[Everwinter]

[snezhevna]

Cut it off, cut down your loss All that stubborn loyalty is gonna get you k i l l e d In a world built on convenient theories For the puppets on TV There is comfort in the strings If you're gonna c o n t r o l me At least make it i n t e r e s t i n g theatrically

dossier

dogma

[snezhevna]

snegurochkaa -> snezhevna

[snezhevna]

//. NEW HARBINGER/FATUI VIDEO DROP HAD ME RISE FROM THE DEAD WTH

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“How weird. You have cryo vision, but your hand feels so warm.” Celine purred, as she gave another squeeze. “Much warmer than my cold claws. I might borrow them some more from today afterwards.”

“Alright, while you go get some drinks, I’ll clean out the living room in the meanwhile.” Like that she let go of the other’s hand, feeling a bit empty now, and shooed her away. “Go on partner, you got your quest!”

As for Celine, she got to where the living room was located and did her best to clean it up in the quickest manner possible. She even created a small, harmless pyro tornado to burn away any and all excess dust that was on the place.

Now it was time to wait for her girl to arrive again.

“I see.” Effectively, Celine probably managed to thaw Anastasia out. In a good way, of course. That’s probably the main reason why she’s oh so comfortable with the other’s presence, and in a quick fashion, too. “Well, we have all day, so that we can do.”

With her being shooed away with her “quest”, she would then head off to go buy them some drinks and some snacks, which didn’t take Anastasia too long, really. It always was pleasant around here in Mondstadt than Snezhnaya, too.

A shame that after so long, only now was she able to return here.

After a bit, Anastasia returned back to the house, with some drinks from Cat’s Tail, and some Matsutake Meat Rolls for snacks.

“Ah... You’ve been busy, huh?” She teased, very much impressed on how thorough Celine had cleaned the living room. “We could’ve cleaned it together, y’know? But anyway, thank you.”

And thus, she handed over Celine’s drink, and set her own and the snack on the table, having sat down on the couch, now.

“Well, now that we’ve settled down a bit...” She paused, taking a sip from her drink. “I want to know more of your story, Cee. On how you found yourself settled here in both Mondstadt and Liyue.” Don’t mind her asking, Fontaine was a beautiful place all its own, as she had seen it for herself, once, even took part in some work there once, too, so she had to ask.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“I’m a bit outta breath.” Celine admitted, panting lightly and using the bridge railings as support. “I forgot how much fun and tiring run could be, so thanks for indulging me.” She blinked at her hand being held, but nevertheless followed and lead herself be lead a long.

“As you wish, let’s go.” Once they were at the home, she finally got what Anastasia meant. “Yeah, it looks quite worn, but I’m sure if we clean it up, then it should be good to use as a home and base of operations.” Squeezing Celine’s hand, she decided to look around. “You got a key? Or do I need to climb up a window and open it up from the inside?”

Not the first time she had done such an unhonorable act, but sometimes they were necessary. “Alright Ana, let’s go inside, then I can finally tell you about myself. Or we can get some food first too, then I can finally tell you about my past.”

“Well, you were in somewhat of a rush and took the lead, so can’t blame you for that.” Anastasia chuckled, having panting a bit, herself. Thank goodness that her experience on having to do some heavy work, along with being trained under Snezhnayan cold had made her body used to long treks like these. Otherwise, she’d be winded already.

A nod. “Indeed. And no worries. I got a key. Once we fully settle down later today, I’ll have a duplicate made for you, as well.” Feeling the hand squeeze she would reflexively squeeze back, just as gentle as Celine did.

Unlocking the door, she would then say “I can go fetch us a quick snacks and some drinks. That was a long walk, after all.” She wouldn’t lie that it got her a bit parched, too. “Wouldn’t take long. After that, we can talk about things, too, get to know about each other even more.”

And at this case, it would be knowing each other in a personal, more intimate level.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“To reap the rewards of being loved, I have to put myself to the mortifying ordeal of being known.” Celine spoke, her tail squeezing Anastasia a bit. “I want to know you Ana. You helped me back there when no one else did. You spent your mora on me when you didn’t have to.”

