( it's not like there's always something bad going on when the fatui is present, but arlecchino hasn't been around for some time now. it does make furina curious because can it really be as simple as someone of her status inquiring about the taste of something different, separate from what they've ate before.
what's making this difficult to accept, or maybe understand as well happens to be the normal conversation and the fact that arlecchino still keeps that squirrel in hand. she's yet to release it, which is a factor that furina continues to return to when her gaze goes from the knave to the small creature in her grasp. furina should ask, a little curious too, but she can't find the proper words because what if this is none of her business.
none! of! her! business! )
W.. Well! If you aren't busy, I guess you may accompany us.
( she has to make her actions seem pretty legit, believable, but if she couldn't fool the knave before, furina knows that this is probably pretty see-through. besides, her initial company was with the squirrel, the one that furina reaches out for now (hopefully this wasn't the wrong move, her heart is beating faster now) and brings the animal to her chest. having something to hold in this strange, very rare situation has her hoping this keeps her sane. )
Though... honest flavors... like what?
( taking one step forward, furina isn't quickly trying to get away, rather it's one step and then waiting to see if arlecchino will follow along. they're in public too, is she supposed to be with the fatui in public... what's going on! )
[ Ah, so she is to be the third wheel on this excursion. How quaint. If that is the scene Furina wishes to set, then let it be so.
Life returns to the squirrel when it sees Furina's hand once again extended. It pops up from Arlecchino's hold and eagerly scurries to Furina's, bushy tail whipping about. A second chance...
Arlecchino lets it go without hindrance, her hand slowly returning to her side. And since she is but the lucky tagalong to Furina & Squirrel, she obediently goes when Furina goes, her heels clicking smartly on patterned pavement. If she cares about being seen as a Fatui Harbinger alongside the former Hydro Archon, she gives no indication of it. ]
I enjoy any food with a flavor of discernible origin. Take, for instance, a fine steak. If prepared judiciously, one might be able to tell how the animal was fed or whether it was raised with care. Wine and coffee are much the same.
[ She remembers that she didn't get to finish her coffee back at Café Lutece. Alas. ]
But speaking of animals, I didn't realize that you and your furry friend were already so close. In which case, you must know its name, yes?
[ Furina gets a pointed look and a hint of a smile. Teasing. ]
tbf it comes from stress and downtime while crying and eating mac n cheese
( a second chance only because fear wins in furina's soul and unsure of what game that arlecchino is playing at. the creature is pretty lively, especially when it goes from the knave's palm to furina's chest, as to why? well, furina doesn't pick up on the finer details of what makes this interaction so odd. )
That's specific... ( in a way that furina never analyzed her food in that way, the most she was concerned with was whether it was cooked properly or how much blood poured onto the plate with each cut. this time, she tries to think about the food she's previously ate and if she can tell if they were fed with care but... furina really isn't that attentive.
all she has is a breakdown of the taste, what added ingredients there are, and mostly when it comes to fish, she's able to decipher which waters they may have come from. she's not as talented at placing the waters unlike neuvillette who can do it with only a sip. )
But... that does give me some insight on what sort of meals you're interested in. ( furina wants to say what arlecchino searches for is fun in some way, but that sort of thing is outside of furina's area of expertise. ) I'm not too sure if you'll find that where we're going...
( she's probably aware of that, this besides, furina doesn't have that sort of mora to buy the more high grade meals and luxuries. penny pinching is the name of the game with her nowadays, considering she only has so much to get by and no one she ever wants to bother in regards to it. now she's wondering if she has enough for the squirrel that seems thrilled for some reason being in her arms as they make their way. )
So...! You see! As you must have heard, I am somewhat of a whisperer to the animals within Fontaine! When I have gained such a skill is beyond me... considering the Gods do not look my way anymore. Ha! Which is to say, with as busy as I've been, I have yet to come up with a name!
[ Clearly, the squirrel is just happy to escape The Knave's evil clutches and find refuge in Furina's safe hands.
