#vainrot : arlecchino

[ssouverain]

@vainrot ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ starter call .

     little  time  had  passed  since  the  iudex  received  word  that  the  knave  had  found  herself  back  upon  their  shores ,  and  had  requested  an  audience .  luckily ,  he  had  an  opening  this  afternoon ,  as  if  the  universe  knew  of  this  before  he  did .  

     it  was  odd ,  to  say  the  least .  many  things  had  changed ,  due  to  their  last  experience  together .  neuvillette  couldn't  deny  his  own  curiosities  about  what  the  harbinger  had  gotten  up  to  since  they  parted  ways . . .  how  she  was  doing .  it  was  a  rather  unique  concoction  brewing  within  him .  arlecchino  had  contributed  a  great  amount  when  assistance  was  needed  most .  fontaine ,  the  iudex  included ,  would  forever  be  grateful .  where  would  they  be  if  not  for  her . . .  still ,  she  was  a  fatui  harbinger  above  all .  naturally  that  made  it  difficult  to  extend  full  and  confident  trust .  

     the  chief  justice  was  put  into  a  difficult  position  due  to  this  fact  alone .  nonetheless ,  perhaps  a  true  friendship  could  weave  itself  into  existence  provided  she  continue  proving  stereotypes  incorrect .  how  nice  would  that  be . . .

                                                            knock  knock .

     the  guest  of  the  hour  had  arrived ,  punctual  as  always .  the  book  that  had  been  perched  in  neuvillette's  palm  was  placed  on  the  desk ,  fingers  tangling  together  before  his  hands  rested  on  the  tabletop  in  tow .  the  door  was  then  pushed  open  by  a  receptionist  —  a  melusine  —  whom  escorted  the  harbinger  fully  into  his  office .  warm  thanks  were  given  before  the  melusine  waddled  her  way  back  out ,  and  full  attention  was  given  to  the  dragon's  newfound  company .

❛  greetings ,  my  lady .  feel  free  to  take  a  seat .  help  yourself  to  the  tea  on  the  table ,  it's  freshly  brewed  for  you .

     his  head  bowed  respectfully  along  with  his  words ,  and  he  shifted  to  stand  and  shuffle  toward  the  other  end  of  the  couch .  it  was  a  bit  more  personal ,  it  felt  more  fitting  for  a  meeting  such  as  this .

[ssouverain]

@vainrot ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ continued.

❛ i had it made for you .

he answered simply , honestly , strands of intimacy lacing themselves quietly into his words . he was on an afternoon stroll , with aims to clear his head , only for it to be filled with flashes of reds and greys in lieu of the legal paperwork waiting upon his desk . the knave had been gnawing at his thoughts during her extended stay in fontaine , carving out her own personal place to take up a permanent residence in the depths of his mind . and that's exactly how he ended up pausing in front of a jeweler's display a few days ago , pondering how each accessory might lay against arlecchino's skin . gifting has always been a personal language of his — an outlet reserved for a select few , to share all of the appreciation and fondness that remained stifled on his ever - impartial tongue .

nothing he found satisfied him enough , though . no , there was a unique elegance to the harbinger , one that simply couldn't be paired to an ordinary gem . she needed something tailored specifically in her image . his visions were specific , crafted by the silent observations he'd made during their time together . he was nothing if not keenly attentive . arlecchino had her own memo pad etched into his thoughts , slowly filling up with little tidbits . what she liked to wear , what she absolutely detested and found tacky . her dining preferences , her choice of desserts , her favorite wine , how many sugar cubes she liked in her afternoon tea . small things , ordinary things , but they were her . and he wanted to commit the essence of her to his memory , if not only to be called upon in times like this . there is no point in a gift if it isn't thoughtful . the iudex is not one for hollow gesture .

as she turned , his gaze dipped to admire his design choices . yes , this is perfect . a softness seeped into his expression , pleased with the way the rare , black jewels drape so perfectly around her neck , standing out just enough while still blending with her attire . the only thing that grabbed his attention was the palm placed upon the expanse of his chest , and now his eyes are carefully watching the way slender fingers smoothed the fabric . it was curious , the way it seemed to prompt his heart to race , pounding with an intensity she surely felt beneath her touch . heat rose to his cheeks , which he could only hope he willed away by the time she looked up at his face .