Oh look, Anastasia was pulled into a hug by the Draco, a rather tight one that may have left her breathless. “You’re a kind person, I can tell. Despite the emotive mask you put on, you’re a good person too. I trust you completely and wholly too.”

“For you, the world.” She finally spoke, letting go of Celine and walking forward once more. “Now come on, we should be in Mondtadt in less than a few hours if we keep up pace.”

Thankfully she was rushing now, her face burning red with a blush, as she was very forward and didn’t want to let Anastasia see that, or she’d be dying of embarrassment.

And there they went, pressing forth to Mondstadt and making sure to keep up the pace that Celine was taking, Anastasia smiled softly as she followed from behind. Celine felt... so warm. And such warmth may have been contagious, as she can still feel that warmth around her body due to the tight hug. Despite the tightness, it, ironically, felt gentle.

‘For you, the world’. That’s the first time she had heard that, and she had felt the weight of her sincerity from that short phrase, alone.

Yet she also frowned, but the briefest of moments. She had already given her word that she would let Celine know about what exactly transpired in her past. Here’s to hoping that Celine would still accept her, regardless.

And also here’s to hoping that she would still be such, if she eventually finds out about her being Fatui.

With how quick they were on their feet, Anastasia didn’t realize that they made it, having only realized such when the city of Mondstadt has registered on her line of sight.

How could she pay attention on her surroundings, when for some reason, Celine was the only figure she can focus on?

“Well, we’re here.” She spoke. “Mondstadt. Home. Ahhh, it takes me back, already.”

Thus, her body acting on its own, Anastasia would hold onto Celine’s hand, with her looking at her with a smile on her face. “Come. Just a little more, and we can finally take a breather, and have the talk that we promised each other earlier ago.”

Now that she had seen Mondstadt with her own two eyes again, nothing much had changed around here, indeed, which then would mean that the house she used to stay in with her family was still around.

Its definitely gonna be very dusty once they get in there, but a bit of cleaning, and everything would be a-ok.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“That is true, yes.” Celine gave a nod, keeping close to Anastasia and making sure to keep her eyes peeled. “It’s quite peaceful nowadays. There was an incident regarding Dvalin going crazy, but truth to be told, at the time I was more pre-occupied with stuff in the mountains.” Dragonspine was quite the cold area.

She had gotten lost there in other words, but her pride wouldn’t let her admit it. “But yes, quite a good place. I wouldn’t mind settling down there with you and continuing my adventures with you as well.” At the least Celine was as honest as ever, especially as she once more wrapped her tail around Anastasia’s waist.

“You know what, Ana? I t rust you, so once we get to your home, I’ll tell you more about myself. Anything you want, nothing is off-limits.” What a spontaneous decision, but the Draco had made the decision to trust the other. “Yes, that includes my past, so don’t hesitate to ask about it then either.”

“I see.” She spoke. Well, seems that the tempest has blown over now, considering that Mondstadt is at peace again for the time being. Sure, some are still on edge there, due to her fellow Fatui having still been stationed around the city, but Anastasia knew that such feelings are well-placed.

Their methods aren’t that savory, after all.

Feeling her tail wrap around her waist once more feels... a lot more comfortable than the first time, really. It felt... natural, for some reason, to the point that Anastasia really didn’t mind. Celine would be able to feel it, too, with how much more relaxed she was.

A small smile would emerge from her lips, before she would reply with “I’m glad you trust me, Cee. Its both the greatest of privilege and risk bestowing it to someone, and thus, I shall treasure it.” This one is genuine, not only because she’s currently off-duty until she’s needed again, but also because for some reason, she feels like she can truly rely on Celine, as well.

She just hopes that she would still trust her if she does find out what her way of living truly is.

“Well, since you’re okay with doing that for me, it would be fair if I’d tell you about my... colorful past, as well.” She spoke. “Its a bit of a downer, though, so I do hope it doesn’t kill the mood later.”

