Birthday Book: A Special Story In Their Birthdays

Thursday, 22nd of August: Arlecchino (Nicky Schiller)

Sophie's Note: already for the very first time ever, we never expected to have so many people join the story, here's Nicky Schiller!

Nicky: thank you, Sophie! Hello, I'm Nicky Schiller, welcome to the book. It's a pleasure to greet readers here, and besides myself, Celia Hatton, Laura Kuenssberg and Sarah Campbell are also joining me here for the Birthday of Father of the House of the hearth.

Sophie's Note: and yes of course, Arlecchino has yet to know about Sethos, Lyney's boyfriend from Sumeru as the story written.

---

A Masquerade of Mirth and Mystery

In the heart of Snezhnaya, where the snow whispers secrets and the aurora borealis paints dreams in the sky, on Thursday, the 22nd of August, the 4th Fatui Harbinger, Arlecchino, previously known as Perueré, was preparing for a birthday unlike any other. Known for her cunning and elusive nature, Arlecchino was about to be the recipient of a surprise orchestrated by a cast of diverse and vibrant friends and childrens.

Lyney and Lynette, the inseparable siblings with a flair for the magic, had conspired with Freminet, the famed diver and renowned artist, to create an evening of enchantment. Freminet's boyfriend, Gaming, the Wushou Dancer from Liyue, was to be the star of the show, his dance a tale told without words.

As Arlecchino entered the grand hall, she was greeted by a masquerade ball, the guests' faces hidden behind intricate masks. The air was electric with anticipation, the room a canvas awaiting the first stroke of color.

Celia Hatton, a friend of Lyney and Lynette, approached with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Happy birthday, Harbinger, and 'Father'." she said, handing him a mask of his own. "Tonight, you are not just a harbinger of the Tsaritsa's will, but of joy and celebration."

Laura Kuenssberg, Freminet's confidant, raised her glass in a toast. "To Arlecchino, whose wit and wisdom keep us all on our toes," she proclaimed, her voice echoing through the hall.

Sarah Campbell, Gaming's close ally, presented a gift wrapped in silk. "From Liyue, with respect," she offered, revealing a set of exquisite juggling balls, each one painted with scenes of Snezhnaya's landscapes.

And then, there was Nicky Schiller, Arlecchino's new friend, who had brought a touch of mystery to the evening. "A riddle for you, on this special day," Nicky said, handing Arlecchino a scroll sealed with wax.

The highlight of the night was Gaming's performance. As the music began, he moved with the grace of flowing water, his dance a story of battles won and challenges overcome. The guests watched in awe, the Wushou Dancer's movements a tribute to the birthday Harbinger.

As the night wore on, the revelry grew. Laughter and conversation filled the air, the bonds of friendship strengthened with each shared moment.

Arlecchino, surrounded by friends from near and far, felt a rare warmth in her heart. The birthday masquerade, a tapestry of cultures and connections, was a reminder that even amidst the intrigue, feud and Chaos of the Fatui and the BBC, there was room for genuine moments of happiness and surprise.