❛ it's even better than what i imagined . you look beautiful .

his response came gently , hushed , a moment to be shared between the two of them and the air filling what little space was between them . he was painfully aware of the absence of her touch , hooked on the addicting tingle it sent up his spine a moment ago . it was unlike anything he'd ever felt before — she , as a whole , was unlike anything he'd ever experienced . he was drowning in the newness of it all , the strange sensations he couldn't even hope to describe if he wanted to , but it was pleasant . it was warm . it was something deeply intimate he found himself wanting to chase — and that scared him , yet he didn't run . no , instead his own hands rose once more , bare fingertips grazing her skin , a mere tease of a touch that was gone as quickly as it came . he was adjusting her new necklace to rest in the perfect spot from his new perspective . it was harder to judge when he was behind her , after all .

❛ what do you think ? is it to your liking ?

[ssouverain]

[ feed ] sender allows receiver to try a bite of their dish, holding their fork out for receiver to taste / u know exactly who this is from

ordinary things that feel intimate . ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ @vainrot

raindrops pattered upon the umbrella fixed into the middle of the table , a steady and light rhythm , a relaxing melody to the sovereign's ears . contrary to popular belief , his sorrows are not the sole cause of the inclement weather , it can surprise him just the same , and it's always a pleasant one . curtains of showers hiding the sun shaped his favorite days , and usually marked the rare occasion he was seen outdoors longer than he needed to be . he longed to feel the droplets cascading against his skin , dampening his hair until it clung to his frame like a moist coat . like home . it's been a long time since he's indulged in such desires , however , because he has to maintain a sense of normalcy . normal people don't just stand in the rain , for whatever strange reason .

he was enjoying his favorite weather in a different way today . instead of his usual yearning , looking through the window of his office waiting for freedom , he's taken the entire day off . after a bit of thought , pondering on whether it was appropriate to drag someone out on a day like this , he ended up on arlecchino's doorstep to invite her out for a meal at the very least . much to his delight she had obliged , and that happiness is evident in his gaze , even now , as they chatted across the table . were they looked at strangely for insisting on eating on the patio in the rain ? absolutely , but the iudex wouldn't have it any other way . not now . no , today he's sharing a piece of himself , a deep intimacy , bringing company into his ideal day of tranquility . it's usually a very private time , left for contemplation and recharge .

there was but a moment's hesitation when steak was raised to his lips in offering , because he isn't usually one for non - liquid dishes . however , it resonated with him , the realization that she was also extending a piece of herself to him in the form of sharing her favorite dish . of course he would oblige something so quietly sacred . opalescent hues lifted from the fork to the harbinger, and he opened his mouth to grant passage , elegant as ever in the way he plucked the meat from the utensil .

oh . . .

well . he certainly didn't expect to enjoy it , and the pleasant surprise rose to the surface of sharp features in the innocent widening of his eyes in wonder . it was a subtle taste , not too overpowering , which is a rather intense preference of his . and it was raw . the gush of iron settling upon his tongue with each clamp of his teeth was rather delectable . he's no stranger to blood , in fact quite the opposite . he's reveled in it . his past self knows carnage beyond what anyone in modern society could comprehend . he's downed the forbidden crimson directly from dead bodies of his fallen brethren . countless times . blood was a welcome intrusion upon his palate , a rather delicious way to add moisture to a dish usually bereft of it — an acceptable alternative to his beloved water .

❛ wow . . . i'm impressed . i must say you have impeccable taste .

tongue darting out to swipe along his lower lip , a napkin was lifted to politely dab at the corners of his mouth in habit . and then he was raising a spoonful of his broth to offer in turn , other hand cupped beneath to catch any stray droplets . it's a very plain soup , but it would always be his first choice when eating to mingle with humans . plus , he had it made with only the finest water from the highest of mountains , which he swears alters the taste beyond compare — it doesn't at all to anyone except him and his very particular palate for his favorite liquid .

[ssouverain]

what an interesting proposition . a gloved hand rose , elbow finding purchase on his thigh , so that his chin may be rested daintily upon his palm . a moment of silence hung in the air following a soft hum , taking a moment to observe . to ponder . the way it seemed so effortless for arlecchino to command his attention was truly captivating , and the twinge of excitement that crept over him during these little exchanges gave him a thrill he wasn't used to . she was intelligent , cunning , smooth as silk and always knew exactly what she was doing . they existed on a level field so long as she plays by the rules , he held no real power over her unlike most people he dealt with . it added a layer of depth , intrigue , partaking in their mental waltz . not knowing the outcome — that added variable , knowing he may not be the one leading the dance for once — was rather exhilarating in a way he couldn't help but indulge .

❛ fontaine through the lens of my own eyes . . .

it didn't take but a moment for him to settle on his plans . it was unconventional , but that seemed to be what she was looking for . it would also be pretty personal — a place he spent much of his time before becoming the iudex of fontaine . if he was to share what this place is to him , it only made sense to share a piece of his origins as opposed to a piece of the society she had already experienced .