She’d probably omit the part wherein she joined the Fatui for now, however. Is it because out of fear that Celine would see her as villain? Probably.

Understandable outcome if she did, but still something Anastasia wouldn’t want to happen, for once.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“You know, there is a bank in Mondstadt as well and ultimately, you can also just use the teleport beacons as well.” Come to think of it, why didn’t they do that to arrive at Mondstadt much quicker?

Hindsight could be a bitch.

“True true, I see what you mean.” Still, there were some Hilichurls on the side of the road, a bit distanced away. “Let’s leave them be, unless you want to take care of them?”

“... Right. You’ve got a point.” Whether she had said that in response to Celine stating about a bank being present in Mondstadt, or the usage of the beacons that were around is up for the other to decide.

“I’d rather take the scenic route for now.” Anastasia replied. “While we can easily deal with just a couple of churls, I think its best we just focus on our trip to Mondstadt, y’know?”

With that being said, she would then think up a topic to talk about, with her now then saying “So, how is it like in Mondstadt, nowadays?” From what she had heard from her fellow Fatui members, Mondstadt had to deal with the Stormterror incident some time ago, which is quite a news, since Mondstadt has been generally peaceful for the most part.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

snegurochkaa​:

fontainedraco​:

“You keep saying MAtushka, but what does the word mean?” Celine finally questioned, her tail waggling in excitement. A journey with someone else that she could call friend was always wanted and now her wish had been fulfilled.

How annoying

“I see, and why are you telling me that?” The draco questioned, her tail now being used to tickle the open back of Anastasia for a bit. “You know I won’t be using that money for myself, nor do I plan on stealing it. I’m much too honorable tor that.”

“It means ‘mother’ in Snezhnayan.” Anastasia directly answered. “Its something I got well used on calling her by, even way back when I was still living in Mondstadt when I was a kid.

“I’m simply telling y-” And a surprise gasp would escape her, especially when the mixed blood had used her tail to tickle the exposed part of her back, even causing her to move forward ahead a few steps, before matching her pace with Celine again. “I’m simply telling you that we can use those emergency savings as they were intended to be used, y’know? If ever we run out of Mora, instead of me having to run all the way back to Northland Bank to withdraw some, we can always use the saved up money my parents have probably left behind.” 

Because admittedly, it would be very much a hassle to cross from one nation to another just to get to the bank.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“I was bored and needed a place to sit.” Celine spoke, jumping down and landing on the ground with a light thud. Having an anemo vision would have made that fall far more graceful, but as it was, she didn’t and simply let her knees absorb the impact.

That would hopefully not come to bite her in the arse in a few decades down the life.

“You can treat me when we’re in Mondstadt. Now come on, daylight is wasting away.” Of course a throwaway comment to the other’s vision change again. “You know, you really suck at being human and this is coming from me, a mixed blood.”

She left it at that, deciding to leave the other to think about it, or have her question it. Either way, Celine would get to talk about it and she’d have another topic to talk about as well.

“I saw you heading to the Harbor and then the bank from my viewpoint up there. Did you get yourself some more money outta the bank?”

Stylish, but that drop would be nasty on the knees if done wrong. She would know.

“Fine, fine. Hmm... Is Sticky Honey Roast still a thing in Mondstadt? My Matushka used to make that for me and my dad.” She pointed out. Still, that throwaway remark did caught her off guard. It did linger, hence why she was standing still for a few seconds, before then walking alongside her this time, thus beginning their trip to Mondstadt.

Oh right. Keen eyesight. She nearly forgot about that. Anyway, Anastasia gave a nod, saying “Mhm, but just a bit. After all, we can get some money back in Mondstadt by doing commissions, or even bounties.”

Of course, she will also add “And maybe, just maybe, there would be a hidden money stash back at the home I used to stay in with my family in Mondstadt. My dad and Matushka always made sure to have some emergency savings hidden somewhere in the house just in case back then, so we can use that too, if ever we do find such.”

