The mission in Mondstadt had been a whirlwind of wind blades and frantic dodging. Back in Snezhnaya, exhaustion gnawed at Arlecchino. Her usual stoicism faltered as she entered her quarters, the bite of the cold air clinging to her.
The flickering fire in the hearth offered a meager comfort. As Arlecchino started to shed her heavy coat, a small figure emerged from the shadows by the window. Furina, the youngest Harbinger, shifted on her toes, fiddling with a worn book.
"Shouldn't you be tucked in, child?" Arlecchino's voice was gruff, the mission's strain still lingering.
Furina, usually full of youthful defiance, hesitated. "I...couldn't sleep. The wind here is loud."
A flicker of unexpected understanding crossed Arlecchino's face. Stepping closer, she noticed Furina's small frame trembling slightly. Despite her stern demeanor, Arlecchino wasn't heartless. An idea formed in her mind.
"Come here," she said, voice softer than Furina had ever heard.
Furina, surprised, shuffled closer. Arlecchino knelt down, pulling back the thick fur of her coat to reveal a surprisingly warm layer beneath.
"Climb in," Arlecchino instructed gently.
Furina, after a moment's hesitation, crawled in cautiously. The familiar scent of Arlecchino, a mix of leather and her Cryo aura, filled Furina's senses. Hesitantly, she leaned back.
Surprised by the movement, Arlecchino looked down. Furina, eyes downcast, mumbled, "Can I... stay here for a little while?"
Arlecchino's heart skipped a beat. The vulnerability in Furina's voice was unexpected. With a sigh, she pulled down her coat further, enveloping them both. Furina nestled closer, a small sigh escaping her lips.
The silence was comfortable, the crackling fire a soothing counterpoint to the howling wind outside. Arlecchino, always in control, found herself relaxing in the unexpected warmth. Furina's tiny form felt like a fragile bird seeking shelter.
As the fire cast flickering shadows on the wall, Furina, overcome with drowsiness, snuggled even closer. Arlecchino, ever the protector, wrapped an arm around the young Harbinger, a silent promise of safety.
The mission might have been a test of Arlecchino's strength, but in the quiet intimacy of her quarters, she found a different kind of strength – the strength of quiet companionship. And beneath the harsh Snezhnayan sky, a small ember of warmth flickered between the two Harbingers, a promise of comfort in the face of the cold.
