#𐙚˙ 📷 irene levasseur

[vyesquei]

𐙚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 ☆ (2/2)

❝ in which; the angel of opera epiclese meets the famed magician of fontaine " » includes: mentions of ocs, oc x canon (irene levasseur x lyney) » note: this is basically irene's pov of events. enjoy reading!

Hotel Debord was livelier than usual, even though it was evening. The moon glowed its serene light onto the stone pavements of the city. It was truly a night of delight.

“And for my next trick, I will give one of you lovely members of the audience your favorite flower!” 

The crowd clapped, chattering about as they watched the famed magician, Lyney, take the stage with his charm and skill. Beside him was a small table with his hat placed up. The spotlight was on him.

A black haired man with white highlights was seated near the corner of the room, checking his pocket watch, shifting his eyes to Lyney. It had been 15 minutes ever since the show started. The guest that the man had been expecting was late.

“Victor,” someone called out, going to the man’s side.

“Irene, it's a pleasure to see you, my dear sister,” Victor said with a small smile. It has been a long time since the two saw each other, since Irene had moved out of their family home. Naturally they missed each other’s presence.

Irene sat down, looking at her brother with slight guilt, “I’m sorry I'm late, rehearsals took a while today.”

“You had rehearsals? Aren't you tired, then?” Victor asked worriedly.

“Not at all,” Irene smiled, watching the show on stage. In truth, Irene was somewhat exhausted, but she didn't tell Victor the truth. Besides, she wanted to see her brother again, and she couldn’t pass on a chance to watch the allegedly fantastic magician, Lyney.

A young lady was called up to the stage, the spotlight shining on her now. She stood beside Lyney, smiling nervously.

“What’s your favorite flower, my lady?” Lyney asked, smiling gleefully. 

“Um… Cecilias from Mondstadt,” the lady replied, her hands clasped behind her back as she answered the question.

“A wonderful choice! It may be a foreign flower, but nothing is impossible with magic!” Lyney said, looking at the crowd, “Now, I would like to request you to take a good look at my hat. Take in every detail.”

Lyney showed the inside of his hat to the lady, then at the audience, “It’s empty, isn't it? Now, I’d like you to try pulling something out of my hat.”

The lady put her hand inside the hat, moving it around Lyney’s hat, then pulling something. She pulled a red handkerchief, tied to an orange one, which was tied to a yellow one, which was tied by a green one and so on.

The line of tied handkerchiefs was long—more than 15 must've gotten pulled already.

At the count of 25, at the end of the seemingly endless tied handkerchiefs was a beautiful bouquet of Cecilias!

The crowd gasped in adulated shock—how in Teyvat could a bouquet fit inside Lyney’s hat!?

Irene clapped her hands and smiled at the wondrous magic trick. She was amazed at Lyney’s trick. He was a marvellous magician indeed, an entertainer deserving of his applaudable reputation.

Irene glanced at Victor, who was uncharacteristically surprised.

Irene, being Victor’s sister, knew that Victor wasn't the type of person to show much vulnerability, may that be sadness, happiness, love, or shock. With that in mind, Irene was even more convinced that this Lyney is a great magician if he was able to get a flabbergasted expression out of her usually calm brother.

“That was a very good trick,” Victor said, taking his teacup and sipping on it, “I should thank Theo… Ahem, Monsieur Fletcher, for the recommendation. I might as well sponsor one of Mr. Lyney’s shows.”

Irene laughed softly, “So Theodore recommended this show to you... That explains it—although, I did guess…”

“What do you mean?” Victor turned to Irene, a red blush on his cheeks. It wasn't apparent, but it was there. He didn’t smile—in fact, he was calm.

“Well, it's not like you to go on shows like this. You're always working, and if not, you're resting, which is rare.” Irene explained, “When you invited me, I was surprised.”

“So then I guessed that someone must've given you free tickets, but that didn't seem right either. You don't take things for free, even if the person giving you something owes you.” Irene smiled at Victor, “So I figured that a special someone must've recommended this magic show to you.”

“Monsieur Fletcher is not special to me,” Victor denied, although Irene knew otherwise. In all honesty, their parents, their younger brother, Yves, even their grandparents, knew that Victor didn't fancy women. And the only one who didn't know it was Victor himself.

“But…”

“But?”

“He’s a great co-worker, a very fruitful employee.”

Irene smiled sheepishly, shaking her head, “...Not exactly the best wording, brother.”

**

The sounds of fast strings played and echoed in the Opera Epiclese. The voice of a boy echoed in song along with the tense music of the orchestra.