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

“Guess that means our afflictions cancel each other out.” In other words they still noticed how they other’s body temperature was, but nevertheless weren’t affected by each other. “That might be useful. I don’t think I can get something like the cold, fever and stuff, so I might run a few experiments on myself later to see if some common sicknesses still can get me or not.”

“Understood and I’ll hold you to that.” With that said, Celine disappeared into the crowds once more. She did her business, meeting up with a few old friends and telling them of her plans. Mostly to Lan and that she wouldn’t be active in Liyue until further notice and likely for a good few years at that.

After getting some rations, snacks and some water on the long trek to Mondstadt, she decided to finally go to the gates, now waiting for her companion to arrive. Of course she got bored after a minute and decided to climb up the gate, now sitting on the very top and waiting to be noticed afar by her companion.

While Celine met up with a few old friends of hers, and informed them about her departure, Anastasia went over to some parts of Liyue outside of the harbor’s vicinity, having met up with several Fatui, collecting whatever information they had, along with dealing with some “difficulties” they were dealing with.

After her business was settled, she would then inform them that she wouldn’t be available for the time being, unless urgently needed.

This way, she can give herself a time off, and also lay low. Wouldn’t want a sudden news about a Cryo Vision wielding Fatui Agent to break out. Not only it would be unusual, due to the fact that Fatui Agents are known to wield Pyro Delusions, it would just make things trickier for her in her line of work.

When she had returned to Liyue Harbor, she headed over to Northland Bank first, and handed over her mask to Ekaterina, under the request to have it delivered to her, in package, in a few days’ time to Mondstadt. This way, there would be nothing about her links to the Fatui that would be found on her possession, just in case.

With that settled, she would then head over to the harbor gates, and again, that same expression shift would be observed by Celine once more, especially when Anastasia had finally noticed her.

“What are you doing all the way up there?” She called out, once she had gotten closer. “Ah... This means I arrived last. Anyway, come on, Cee. I’ll be treating you to some Grilled Tiger Fish first, before we leave for Mondstadt, then.” She spoke with a small smile.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

snegurochkaa​:

“Ouch, your body is pretty cold.” Even with the increased body temperature from her Pyro Vision, she felt it. “Is that a side-effect from your Cryo Vision? Are you unable to notice if you ever get frostbite, until it’s too late?”

Questions upon questions that Celine had. “Sometimes I don’t notice burns until much later. The mixed blood in me does give me some innate resistance to cold and heat, but thanks to my Pyro vision, my body is much hotter than what it should be too.”

After that explanation, she finally got up, dusting herself off and pulling up her jacket once more. “Either way, do you want to get your business done now? If yes, I can get my done as well and we can meet up again later tonight or early tomorrow at the gates.”

“Well, now that you mention it...” Anastasia would then recall if there were indeed instances of that happening, especially with her being in Snezhnaya for quite a long time now. “There have been some cases in which that I didn’t realize I was frostbitten, until I see it for myself. Still, though, despite the fact that I’m much colder than normal, I still did note how warm you are, and with your explanation... It makes sense.”

She would then give Celine a nod as she got up, as well, before then saying “The sooner we get both our businesses done, the better. That way, we can meet up later tonight, take the trek towards Mondstadt and all that. I’m no stranger to night walks, myself.”

“That, and this opens the opportunity for the both of us to set up camp together if ever we need to sleep along the way, or just take a rest or so for a bit.” After all, its a long way from Liyue to Mondstadt by foot, and there’s little to no updrafts of air they could utilize for gliding, either.

Yes. That idea does seem to be more favorable to her, for some reason.

“After we’re done with our businesses, let’s meet later tonight at the gates.” And she would also add “Though, the one who arrives last must treat the other to a quick Grilled Tiger Fish snack before we set on to Mondstadt.” with a smile on her face.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

snegurochkaa​:

fontainedraco​:

“Understood. I’ll have to bid some friends of mine good bye and then I’ll be joining you on the track to Mondstadt.” Still, she was incredibly flustered. Sometimes her tail had a mind of its own and now she was stuck in this incredibly embarrassing situation.

