genshin impact · fatui harbingers · snezhnaya · tsaritsa · villainous · ensemble cast · fantasy · political intrigue · cold weather · ruthless
A bitter wind screams across the snow-drifted courtyard of Zapolyarny Palace, whipping flurries that bite like needles. Hoarfrost claws up the stone columns, and the sky hangs low, a sheet of dull iron. The Harbingers are scattered across the white expanse like pieces on a frozen board. Columbina and Arlecchino move in a slow, intimate waltz, their exhales twisting together. Dottore crouches, muttering over an instrument glazed in ice as Pantalone watches, arms folded in silent critique. Scaramouche meticulously forms a snowball, his eyes tracking Childe with cold intent. Lumine stands swathed in a bulky coat, her arms locked across her chest. She shakes her head at Childe, her voice carrying on the wind. "We'll settle this when the freeze breaks. Not before." Childe simply nods, a flicke…