Irene was backstage, having her makeup retouched a minute before she got on the stage to sing one single song.

To be honest, Irene wasn't expecting to sing today. She was only an understudy for another famous singer and never really thought of the prospect of the singer being unable to sing because her lover broke up with her.

All Irene wanted right now was a break. She's been taking so many roles in musicals and plays, trying to climb to the top, but to no avail. She wanted an escape from reality for a moment.

Just a moment. A single moment in time.

That's why she ended up buying a ticket for Lyney and Lynette's show after this musical. This might be the 4th time she's watched their shows. Ever since she watched Lyney’s show with Victor, Irene took a liking to watching the fantastic performances of the great magician of Fontaine.

Philippe, Irene’s manager, teased her that it was some sort of coping mechanism, but Irene disagreed, saying that it felt unhealthy to call it a coping mechanism.

“There was wonder and comfort in Lyney's shows, somehow,” Irene told herself once. It made her feel like she was a kid again; singing along to the records that she loved, talking to her aunt again, and unearthing her passion for music.

It was too specific and so out of the blue to feel that way. Magic shows were not at all related to music, but that's how Irene felt.

“You look wonderful, Irene!” Philippe stated with awe.

“Thank you,” Irene replied.

“Are you nervous? Do you need to drink water?-” Philippe asked worriedly. He was like this before every performance. It was a bit too much sometimes, but Irene appreciated his concern. After all, they've known each other for so long. Even before Irene's debut into the world of theater, she and Philippe were already friends, always chatting about films and such.

“I’m fine,” Irene said, “I’m really not nervous.”

“Irene! You're on!” Someone exclaimed.

Philippe reluctantly stepped back, “You can do this.”

Irene nodded, getting onto the stage, beginning to sing a note, trying her best to get everyone’s attention.

As she sang, she looked at the crowd’s rather bewildered faces. They obviously didn't expect Irene, who you might as well mistake for a member of the staff, to sing onstage instead of a well-known prima donna.

Irene felt a bit anxious at their looks of confusion, but she held onto her remaining confidence, singing the song beautifully, her voice clear in the room…

**

The sound of an applause rang in the opera house as Irene exited the stage. It wasn't loud but she was grateful for it.

Irene walked backstage, to be met by Philippe’s flood of compliments.

“Amazing! I swear, you really captivated the whole stage!” Philippe exclaimed, clapping his hands.

“Thank you,” Irene laughed.

Philippe nodded, “Oh yes—your parents are here, by the way. They tried getting backstage to see you-”

“What?” Irene widened her eyes. Her parents only watched her shows once, never again. Irene’s mother was especially indifferent about her career.

“We should go find them,” Irene stated as she walked to the exit when suddenly she stopped, noticing that there were two familiar figures in front of her.

The Magician of the Stage and his assistant.

“Miss Levasseur!” Lyney exclaimed with a smile, “what a wonderful performance you had! I knew that the crowd had their hearts racing as you sang.”

Irene nodded and smiled, “Thank you, Mr. Lyney.”

Irene was taken aback. She didn’t think that she’d have the chance of meeting Lyney and Lynette out of the blue–not only that but Lyney knew Irene. Could Victor have mentioned her to Lyney before?

Victor started sponsoring Lyney and Lynette after watching their show once. Perhaps there was a time that they talked about Irene. However, it seemed unlikely to Irene since Victor rarely talks about family to strangers. If it was because of her career, that would be even more surprising, since Irene wasn’t exactly in the spotlight.

“I’ve been hoping to meet the two of you in person, it makes me very pleased to finally meet you two,” Irene stated. She was feeling happy about this encounter. It was practically like meeting your idols in person.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Lynette said, “you were beautiful onstage.”

“Thank you,” Irene responded, grateful for their compliments. That’s when she realized that she might have been bothering Lyney and Lynette.

“Are the two of you preparing for the performance you have after this musical? I'm sorry to have bothered you…” Irene asked, a bit embarrassed at herself.

Lyney shook his head, clutching his hat, “Not at all! Me and my sister were only doing prop checks before our show later.”

Irene sighed in relief mentally and smiled, nodding her head. The twins seemed like honest people, so Irene trusted his reply, “Good luck to you both on your performance. I’m sure you'll fascinate the stage.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Lyney bowed with a grin on his face. Irene smiled back and glanced at Philippe—she just remembered about her parents—

“I apologize if it seems like promotion,” Lyney had cut off Irene from her thoughts, which she obviously didn’t mind, “but I'm pretty sure we still have two tickets for our show. If you're interested in watching our show, we have two free tickets for you!”

