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"Anger makes you impulsive. Sorrow causes you to waver."
Arlecchino learned from a very early age that showing emotion was a weakness. A trait that has proved most important as a fatui harbinger, a diplomat, and as "father" of the House of the Hearth.
After everything that has happened in the last couple of days, this is a rule she has to remind herself of. First it was Columbina. Her anger towards The Doctor, for trapping Columbina leaving her not choice but to escape to who knows where. Her anger towards herself, of not being able to see beforehand what The Doctor was planning. Her anger at the world for she was not allowed the chance to save her, frozen in time.
They worked hard to bring her back. Holding on to the small traces she left behind, they managed to bring her back, but at what cost?
She did not learn about it until later. The sacrifice made to bring Columbina back. Sandrone gave her life to save the world. She gave her life to save her world.
She took the news with all the grace expected from her. She took the body of Sandrone in her hands. She felt just like a puppet. Lifeless. She was given the body and they let her have a moment alone with her. Here, just for a moment, she left herself show her love towards Sandrone. In private she pressed her forehead against Sandrone's, promising to do what she was asked to do.
Columbina was the first to hold Sandrone's dead body. She had stayed with it for a long time. Grieving. Trying to bring her back to no avail. Sandrone and Columbia have always been close. Closer that Sandrone would ever admit. It is no surprise how grief stricken Columbina was. Arlecchino understood because she felt the same pain, not that she would ever show it.
Sorrow filled her heart as she said one final goodbye. Sorrow filled her hands as she removed the core from the lifeless body. Sorrow filled her mind as she collected Sandrone's things to bring back to Fontaine. Sorrow filled her as she made her way to Hiisi Island. Her way to Silvermoon hall.
As expected Columbina was in Silvermoon hall. As Arlecchino entered she could hear the sound of Columbina's voice. Singing. It reminded Arlecchino of when Rosalyne had died. A song so beautiful, but also filled with sorrow for those that paid enough attention. Arlecchino took a moment to watch the moon goddess stroll through the flowers.
"Arlecchino" the song stopped.
Columbina, despite her closed eyes, always knew when someone entered her space. She looked so pretty.
"Columbina" a pause "I came to say goodbye" Arlecchino answered the question before it was asked.
She made her way towards columbina. Careful not to step on the pretty flowers that Columbina loved.
"Goodbye?..You are going back to Fontaine" A statement, not a question.
"Yes" Arlecchino still answered
Despite the difference in height, Columbina placed her hand on Arlecchino's cheek. Maybe Arlecchino could fool the world, but she could never fool Columbina. The warmth of the goddess's hand made Arlecchino feel safe.
"I'm sorry for worrying you" Columbina started "I'm sorry for everything you had to go through" a pause, Columbina let go of her face, and lowered her gaze. Arlecchino was going to answer her, she was not at fault. However Columbina spoke once more before she could say it. "I wish she was here with us. I miss her so much and it has only been half a day. I wish I could bring her back, but I can't. I have the power of the tri-lunar authority, but even that can't bring her back"
Arlecchino's mind went back to the core that was waiting for her on her baggage. She wanted to tell Columbina, give her hope. However, Arlecchino had made a promise, and she was not one to break them. She promised Sandrone's not to tell Columbina. Even then, what hope was there? Maybe Sandrone had a back up plan, still there was no guarantee it would work.
"I'm sorry too" a pause, filled with things unsaid. Things that will remain a secret. "I wish I could have done something.That I could have defended her, maybe even saved her. I should have known what she was going to do."
Columbina extended her hand and took Arlecchino's. Intertwining their fingers. Companionship in their pain. The hole that Sandrone left in her heart would not heal for a very long time, but at least, she knew she was not alone.
Silenced filled the space. Arlecchino knew that Columbina did not blame her either. It was just that there was nothing more to say. They stayed in silence for a bit, just feeling the comfort of having the other close.
"I have to go" Arlecchino moved their interwind hands and places a kiss on the back of Columbina's hand. "Goodbye Columbina" With that Arlecchino let go of Columbina's hand and made her way out.
Maybe in another universe fate would not be so cruel. Maybe after everything that had happened they would have had another tea party. Maybe Arlecchino could have been strong enough to tell Sandrone how much she loved her before her death. Maybe in another universe they could be together. But not here, not bound by the fate of this world.