Given Arlecchino's style and demeanor, it's common for people to think her picky about all things in life. It isn't so, but it is handy to have people think so. Though she's fairly sure she already laid down assurances by acknowledging Furina's veteran palate...
Well. There are a number of reasons why Furina might not believe her. Things are what they are. ]
Do not concern yourself overly with my likes and dislikes. I could hardly call myself a Harbinger if I were to be laid low by a dish that wasn't perfectly suited to my tastes.
[ Though some of her fellow Harbingers might act like they have such delicate sensibilities. It would certainly explain why they're too delicate for fieldwork.
Setting aside the small matter of Furina's sudden affinity with animals for the moment...... ]
How fortunate that we now seem to find ourselves with an abundance of time. I'm sure your friend will be honored to hear the name it will be graced with.
I'm allowed to be concerned with what I want to know!
( she didn't get this freedom as an archon, but maybe it's better not knowing anything about a harbinger. the less she knows the better, she won't have to be in her business which might get her in trouble later on. that's right, furina has to think of her future and take better care of herself because she doesn't have clorinde to watch after her always, nor does she have neuvillette by her side.
recently she lives a lonely life, but it's a different kind compared to what she know before. )
Well... that's if you want to tell me. I can keep an eye out for... the things you enjoy.
( furina sounds almost awkward saying this, but she doesn't remain there for too long when conversation returns to the squirrel in hand. looking down, she wonders how she's gotten herself in this mess, and knowing she can't hold him around the food because she has to look through what she wants, he'll bring the chubby creature up to her shoulder to sit. )
Why don't you name it? You appeared to have handled it with ease when you came across us.
[ Furina's little outburst takes The Knave aback for a moment, the crosses in her eyes briefly pronounced. But soon they narrow again in thought. She'd assumed Furina was speaking merely out of courtesy before, but it seems Arlecchino may have underestimated her intent. Intriguing. After everything that transpired between them, Furina should have no reason to truly care about pleasing her... but perhaps this is just a facet of her true personality — naturally incompatible with the bluster of the Hydro Archon.
Arlecchino looks briefly at the squirrel now on Furina's shoulder. In another timeline, it might have received a very thoughtful and fancy name from Fontaine's most beloved celebrity. In this timeline... ]
( to have vital information when it comes to what the knave does and doesn't enjoy may save her skin in the future, who is to know? besides, there has to be a reason why arlechinno is even coming along since there's nothing to gain from furina at all.
she's no longer an archon, she lacks status, she's part of the commonfolk who try to live day by day to make ends meet when her money is low. it's one of these times where she's hoping that she's not going to get kidnapped as everyone should be aware in fontaine that furina has cut her ties with the hydro sovereign...! )
...Uh!
( it's a good thing this squirrel probably doesn't know what that name means, but it's so simple and random that she's confused that arlecchino had even said it.
...dumbo? )
Are you sure? I mean... he looks pretty smart to me... as animals are!
[ It's the sort of non-question that dares Furina to put forth her evidence. ]
Until a more suitable name makes itself known, my decision stands.
[ She isn't one to take back her choices, after all; she makes the best one available to her, every time -- including this time. Rescinding decisions is for people who didn't put enough thought into them in the first place. But Furina does happen to be a more creative sort. If she happens to come up with a better name than "Dumbo," then it wouldn't necessarily be a poor reflection on Arlecchino's naming ability.
The squirrel butts up against the side of Furina's head... just in case she's forgotten that its treats are on the line (as if she could have known in the first place). ]
( dumbo the squirrel, well, there's not much furina can do about that aside from accept it as is. somehow, she does believe that this little guy deserves something a little more kind? down to earth. she hasn't decided what yet, but wouldn't it be rude to change what arlecchino had decided for it? )
H-Hey now! What are you doing!?
( she pinches the squirrel around the nape of its neck, bringing it back down against her bosom so that he's unable to do that again. this creature is evil on her shoulder, but hopefully there's not much he can do here. while she's not aware of what's making this poor animal act out, she's trying her best to keep it calm. )
Do understand, this... normally doesn't happen! I'm sure he'll calm down once we stop moving around. There's tables nearby so after we shop we could eat a little.