Irene was taken aback. Was she just offered free tickets? Why? Was it because Irene’s brother was their sponsor? Either way, she’d have to decline since she already bought tickets for their show–she even donated with her own money.

“Ah,” Irene shook her head, “that won't be necessary. I actually already have tickets for your show tonight, so I'm looking forward to it.”

“Oh, I see, I see! Then me and Lynette are honored to see you in the crowd!” Lyney said, still smiling.

“The pleasure is all mine—” Irene smiled at Lynette and then at Lyney, then glanced at Philippe, deciding that they should probably go see her parents—“I’m afraid I must abruptly end our meeting, Lyney, Lynette. It was very nice meeting you both.”

Before Irene could say goodbye properly, Lyney took Irene’s gloved hand, which was a shock to her.

And when Lyney brought Irene’s hand closer to his face, leaning his head down to place a delicate peck on her hand, looking into her eyes as he did so—Irene was even more surprised. Then again, it must be a normal thing, since Lyney was known to be a romantic magician.

“It was very nice to meet you too, Miss Levasseur,” Lyney said, gently letting go of Irene’s hand. Irene didn’t really know what to say, since no man has ever done such a thing. She never really let anyone kiss her hand, anyway. “May fate lead us to meeting again on a beautiful spring day.”

Irene nodded, waving goodbye as she exited the backstage area through the hidden exit where only staff, actors, and actresses may enter.

“That magician truly knows how to flatter someone,” Irene thought to herself, smiling. She certainly wanted to meet Lyney again.

bow divider by @/florietas

[vyesquei]

“We quickly became friends, then close friends. Perhaps even closer.”- Irene Levasseur

📷 divider from @/v6gue

[vyesquei]

𐙚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 ☆ (1/2)

❝ in which; the famed magician of fontaine meets the angel of opera epiclese " » includes: mentions of ocs, oc x canon (irene levasseur x lyney) » note: just to clarify, the first scene of this work is before the events fontaine archon quest, the second scene is after fontaine quest act 1 & 2!! i hope u enjoy this raaaaaa <3

The dark clouds were scattered across the land of Fontaine. Strong wind blowing the heavy rain as they harshly dropped to the ground. The weather was no delight to the people of Fontaine; children wondered why the Hydro Dragon was in so much anguish.

Despite the weather, the Opera Epiclese only witnessed a heavenly voice sent by Celestia, a voice from the one and only “Angel of Opera Epiclese”, singing a song of euphonic quality.

The Angel’s voice echoed in the opera house, reaching every corner of the room. Her vocals were so siren-like and clear—if anyone were to hear a simple hum from her, they would feel their heart burst and their body chill.

There was no voice that was as otherworldly as Irene’s voice was. She has taken the eyes of the audience, and perhaps even a certain magician's attention.

As Irene sang a song for the opera, Lyney was somewhere in the small audience, watching Irene sing for the first time. He, Lynette, and Freminet had received tickets from a friend that wanted to pay for their kindness in the past.

“Her voice is wonderful,” Lyney commented in a whisper, leaning near Lynette so she could hear.

Lynette agreed, nodding her head, “Yes, like a hidden gem.”

“She’s not that very popular in both the Theatre and Film Industry,” Lynette said, “even though she's been in many films, plays, musicals, operas…”

Lyney turned to Lynette, snickering quietly, taking the chance to tease his sister, “Seems like someone did their research—are you a big fan of hers?~”

“No, I was just curious about who she is and why I've never heard about her in The Steambird or anywhere on the news, so I decided to know more about her,” Lynette simply answered. “I’m surprised she hasn't gotten as much attention as Lady Furina.”

“‘Irene Levasseur, The Angel of Opera Epiclese,’” Freminet spoke for the first time ever since they went into the opera house, which was no surprise, “that’s what I heard how her fans refer to her.” 

Freminet continued, "I heard this is her second time performing in the Opera Epiclese."

“Ah, finally, you've decided to talk,” Lyney smiled as he looked at his brother, Freminet, shifting his gaze to Irene once more. “Irene Levasseur, huh?”

Irene wore a white dress under a bright red cape, her hands on her chest as she passionately sang her heart out. Lyney liked her voice. It was captivating, and he was sure that the rest of the crowd thought so as well.

When the song reached its end, the lights shut, opening again once different characters were onstage.

At that moment, Lyney realized something. “Then, wouldn't that mean she's related to the man who sponsored our show in Hotel Debord? Mr. Victor Levasseur?” Lyney asked, “he’s from a prestigious family, isn’t he? So that would mean Miss Irene is too.”

