join the growing list of people she had to consider her emotions on before being confident to speak on them with others. Honestly, grieving over her coworkers- not even that, but superiors- was far more emotional than she had been raised to be. Wasting energy and thought on the issue was beyond her orders. So, Varya tucked them away. “I hope that she finds what she is looking for and it does not complicate our matters further.”
“Regardless of who is on deck, I expect you to keep a low profile in your endeavors. It would be best not to have our organization at large involved with this, as it is a personal favor I am requesting.”
“If you want us to keep a low profile, you requested the assistance of the wrong person,” Varya scoffed. “He has not kept a ‘low profile’ in any of the missions he has been given since he became a Harbinger. I doubt he kept a low profile before, he simply had not left Snezhnaya at that point.”
“Varya,” Father spoke calmly, undeterred from the girl’s disgust. She had anticipated this reaction, and planned accordingly. “I am asking you to ensure that he focuses on this and does not create some other difficult situation between Snezhnaya and Fontaine.”
“So I’m babysitting?” Varya snapped in spite of herself. She quickly composed her emotions, and regained her emotionless expression. She knew better than this; Father had taught her better. “I apologize for my outburst.”
“Given what was just resolved in Sumeru, it would be better to avoid further altercations with other nations. Not to mention, the traveller is currently present in Fontaine for the film festival. I do not want him running off to attempt to spar with her.”
“Understood,” Varya nodded, resigning herself. After all, Father’s word was law. At least she could console herself with the fact that she was helping Freminet. “And where will I be meeting this assistant?”
“He should be outside.”
“Already?!” Varya squeaked, before once more regaining control of her face. Stupid, Father taught her better than this. “Very well. I will go to greet him.”
“Oh, hey, comrade! I take it you’re here to assist with the clean up?”
“I would not be here otherwise,” Varya said simply, not stopping as she passed by Tartgalia. “Do keep up.”
“Ah, got it,” Tartaglia shrugged as he got up and followed. This was far from the pair’s first meeting. Unfortunately for Varya, it would not be their last. If all went well, she would not be stuck with him for long. “Hey, if we have some spare time, you want to do a little exploring with me?”
“Why would I do that?” Varya sighed and turned to face him with a decidedly unimpressed look. “I would prefer to complete this matter quickly.”
“I have a map from the traveler of beasts nearby that would make for good fights. Don’t you want to hone your skills?”
“I have no use to waste my talent on the creatures you feel the need to test your capabilities on.”
“If you say so,” Tartaglia shrugged, keeping pace with Varya even as she sped up to attempt to stay in front of him. “I guess I can see if the traveler is free.”
“I heard that she’s here. Perhaps this time I can have the pleasure of meeting her. It seems that on every occasion I may have been able to witness her prowess for myself, I have missed her.”
“Don’t tell me you’re still mad that I got to fight her in Liyue and you didn’t,” Tartaglie chuckled to himself.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I have no need to fight meaningless battles to prove myself.”
“Hah! You are jealous,” Tartaglia threw his arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get your chance to fight her at some point.”
The cryo dagger was in her hand before she could think and at his throat before Tartaglia could realize what happened. They stood like that for a brief moment, Tartaglia’s arm around Varya’s shoulder, her free arm wielding a dagger at his neck. His eyes widened in surprise and she hissed, “If you value your life you will not touch me.”
“So are you finally agreeing to spar with me,” Tartaglia regained his easy-going demeanor but released her shoulder. Varya rolled her eyes and allowed the dagger to dissipate.
“Of course not,” she continued to lead Tartaglia to the place they were to meet with Freminet. “I have been forbidden from fighting you anyway.”