( that's mostly because she's hungry so it's not a date. )
[ If there's one thing Arlecchino can say about Dumbo, it's that he's persistent. An admirable trait in humans, but not in supposedly trained animals. His score continues to plummet.
The squirrel is transferred to Furina's embrace, which is maybe like a sort of sideways petting, so it might count as mission accomplished? His head swivels to look at Arlecchino, who looks back unimpressed and still does not reward it with a treat. Thus rejected, Dumbo once again deflates sadly in Furina's hands.
Arlecchino returns her attention to Furina. ]
Oh? I wasn't aware that a meal was on the itinerary. It seems Dumbo has found himself quite the lucky date.
[ It's a date...... between Furina & Squirrel. Arlecchino's third wheel status intensifies.
The market looms ahead. It seems rather busier than usual — but surely not everyone is here for the macaroni? Admittedly, The Knave rarely does any grocery shopping, so she can't say she knows the trends. ]
shhhh embarrassing myself... you were not to see!!
( this squirrel goes through a lot of emotions, for a moment, furina feels this creature is a kindred spirit or maybe it's scared of arlecchino. there's a chance it's that, especially when she notices the way it looks over to her. )
It could be... a friend thing, friends go out in threes.
( there's some hesitation as she says that even though arlecchino's third wheel energy is pretty strong. it's terrifying to say these things aloud, even furina is wondering what the hell is wrong with her to say this. "friend"? calling a harbinger a friend? oh, she's been losing her mind as of late, but this has to really be showing it. furina is unable to even look in her direction because she won't make the same mistake as dumbo did.
she's on the weaker side, worried that if she makes the wrong move that she'll die. as a human, she has to make bold decisions, and these are one of those situations where she doesn't want to upset the other woman. furina's hold onto the squirrel tightens more out of stress than love, but it's okay... please be a stress doll for now. )
It is still... pretty early, and I'm sure walking with me to buy food wasn't really on your list of things to do...
( furina's voice grows quieter like she's suggesting "is it fatui business...?" without asking if it's fatui business. )
[ Perhaps her limited experience with friendship is what puts her off guard about Furina's implication that they could be called friends. Is it an offering? A nervous slip of the tongue? Or perhaps even a lonely plea for companionship? Whatever the case, they can both agree that it was an adventurous statement.
Dumbo's sheer mass is an able cushion against Furina's anxious squeezing. Arlecchino considers the former Hydro Archon's continued signs of nervousness. The brief silence that ensues probably does Furina's anxiety no favors, but The Knave isn't one to be rushed. Finally, she speaks again. ]
Life is rarely kind enough to unfold before us in straight lines like a red carpet. A little diversion is no cause for concern.
[ She's talking about the shopping... maybe. Less cryptically, ]
Currently, I have no meetings to prepare for or urgent business to attend to. And if the market offerings are fair enough, the children would care to know. They do enjoy their shopping... but they're kept on a strict allowance, to better encourage prudent spending.
( how dare arlecchino be charming in the way of taking care of kids makes her not as scary despite being someone that could have killed furina instantly in one fell swoop if she wanted. the comment about them helps ease her tension, the tight squeezing on dumbo's body too as she thinks about it. she knows very little about the situation regarding the children there, it's not that furina pays a visit or anything, but knowing that arlecchino still takes care of them despite her lack of presence within fontaine is something to be praised for.
is it normal to ask a father about his many kids without seeming nosey? )
How strict is their allowance? Depending... I...
( her words trail off as always, her attempt to find the words that are best to say in a situation like this. what could she say? what even works to keep up a proper conversation without the knave thinking less of her.
is she thinking less of furina? is that why she's here? to laugh at her late? "come here children, this is the sort of person you don't want to be." though, she doesn't think arlecchino would do that to her! with a deep breath, she follows with clearing her throat and a small smile pulling onto her lips. )
I could tell you what's the best market prices. I'm always preparing for these things, and managing expenses is a very important skill to have before becoming a proper adult.
