The new 10th Harbinger

Twilight Gleaming

Zapolyarny Palace was even more spectacular than Evangeline could imagine. The towering spires were shining in the dim moonlight, flags displaying the symbol of Snezhnaya waving in the wind. If Evangeline didn't know any better, she could easily assume it was made of actual ice. Her admiring was interrupted by Pierro clearing his throat expectantly. Tearing her eyes away, Evangeline looks at him quickly, nodding and hurrying over to where he was walking up the path.

The Palace was large, its shadow alone covered the immediate surrounding area. Letting out a breath, a small puff appearing in front of her, Evangeline walks up the snow covered stairs. A few Fatui guards stood near the entrance. Upon seeing Pierro, they instantly bow their heads, opening the large doors without a word. If Evangeline thought the outside was impressive, the inside had her floored.

From the entrance, it almost looked like a maze. One long hallway splitting of into dozens of other long hallways. There was no doubt in her mind that she would easily get lost if she was unfortunate enough to not have a guide. The ceilings were high, which was to be expected, but after living in the outskirt sites for so long, Evangeline never expected she'd see such a grand building.

As Pierro led her through the halls with ease, probably because he knew exactly where each hallway led. Letting out a breath, Evangeline looked around, trying to keep track of direction she was going while also observing the beautiful decor that littered the halls. Carpets and paintings, silver conses and candles, silver shining chandeliers and dark oak doors that led to who knows where.

No noticing Pierro had stopped, Evangeline almost runs into his back. She quickly stops herself, taking a small step back and clearing her throat. Pierro turns to her, finally noticing just how short she was compared to him. His voice cuts through the silent hall they were standing in. "Are you ready to meet her majesty?"

Evangeline tenses at his words. 'Already?!? I thought I'd at least have the night...' Quickly nodding her head, Evangeline speaks softly. "Yes, I am." She didn't want to seem weak or scared, even though she very much was. After all, from what Pierro had told her, she was scouted to be a new Harbinger, and she couldn't very well fill that position if she was shaking at the idea of meeting the Archon.

Pierro nodded, the large doors of the throne room opening without another word. Letting out a breath, Evangeline quickly follows Peirro as he walks in to the room. It was dark, lit almost exclusively by the candles scattered around the room and the pale moonlight peeking through the windows. Directly in front of them, was the Archon in question. Her majesty the Tsaritsa. Seeing the god in person was nothing like seeing her photo in the newspaper. The room seemed to be colder than the hallways had been, as if her very presence was causing the temperature to decline.

Swallowing harshly, Evangeline keeps her eyes steady, watching as Pierro stops in front of the throne for a moment before stepping to the side. Now, standing completely alone in front of the Archon, Evangeline felt as if she was going to turn to ice on the spot. He eyes traced over the god, taking in her appearance. Silvery hair, icy blue eyes, a pointed crown that looked like icicles, and a surprisingly gentle smile. The Taritsa was as magnificent as proclaimed.

"There is no need to be so nervous, my dear. A decision has yet to be made." The Tsarista's voice was soft, calming even. It eased Evangeline's mind slightly, her thoughts calming. "Think of this as an interview, the first part in a process." The Archon smiled, sitting in her seat to get a better look at the girl in front of her. At first, she didn't understand what her subordinates could have possible seen in the girl, but now, having the girl in front of her, she felt something within her. Something that proved this girl wasn't a simple thief from and out skirt city.

Evangeline nodded slightly, letting out a soft breath before speaking. "If I may, your majesty, why am I here? I know you are looking to fill the tenth Harbinger seat, but I fail to see how I could possibly fit the role." Her voice was soft, but firm. Evangeline had mastered the art that, even if she was nervous, she could keep her voice steady. Sure, she was skilled at a few things, but to Evangeline, she'd thought she would do better a simple Fatui agent, not a Harbinger.

"My scouts saw something in you, something in your soul. That is why you are here, dear." The Tsarista replied calmly, understanding Evangeline's point of view. Evangeline however, furrowed her brows. She knew she had been watched, but something in her soul? She didn't even have a vision, and she only touched delusions to dispose of them. In no way, was Evangeline special enough to warrant an audience with the Archon of Snezhnaya.

"I'm sorry, but there has to have been some kind of mistake. Are you positive your scouts saw me?" Evangeline questioned, not realizing just how casually she had just questioned a the god. The Tsaritsa let out a small amused chuckle in response. "Unless there is another Evangeline Novikov you know of, then yes, my scouts saw you." Evangeline nodded, letting out a breath. Unconsciously, her fingers began to twist her mothers ring on her finger, something she often did when thinking.

Noticing this, the Tsaritsa stands from her throne, walking down the small steps towards Evangeline. Her soft smile widens just a bit as the Archon places a hand on the normal girl's shoulder. "You are stronger than you think, my dear. I can feel it, Peirro can feel it. You belong here." Now being so close to the Archon, Evangeline finally meets her eyes fully. In any other context, her icy blue eyes could be seen as piercing and dangerous, but so close, they almsot look soft. A burst of different light blues and whites all complemented her snowflake shaped pupils.

"I... belong here?" Evangeline whispers, mainly to herself. She couldn't believe it, it all was happening rather quickly. From running from a gang, to standing in front of the Archon of Snezhnaya. This, was something she had never planned for. She had no escape plan, no idea how to react. For once, Evangeline was being forced to run on instinct and that was something she hated more than anything.

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