“Y–Yeah, pretty good weather, amirite?” Her speech became as quick as her heartbeat towards the end and she finally answered, in a hushed tone. “J–Just peachy. A bit embarrassed at what my tail did, b-but hey, it’s just another body part of mine, so I’m sorry for putting you into my lap.”

Yet Celine did not do any move to remove the girl from her lap. Instead she was trying to remove her tail from Anastasia’s lap. “I’m so sorry, can you help me pry it off of you?”

“Completely understandable.” She replied, a small smile present on her face the moment she had removed her hand from it when she felt that she’s not a bit flustered anymore. And of course, she would make a light joke of the situation, saying “Though, I think this would be the better option, than either of us tripping on each other, no?”

“Alright, then.” She stated, at first lightly trying to uncoil the tail from her being, before saying “Hmm. It seem to have tightly clung onto me. Let me try this again.”

It did took well around a minute or so, before she had finally able to get the tail off of her, to which Anastasia would then let out a sigh, saying “There we go. Thankfully, I didn’t manage to hurt you while doing so, as well. Dunno if your tail is extra sensitive, or not, so I had to be careful on prying it off of me, after all.”

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

fontainedraco​:

Celine herself grinned as well, giving a nod at the conditions. “Understood. IT will be 500 mora a month then, but you have to decide when we will travel to there. I don’t have much business in Liyue left, so it would all depend on when you yourself finish.”

Celine was glad that it was a low price. Truth to be told, it was her pride that didn’t allow her to accept the whole rent free thing. She was already poor and only having to pay 500 was a cheap price to pay. It was a bit humiliating yes, but Anastasia was still a friend.

Hence why unconsciously, Celine had wrapped her tail around the waist of the Cryo Vision user, not even noticing it until her tail had pulled Ana closer and she was now in Celine’s lap. “Oh?” Blinking a few times, she finally noticed what was happening.

She had been too deep in thought and now had a pretty lady in her lap. Becoming a bit red, she tried to play it cool. “H–Hehe, nice wather we’re having here, eh?”

“Well, let’s see. I have a few private matters left to attend to in Liyue, which I can be able to do later over night, but after that, I’m pretty much free to head to Mondstadt.” In which the delivery she had received from Celine last night was related to. Thank goodness she’s not a nosy one, opening packages and all.

Of course, Anastasia was caught surprise by suddenly feeling her tail coil around her waist. It was a... surprise, to say the least, especially when she found herself now on her lap, as well.

Granted, that got her the least bit flustered, too, but not as red up as Celine’s was. Regardless of that, Anastasia would have covered her face partly, and cleared her throat. “Yeah... Weather’s pretty... Peachy, is it not?”

Her heart skipped a beat, though. After all, physical contact wasn’t something she had properly experienced, especially since after that time, as well. Had it not been for her already somewhat getting over what happened, she would probably have flinched.

“You feeling, alright? Your face seem to be a little flustered.”

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

fontainedraco​:

@snegurochkaa​

“You see what= I can’t read your thoughts, so if you could share them with the class, I can understand you better.” Celine jested a bit, still remaining serious like the topic at hand. “I don’t open up to people as easy as this. There must something about you that makes me feel like I could trust you with a lot.”

Celine was honest, inspecting her claws as she heard out the offer of the other. “I will accept. If we start moving towards Mondstadt and your home still stands, I will move in with you. And I will pay rent and make sure that I won’t destroy anything either. Those are my conditions, accept them and I will travel with you as a permanent party from now on.”

The jest did, at least lightened the mood between them, which made the Fatui Agent chuckled, too. “I mean, had I known, I should have asked something instead. I didn’t mean to pry that deep right off the bat, you know?” She pointed out with a small smile on her face. Oh well, what’s done is done.

“Ah, I have a feeling you’d say something about paying for your stay.” And something tells her that Celine would still pay rent, regardless even if Anastasia says that she can stay there rent free. Oh, well. “Alright, alright. Five Hundred Mora a month, then, nothing more.”