( it's why she struggles now, she didn't have all that when she was an archon. she knows neuvillette would give her everything if she asked, but that's not what she wants to do as an independent woman. )
[ Ah, there's a bit of that old spirit again. When Furina was still a public figure, her grandstanding and dramatic overtures were a staple of Fontainian life. Many loved her for it — but to one such as The Knave, who was used to a very different sort of Archon, the Hydro Archon was the height of absurdity.
Fascinating that such boastfulness should seem so different within the same person now. The scale of it is much smaller, true... The Hydro Archon boasting of judging other gods is a very different brag from Furina claiming that she knows her way around a grocery store. Yet the latter is more compelling — perhaps even appealing.
Arlecchino laughs through closed lips to think of it. ]
Very well. I shall be your willing pupil.
[ Just in time, they've arrived at the entrance to the marketplace. Arlecchino takes the initiative to grab a bag for them to put items in. ]
Master Furina. Let's say the children have decided to combine their allowances in order to cook a grand pot of pasta. Together, their funds make 5,000 Mora. How might they best go about shopping within their budget?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
noooo arlecchino can't go out in public as a boomer with furina.....
what's making this difficult to accept, or maybe understand as well happens to be the normal conversation and the fact that arlecchino still keeps that squirrel in hand. she's yet to release it, which is a factor that furina continues to return to when her gaze goes from the knave to the small creature in her grasp. furina should ask, a little curious too, but she can't find the proper words because what if this is none of her business.
none! of! her! business! )
W.. Well! If you aren't busy, I guess you may accompany us.
( she has to make her actions seem pretty legit, believable, but if she couldn't fool the knave before, furina knows that this is probably pretty see-through. besides, her initial company was with the squirrel, the one that furina reaches out for now (hopefully this wasn't the wrong move, her heart is beating faster now) and brings the animal to her chest. having something to hold in this strange, very rare situation has her hoping this keeps her sane. )
Though... honest flavors... like what?
( taking one step forward, furina isn't quickly trying to get away, rather it's one step and then waiting to see if arlecchino will follow along. they're in public too, is she supposed to be with the fatui in public... what's going on! )
tfw the 500 y.o. is more hip to the kids than you
Life returns to the squirrel when it sees Furina's hand once again extended. It pops up from Arlecchino's hold and eagerly scurries to Furina's, bushy tail whipping about. A second chance...
Arlecchino lets it go without hindrance, her hand slowly returning to her side. And since she is but the lucky tagalong to Furina & Squirrel, she obediently goes when Furina goes, her heels clicking smartly on patterned pavement. If she cares about being seen as a Fatui Harbinger alongside the former Hydro Archon, she gives no indication of it. ]
I enjoy any food with a flavor of discernible origin. Take, for instance, a fine steak. If prepared judiciously, one might be able to tell how the animal was fed or whether it was raised with care. Wine and coffee are much the same.
[ She remembers that she didn't get to finish her coffee back at Café Lutece. Alas. ]
But speaking of animals, I didn't realize that you and your furry friend were already so close. In which case, you must know its name, yes?
[ Furina gets a pointed look and a hint of a smile. Teasing. ]
tbf it comes from stress and downtime while crying and eating mac n cheese
That's specific... ( in a way that furina never analyzed her food in that way, the most she was concerned with was whether it was cooked properly or how much blood poured onto the plate with each cut. this time, she tries to think about the food she's previously ate and if she can tell if they were fed with care but... furina really isn't that attentive.
all she has is a breakdown of the taste, what added ingredients there are, and mostly when it comes to fish, she's able to decipher which waters they may have come from. she's not as talented at placing the waters unlike neuvillette who can do it with only a sip. )
But... that does give me some insight on what sort of meals you're interested in. ( furina wants to say what arlecchino searches for is fun in some way, but that sort of thing is outside of furina's area of expertise. ) I'm not too sure if you'll find that where we're going...