❛ be sure to dress accordingly . prepare swimwear if nudity makes you uncomfortable .

it was a casual statement , simple and matter of fact . he'd lived for quite a long time before being brought into fontainian society , swimming nude is only natural for the hydro sovereign . preferred . however , he's been taught very adamantly that human society doesn't exactly share the same views — it was for this reason he'd also prepare something to wear in the water , much to his silent disdain . humans are such sensitive creatures about the oddest things . . .

shifting to stand , he took a few long strides back to his desk , weight leaned on one palm as he leaned over his agenda . the other hand flipped through a few pages , scanning his scheduled affairs as he mentally made possible alterations .

❛ let's plan for three days from now . does that work for you ?

to say it’s unexpected would be an understatement, watching him lean so effortlessly into this act, this lighthearted charade of polished theatrics. and yet, despite her initial surprise, she can’t deny a certain amusement curling at the edges of her thoughts. it’s not often arlecchino engages in teasing for the sake of it. every move she makes is deliberate, purposeful. she doesn’t toy with others just to provoke a reaction, nor does she indulge in idle games that offer no strategic value. there are more efficient, far more satisfying ways to entertain herself than through meaningless banter — especially when time, to her, is as sharp and unforgiving as a blade. and so, it catches her off guard when his response not only comes swiftly but lands with an elegance that mirrors her own. the same calculated vagueness laced through his calm tone, every word measured, delivered with that same unshakable ease. she hadn’t expected it, but perhaps she should have. 

her lips curve into a smile then — rare, but not entirely foreign in moments like these. a subtle acknowledgment, more instinct than intention, and all the confirmation he needs. she has heard him. and more than that, she’s listening. a single, almost imperceptible nod seals the exchange, quiet but certain.

❝ let us meet for an afternoon whenever the iudex can carve out some time for it then. i, for some reason, wouldn't peg you as someone with mundane interests. show me fontaine as you see it. ❞ clearing her throat, she laces her fingers together and sits back once more, this time allowing her gaze to linger as it dutifully studies the barely visible hint of warmth creeping up on his cheek. that, if anything, makes her attempts worth it. ❝ if i like it, which i am already certain i will, i shall take you to the opera. does that sound fair to you, monsieur ? ❞

[ssouverain]

❛ oh . . . i see . i'll be sure to greet them properly from now on in that case .

a gentleness came to cradle sharp features as he pondered on this information . in his head , logic would dictate a wariness from these children while in his presence , hence keeping his distance to ensure their comfort and privacy . after all , meddling in affairs that are none of his business has never been of interest to neuvillette . nor would he want them to fear trouble followed closely behind him if he approached . to say it was endearing to hear of their wonder would be an understatement . with this newly granted permission , he certainly won't hesitate to be more engaging in the future .

the shift in demeanor didn't go unnoticed in the slightest , especially as he watched her inch closer in his direction . his interest was piqued , soaring to new heights as her response oozed so smoothly from her mouth , each word woven with that alluring confidence that effortlessly commanded his attention . the curiosity was evident in his unwavering , opalescent stare . she was toying with him , teasing , and it urged him to mirror the playful behavior — he can only hope he pulls it off the same way . his glass was rested on the table so he could fold his hands across his lap , shaving off a few more inches of personal space between them . unfortunately , however , his cheeks betrayed him as they burned with a subtle dust of rose . perhaps he was a bit flustered by putting on such a futile act , but the show must go on regardless .

❛ any means necessary , miss arlecchino . i must admit i'm quite curious to see what you could possibly have up your sleeve to get your way with me .

one thing about arlecchino, she would never endanger the children under her care. even if her missions often veer into the perilous, there’s not a soul in the nation she wouldn’t confront to guarantee their safety. that said, she doesn’t assume the role of a doting or overly affectionate guardian. on the surface, she maintains a sense of detachment, particularly in matters tied to her work. it’s only when she's alone with the children, or in the presence of someone she deems trustworthy, that the edges of her sharp demeanor begin to soften. just barely. just enough for the children to notice, for it to resemble something close to affection.

to claim she feels nothing for them would be untrue, there is care, but open displays of emotion are rare, almost nonexistent. which is precisely why her body stills mid-motion the moment neuvillette casually remarks that he’s been watching over the children. the statement, so calmly delivered, catches her off guard. there’s something oddly amusing about it, especially considering how familiar he is to them. they know his name, they’ve heard the tales. they’ve asked questions, sought stories. arlecchino hasn’t always been the one to answer, but she knows their curiosity mirrors that of many fontainians. they watch him in the streets with wide eyes, quick glances stolen every time the iudex passes by.