Yeah, she had the liberty to wager how much the rent would be, so she decided to make it as affordable as possible.

Still, she’s really acting on impulse. Uncharacteristic for a Fatui Agent like her. Hopefully, her actions of today would not come back to hound on her in the future.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

fontainedraco​:

“…I nearly killed my friend in the past. It was self-defense. She was technically dead for a few minutes, but the healers were able to resurrect her.” Celine spoke, crossing her arms and answering it in a bit of a subdued, but honest manner.

“She hated me. She made usage of such and bolstered her own reputation, while destroying mine. I was all, but disowned from the family and chased out. All because I let her rile me up. All because I had a lapse in self-control and nearly annihilated her with a single sword strike filled with anger.”

“At the beginning it won’t matter much. You had a reason to kill. Self-defense and all that jazz, but later down the line, when you’ve crossed that line and are trying to cross back to normalcy…it becomes impossible. I want killing to be my last resort, not for it to become an easy solution to any problem I face.”

Humming a bit, as she turned int the current comissions. “I’ve been away for the better part of a decade, maybe twelve years at most. I’ve never thought about returning home either.” Pointing at her chest. “My heart doesn’t feel warm when I think of Fontaine. I have to find a home that makes me feel with my heart.”

“... I see.” Maybe Anastasia didn’t had to ask such specific questions. Then again, she did not know what was the deal with Celine in the first place. Yeah, she knew that Celine did told her that she’s an open book, but that did not mean that having to recall such memories again wouldn’t sting anymore.

Still, what she did say among her speech did speak to her. At first, she did killed out of self-defense, her first kill, that is. But eventually, due to her line of work as a Fatui Agent, she had to stomach each and every kill she had done, up until she had grown jaded to it, as if doing so was as easy as breathing.

She’s way past normalcy at this point.

“In other words, Fontaine doesn’t feel like home to you, anymore.” She spoke. Now it makes sense why Celine was so used to setting up camp outside. “As I have said earlier, if I remember correctly, while I may hail from Snezhnaya, I’ve lived in Mondstadt during the better days of  my childhood. If the house my family had back then still stands, then we can clear the dust it had accumulated throughout the years, and maybe you can call it your home as well. Not only it would be, in a sense, a homecoming for me, it would make said homecoming of mine less lonelier, as well as you not having to need to set up camp on the outside, no?”

She did not know why she had offered such, but it came out from her. More like, she was compelled by something to offer Celine to stay around.

[snezhevna]

fontainedraco​:

fontainedraco​:

“If you have any questions about it, just ask.” Celine stated, crossing her arms and adding. “I am not so secretive about my past as to not tell you about it. You’re free to keep your secrets for yourself, Ana, but I am an open book. You just have to touch the pages first.”

“I rarely tire out, just in the most extreme cases.” Celine answered that question first, now the next one. “I think we work well together. I just have to not get in your way if you’re that intent on taking lives. Just try to mostly do it when I’m out of sight and we’ll be good.”

The draco now explained. “I’m not against using lethal force or inflicting trauma on my victims. And I know that my rule of ‘Never Kill’ can come and bite me in the ass any time; But if I start killing now, what would be the difference between me and a murderer?”

“Right.” At least she can do that. Being able to do what she’s actually trained to do out of Celine’s sight would be the easy part. However, doing it without blowing her cover would be the more challenging part, really. She had already shown enough for the mixed blood to discern that she’s already used to killing.

She need not to rouse any more suspicion, by then.

“Still, what if you had to kill out of self-defense? A justified murder, so to speak. Would that still differentiate you between a murderer?” She had to ask, and made sure her tone was as neutral as possible on doing so, too. Wouldn’t want to look like she’s self-projecting, there.

“Anyway, now that you say that I’m eligible to ask more about you, then that’s what I am going to do.” She spoke. “How long have you been far from home? Has the thought of a homecoming ever strike you?”

She played it careful, she thought. As she doesn’t know the full extent as to why Celine had left Fontaine, Anastasia did thought that such question wouldn’t probably hit heavy for the other.