( she's probably aware of that, this besides, furina doesn't have that sort of mora to buy the more high grade meals and luxuries. penny pinching is the name of the game with her nowadays, considering she only has so much to get by and no one she ever wants to bother in regards to it. now she's wondering if she has enough for the squirrel that seems thrilled for some reason being in her arms as they make their way. )
So...! You see! As you must have heard, I am somewhat of a whisperer to the animals within Fontaine! When I have gained such a skill is beyond me... considering the Gods do not look my way anymore. Ha! Which is to say, with as busy as I've been, I have yet to come up with a name!
that's our girl, proud of her
Given Arlecchino's style and demeanor, it's common for people to think her picky about all things in life. It isn't so, but it is handy to have people think so. Though she's fairly sure she already laid down assurances by acknowledging Furina's veteran palate...
Well. There are a number of reasons why Furina might not believe her. Things are what they are. ]
Do not concern yourself overly with my likes and dislikes. I could hardly call myself a Harbinger if I were to be laid low by a dish that wasn't perfectly suited to my tastes.
[ Though some of her fellow Harbingers might act like they have such delicate sensibilities. It would certainly explain why they're too delicate for fieldwork.
Setting aside the small matter of Furina's sudden affinity with animals for the moment...... ]
How fortunate that we now seem to find ourselves with an abundance of time. I'm sure your friend will be honored to hear the name it will be graced with.
someone has to be proud of her where she fails
( she didn't get this freedom as an archon, but maybe it's better not knowing anything about a harbinger. the less she knows the better, she won't have to be in her business which might get her in trouble later on. that's right, furina has to think of her future and take better care of herself because she doesn't have clorinde to watch after her always, nor does she have neuvillette by her side.
recently she lives a lonely life, but it's a different kind compared to what she know before. )
Well... that's if you want to tell me. I can keep an eye out for... the things you enjoy.
( furina sounds almost awkward saying this, but she doesn't remain there for too long when conversation returns to the squirrel in hand. looking down, she wonders how she's gotten herself in this mess, and knowing she can't hold him around the food because she has to look through what she wants, he'll bring the chubby creature up to her shoulder to sit. )
Why don't you name it? You appeared to have handled it with ease when you came across us.
no subject
Arlecchino looks briefly at the squirrel now on Furina's shoulder. In another timeline, it might have received a very thoughtful and fancy name from Fontaine's most beloved celebrity. In this timeline... ]
As you wish. Its name shall be Dumbo.
[ Dead serious. ]
no subject
she's no longer an archon, she lacks status, she's part of the commonfolk who try to live day by day to make ends meet when her money is low. it's one of these times where she's hoping that she's not going to get kidnapped as everyone should be aware in fontaine that furina has cut her ties with the hydro sovereign...! )
...Uh!
( it's a good thing this squirrel probably doesn't know what that name means, but it's so simple and random that she's confused that arlecchino had even said it.
...dumbo? )
Are you sure? I mean... he looks pretty smart to me... as animals are!
( that's her squirrel dumbo... )
no subject
[ It's the sort of non-question that dares Furina to put forth her evidence. ]
Until a more suitable name makes itself known, my decision stands.
[ She isn't one to take back her choices, after all; she makes the best one available to her, every time -- including this time. Rescinding decisions is for people who didn't put enough thought into them in the first place. But Furina does happen to be a more creative sort. If she happens to come up with a better name than "Dumbo," then it wouldn't necessarily be a poor reflection on Arlecchino's naming ability.
The squirrel butts up against the side of Furina's head... just in case she's forgotten that its treats are on the line (as if she could have known in the first place). ]
no subject
H-Hey now! What are you doing!?
( she pinches the squirrel around the nape of its neck, bringing it back down against her bosom so that he's unable to do that again. this creature is evil on her shoulder, but hopefully there's not much he can do here. while she's not aware of what's making this poor animal act out, she's trying her best to keep it calm. )
Do understand, this... normally doesn't happen! I'm sure he'll calm down once we stop moving around. There's tables nearby so after we shop we could eat a little.