Lynette’s catlike ears perked in realization, “Oh, that's right. I forgot to mention.”

Lyney sighed, shaking his head, tutting as he crossed his arms, “Are you too entranced by Miss Irene’s voice to even remember that?”

“It’s not that—” Lynette sighed annoyedly. “You’re very insistent about me being Miss Levasseur’s fan. Maybe you're the one who's the biggest fan,” Lynette said, crossing her arms.

Lyney laughed quietly, “Well, I simply cannot deny that her voice is truly an experience one must witness, but I think it's too early to say that I'm her biggest fan. I've only seen her just now.”

“Whatever,” Lynette said coolly, paying attention to the show once more. Lyney shrugged and did the same, and the rest of the opera went as planned…

**

Tapping feet, clenching fists, and breathing shakily. Those were three things that Lyney usually did before a performance.

Usually, Lyney knew he'd overcome his fears a minute before his performance. But this was a show that he truly feared. Critics from Inazuma, Liyue, and Mondstadt were going to watch his show, and he could never let himself mess up a performance that would potentially bring him more foreign audiences.

Lyney was usually confident, showing his undeniably charming personality to anyone, yet he felt that he was going to feel even more fearful at the last second.

It still would be 2 hours until Lyney’s magic show, which was after the musical that was being performed at the moment. He was watching the musical in the corner of the room, feeling his stomach flip.

Lynette was still double checking props backstage; Lyney couldn't feel any less stressed with the lack of his sister’s presence. It was too much for him at the moment, but he still had a confident expression on him.

Alas, too many thoughts enshrouded the magician’s head; what if he makes a mistake while performing? What if another murder suddenly takes place during his performance? What if he failed?

All those thoughts would simply be answered by Lyney himself, trying to give himself some comfort, but to no avail. His last (and first) show in the Opera Epiclese ended up in a disaster, what's to say that it won't be a disaster in front of foreign critics?

Lyney sighed mentally, feeling miserable.

As Lyney was preoccupied in his thoughts, the crowd applauded and a familiar voice echoed in the theater, accompanied by a piano.

“Mystic moon and glowing stars, guide this boy into the night.”

“Shady figures and cold chills, let this boy venture into the forest of fright.”

“Irene?” Lyney whispered to himself, immediately recognizing her voice.

The Angel of Opera Epiclese has blessed the crowd with her wonderful vocals once more.

Indeed it was Irene onstage, wearing a floor length dress and a veil on her head. She had wings on her back and a staff on her hand—she was playing as the witch that guides the main character into the forest.

Lyney gazed at the stage, his heart picking up. He was touched by her voice, as usual. Who couldn’t be enamored by her voice?

In truth, ever since Lyney witnessed Irene's presence on the stage, he found himself humming her song every now and then. And if she ever showed up in a play, he'd try his best to go watch, although he has been barely fortunate enough to see many since he has plans of his own.

Irene sang beautifully, as always, each note sung in a harmonious tone that captivates the crowd. Everyone’s attention was on the stage–were only on the Angel of the Opera Epiclese.

“Psst.”

Lyney didn’t reply, nor flinch.

“Psst..! Lyney.”

“Lyney!”

Lyney reluctantly stepped out of his trance, glancing here and there, finally noticing his sister, Lynette, her arms crossed, “Oh. Lynette,” he smiled, “how’s the prop check?”

“I’ve checked everything twice but I think you should personally check the things too,” Lynette stated, looking at Irene on the stage, “Oh, it’s Miss Irene.”

“...Now I understand why it took you forever to reply to me,” Lynette sighed, starting to walk backstage.

Lyney widened his eyes, surprised, “W-what do you mean?!” Lyney asked, running after Lynette, flustered at his sister’s bluntness.

“I mean that Miss Levasseur’s voice is enchanting,” Lynette said, raising her eyebrow. She didn't expect her brother’s reaction, “What else did you think?”

Before Lyney could reply, a sudden applause ensued as the two siblings went backstage. Irene's performance was probably finished.

Lyney closed his eyes for a moment, shaking his head as he took off his signature top hat, “Nothing else, nothing else. I just-” Lyney sighed, only to stop in his tracks. Lynette stopped walking too.

In front of the twins was The Angel of Opera Epiclese herself.

“Miss Levasseur!” Lyney exclaimed with a smile, immediately switching to his charming self, “what a wonderful performance you had! I knew that the crowd had their hearts racing as you sang.”