❝ if you do run into one of the children, please do not hesitate to say hello. they’re quite intrigued by you so to speak ... oh, and i cannot blame them for that. ❞ her hands come to rest atop her thigh as she speaks, fingers tapping absentmindedly against the fabric in a steady, comforting rhythm. the taste of tea still lingers faintly on her tongue, crisp and refreshing enough that she’d sipped her way through half the cup without much thought. before she speaks again, her tone shifts into a subtle, but unmistakably gentler cadence. there's a softness threaded through her words, and the faintest curve of a smile plays at the corners of her lips.

❝ oh is that so ? ❞ her words trail off into a thoughtful hum at the end of her sentence, a flicker of curiosity briefly crossing her features as she leans slightly toward him, all the while maintaining her composed demeanor. arlecchino watches him quietly for a moment, observing his expression, memorizing the subtle changes as they come and go. a fleeting thought of wondering what he might truly be like drifts through her mind, but it is dismissed almost as quickly as it arrived. there’s undoubtedly more to him than what appears on the surface, but patience is key, and for now that is what she will offer. ❝ how ever shall i persuade you then, monsieur ? are all means at my disposal ? surely, you must know that i have more than one way of getting what i desire, even if what i seek is simply a peaceful afternoon with delightful company. but fret not, i’m certain i can find ways to keep you entertained. you’ll soon see that i’m quite ... hm, handy. ❞

[ssouverain]

❛ there are very few i'd gladly accept a social call for . harbor no doubts that you are one of them .

an interesting flutter filled his chest , akin to butterflies begging to escape captivity — flattery that had reached the depths of his unattainable heart . to have knowledge that the ever cold and calculating woman beside him would seek his company for the sake of having it . . . to call it a surprise was an understatement . it was a welcome revelation , however , and one he would not take lightly . friendship in any form wasn't in his nature to take lightly — and personal bonds came few and far between .

long , silvery strands came to delicately cascade down the expanse of his shoulder as his head gave a slight tilt of curiosity . there was a sincerity swimming within the harbinger's gaze , and it was perhaps the first time he'd been graced with the opportunity to have a peek beneath that icy surface arlecchino wore with such elegance . being unable to sense emotion from her had been a source of concern once upon a time , but as the days have passed , that concern has morphed into interest . all things considered , he's been given no reason to assume she buried herself away from the world , away from him , with malicious intent as he'd first questioned . no , instead it was light being drawn to another of the similarities they share . someone so like him and yet so strikingly different , holding an unwavering confidence that neuvillette found himself admiring . . . a quality he hadn't been blessed with so graciously . admittedly , it's piqued his intrigue in getting to know more of her . not the knave . . . he wants to know arlecchino . he can only hope this desire will be indulged someday .

❛ i appreciate the gesture , truly . however , i feel i should share my wholehearted trust in our agreement . as promised , cases landing upon my desk have significantly lessened since your departure . i intend to fully uphold my side as well , you are at liberty to stay here as long as you see fit , anytime you wish — i can assure you the children will be delighted for you to spend time with them . i have kept a loose eye on them in your absence , only to ensure their safety and nothing more .

it's the least he could do — after all , he would hope someone did the same for the melusines , had he ever a reason to take an extended leave . and there it was again , the dancing of butterflies within his chest . he wasn't normally one to partake in social outings , yet he felt drawn to the idea of unofficial when it came to her . perhaps he would get another glimpse beneath the surface in such a setting .

❛ if you'd like , i could possibly be persuaded to clear my schedule for an upcoming afternoon . i cannot promise i'll be the most entertaining company , though .

❝ oh please, i couldn’t possibly turn you down since you went through all of that trouble. ❞ to prepare something sweet for her, that is. be it soft, fluffy cakes or satisfyingly chewy treats — she holds both in equal regard, one of the few indulgences she’s carried with her since childhood. still, the plate before her remains untouched for now, the subtle taste of tea resting on her tongue, mingling quietly with questions she has yet to voice. she’ll get to them, each one in its time. of that, she has no doubt.