( that's mostly because she's hungry so it's not a date. )
fhdfh the whisper tag...
The squirrel is transferred to Furina's embrace, which is maybe like a sort of sideways petting, so it might count as mission accomplished? His head swivels to look at Arlecchino, who looks back unimpressed and still does not reward it with a treat. Thus rejected, Dumbo once again deflates sadly in Furina's hands.
Arlecchino returns her attention to Furina. ]
Oh? I wasn't aware that a meal was on the itinerary. It seems Dumbo has found himself quite the lucky date.
[ It's a date...... between Furina & Squirrel. Arlecchino's third wheel status intensifies.
The market looms ahead. It seems rather busier than usual — but surely not everyone is here for the macaroni? Admittedly, The Knave rarely does any grocery shopping, so she can't say she knows the trends. ]
shhhh embarrassing myself... you were not to see!!
It could be... a friend thing, friends go out in threes.
( there's some hesitation as she says that even though arlecchino's third wheel energy is pretty strong. it's terrifying to say these things aloud, even furina is wondering what the hell is wrong with her to say this. "friend"? calling a harbinger a friend? oh, she's been losing her mind as of late, but this has to really be showing it. furina is unable to even look in her direction because she won't make the same mistake as dumbo did.
she's on the weaker side, worried that if she makes the wrong move that she'll die. as a human, she has to make bold decisions, and these are one of those situations where she doesn't want to upset the other woman. furina's hold onto the squirrel tightens more out of stress than love, but it's okay... please be a stress doll for now. )
It is still... pretty early, and I'm sure walking with me to buy food wasn't really on your list of things to do...
( furina's voice grows quieter like she's suggesting "is it fatui business...?" without asking if it's fatui business. )
becomes as homer unto the bushes
Dumbo's sheer mass is an able cushion against Furina's anxious squeezing. Arlecchino considers the former Hydro Archon's continued signs of nervousness. The brief silence that ensues probably does Furina's anxiety no favors, but The Knave isn't one to be rushed. Finally, she speaks again. ]
Life is rarely kind enough to unfold before us in straight lines like a red carpet. A little diversion is no cause for concern.
[ She's talking about the shopping... maybe. Less cryptically, ]
Currently, I have no meetings to prepare for or urgent business to attend to. And if the market offerings are fair enough, the children would care to know. They do enjoy their shopping... but they're kept on a strict allowance, to better encourage prudent spending.
as i thought... you go in there and stay there
is it normal to ask a father about his many kids without seeming nosey? )
How strict is their allowance? Depending... I...
( her words trail off as always, her attempt to find the words that are best to say in a situation like this. what could she say? what even works to keep up a proper conversation without the knave thinking less of her.
is she thinking less of furina? is that why she's here? to laugh at her late? "come here children, this is the sort of person you don't want to be." though, she doesn't think arlecchino would do that to her! with a deep breath, she follows with clearing her throat and a small smile pulling onto her lips. )
I could tell you what's the best market prices. I'm always preparing for these things, and managing expenses is a very important skill to have before becoming a proper adult.
( it's why she struggles now, she didn't have all that when she was an archon. she knows neuvillette would give her everything if she asked, but that's not what she wants to do as an independent woman. )
no subject
Fascinating that such boastfulness should seem so different within the same person now. The scale of it is much smaller, true... The Hydro Archon boasting of judging other gods is a very different brag from Furina claiming that she knows her way around a grocery store. Yet the latter is more compelling — perhaps even appealing.
Arlecchino laughs through closed lips to think of it. ]
Very well. I shall be your willing pupil.
[ Just in time, they've arrived at the entrance to the marketplace. Arlecchino takes the initiative to grab a bag for them to put items in. ]
Master Furina. Let's say the children have decided to combine their allowances in order to cook a grand pot of pasta. Together, their funds make 5,000 Mora. How might they best go about shopping within their budget?