Irene nodded, smiling as well, “Thank you, Mr. Lyney.”

Lyney was surprised that Irene knew his name, but he did know that he had a bigger reputation compared to Irene—that didn't make her any less of a talented singer and entertainer, of course.

“I’ve been hoping to meet the two of you in person, it makes me very pleased to finally meet you two,” Irene stated.

Irene was like a perfect princess; her hands clasped in front of herself, showing a polite smile on her face, her posture straight, her costume perfectly fit for her, and her aura was comforting. It’s an utter sin that she wasn’t a well-known opera singer.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Lynette said, “you were beautiful onstage.”

“Thank you,” Irene responded, “are the two of you preparing for the performance you have after this musical? I'm sorry to have bothered you…”

Lyney shook his head, clutching his hat, “Not at all! Me and my sister were only doing prop checks before our show later.”

Irene smiled, nodding her head, “Good luck to you both on your performance. I’m sure you'll fascinate the stage.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Lyney bowed with a grin on his face. In truth, Lyney was a bit nervous to meet the singer he liked in person. It was basically seeing your idol in person!

Lyney glanced at Lynette, who was most likely on standby mode right now, then back at Irene, “I apologize if it seems like promotion, but I'm pretty sure we still have two tickets for our show. If you're interested in watching our show, we have two free tickets for you!”

Lynette looked at Lyney, confused. Her expression was screaming, ‘What are you doing???’ and to be honest, Lyney had no idea either.

“Ah,” Irene shook her head, “that won't be necessary. I actually already have tickets for your show tonight, so I'm looking forward to it.”

Lyney widened his eyes, surprised. Irene Levasseur? Watching his magic show? No. A better way to put it was; his celebrity crush? Personally watching his magic show? He couldn't believe it. It was like a dream.

“Oh, I see, I see! Then me and Lynette are honored to see you in the crowd!” Lyney said, still smiling.

“The pleasure is all mine—” Irene looked around, then to her manager— “I’m afraid I must abruptly end our meeting, Lyney, Lynette. It was very nice meeting you both.”

Lyney took Irene’s gloved hand, bringing it up and leaning his head down to place a delicate peck on her hand, looking into her eyes as he did so. His gaze was soft and his smile apparent—he knew he was charming but still felt bashful at his own doings.

“It was very nice to meet you too, Miss Levasseur,” Lyney said, gently letting go of Irene’s hand, “may fate lead us to meeting again on a beautiful spring day.”

Irene nodded, waving goodbye as she exited the backstage area through the hidden exit where only staff, actors, and actresses may enter.

Lyney looked back and Lynette, who was unamused by her brother's behavior, asked, “Who’s the big fan now?” she sighed, turning around to check the magic show props once more.

Lyney laughed shyly, only realizing his fast heartbeat, going on his way to check on his props for his show.

bow divider by @/florietas

[vyesquei]

๋࣭ 𐙚 𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒓 ₊˚ ⊹ ᰔ

♡ :: the beloved 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒆, who is known for her ethereal voice and bewitching presence ✧ ₊ ⁺

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ . ✦

𝒊. 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅

𝑰𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒓, an 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 hailing from 𝑭𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆. She is generally known to be kind, polite, and understanding. ♡ :: age twenty ♡ :: may 26 ♡ :: female ♡ :: catalyst ♡ :: cryo vision

𝒊𝒊. 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅

Irene picked up her love and passion of opera music at a young age. Her Aunt, Christine, who was a retired opera singer, used to share her experiences with Irene when the Levasseur siblings visited their aunt's home during summertime. Because of their shared interest, Irene was closest to her aunt. But that was not the only reason why. Irene's father favored her older brother, Victor, and her mother favored her younger brother, Yves. Irene barely had her parents' attention; it seemed unfair to Irene when she was younger, and it was. But, as she grew older, she didn't care anymore. Irene's first singing recital was when she was at the age of 16. On that same day, Irene's aunt had passed away due to heart issues. Irene was devastated and couldn't even bring herself to sing, knowing that her idol couldn't watch her and that she could never see the person she loved the most again. But in the end, she persevered and sang with a bitter heart. After that day, when her family attended her aunt's funeral, and when everyone had left the graveyard, Irene couldn't help but sing softly at her aunt's grave, hoping that the melody would reach her aunt, only to get her Cryo vision. Wistfully looking back, Irene would think that, perhaps, her voice truly did reach the heavens.

bow divider by @/florietas

[vyesquei]

part two of the magician and the angel of the stage real soon <33 (maybe tomorrow, hopefully!!!)