❝ make no mistake, monsieur. had i known you were welcoming social calls, i would certainly have made my appointment many weeks ago. for now, i do have something else to discuss with you. it does not warrant any worry, i suppose you can see it as a sign of good faith. ❞ 

she lifts a hand, manicured nails delicately sweeping aside the strands of white hair that have slipped into her line of sight, a small, intentional gesture performed with quiet precision. her gaze never strays, fixed on him with a stillness that suggests composure, though her eyes betray her. they flicker with something softer beneath the surface, a glimmer of curiosity that undermines the practiced calm of her expression. neuvillette, in her eyes, is not simply akin to water in the obvious ways — neither a mountain stream nor the tranquility of a still lake, not even the melancholic symbolism of rain. rain, after all, is too tired a metaphor, too well-worn by fontainian poets. if he must be compared to any form of water, then he is the dew at dawn — subtle, delicate, and quietly pervasive. found in the most unexpected places. gathered on windowsills, clinging to the petals of spring blossoms, nestled in blades of grass. he belongs to the realm of things only nature herself could craft with such careful wonder. and because he is like the dew, ever-present and impossible to miss, arlecchino knows she would have crossed paths with him sooner or later. better to do so on her own terms — out of strategy, yes, but also a touch of courtesy she rarely grants.

❝ the house of the hearth is my main priority. ❞ with gnosis business finally set aside, dealing with the children feels like no burden at all. her gaze flickers upwards, catching a glimpse of those blue, almost lavender, eyes. ❝ although i don’t believe my presence should matter, i thought it to be ... responsible ? ❞ her hand drifts through the air in a gesture dismissing the choice of word used. ❝ to let you know that i will be staying here for a while. save you the awkward trouble of finding out elsewhere. or, perhaps, crossing paths with me on a calming evening stroll. i would rather cooperate, ❞ and be spared of all the political bullshit. ❝ than give you any reason to believe my stay comes with hidden motives. that way, should we meet again during my time in fontaine, i do hope it can be less ... official. ❞

[ssouverain]

that's certainly one way to hold yourself in neuvillette's good graces . she remembered sedene's name after all this time , treated her with such kindness and respect , which is of utmost importance to the iudex . it was a small and simple gesture , but it reflected much about the harbinger , at least at surface value . the melusines are his children , just as she had hers . if nothing else , looking upon this exchange put his mind much more at ease than it had been leading up to this encounter .

the somewhat awkward smile was returned in kind , a mannerism he was all too familiar with . it was easy to tell emotions weren't a strength of hers , and even easier to empathize — after all , it's a struggle he faces day after day . there would never be any judgment passed for such things in his presence . it was truthfully a bit relieving to have this mutual understanding , and to know in a room alone there was no real need for charismatic facade .

❛ i suppose now is the time to share that i also had snacks prepared , should you like a taste of something sweet with your tea .

it was his own poor attempt at poking a bit of fun in return , accompanied by a subtle , sincere huff of amusement from being called out . he had remembered her tastes quite well , and had he been given more time before her arrival , the oh so special cake would have been placed by her teacup . next time , should there be one .

❛ while you are correct in your assumption , i am never too busy for you , my lady . it's been quite some time since we've had an opportunity to meet , and you deserve the respect of being seen in a timely manner . it is the least i can do .

his own legs crossed , a goblet of water perched elegantly between his own fingers to pair with her indulgence in her tea . it was lifted to his lips , tipped to pour the beloved liquid down his throat before he rested it upon his thigh .

❛ you look lovely as always . it would be naive to believe you came all this way for a chat and pleasantries , i did indeed expect there to be more to this unexpected visit . so tell me , miss arlecchino , what matters bring you to me today ?

no matter the obstacles she faces , arlecchino has a remarkable ability to make her work appear effortless. interestingly, she’s observed that fontaine’s iudex carries himself in a somewhat similar fashion. there’s always a refined grace to his demeanor , but the knave’s instincts tell her that even he is not without his own burdens. still, it isn’t her place to pass judgment — and she doesn’t. yet, to say she isn’t at least somewhat curious would be dishonest. curious enough, in fact, that she intends to seek him out once more as she now returns to the nation by the sea.

❝ thank you sedene , ❞she speaks to the melusine with a sincerity that contrasts the subtle , almost habitual indifference etched into her features. once sedene has departed, the harbinger’s focus shifts without delay — her gaze settling on neuvillette. his long , pale hair , touched with rare hints of blue and gathered with an elegant clip , frames a face that offers no dramatic display of emotion. she finds comfort in that , she prefers it. he doesn’t appear particularly pleased , but there’s no sign of hostility either. for the first time since her arrival , she allows herself a faint smile , brief and perhaps a touch strained , and inclines her head slightly before letting her eyes drift toward the tea laid out on the table. 

❝ how fancy , i suppose i should’ve expected something like this. it is you after all. ❞ there is no animosity in her tone though , only a rather futile attempt to jest , to almost appear friendly. ❝ you look well , but surely you know i have not come here only to compliment you. ❞ legs cross where she is seated, teacup in hand already. ❝ i’m surprised you had time to see me so soon, i always imagined you to be ... well , harder to get a hold of. ❞