The burn of a Harbinger

Halloween special/1k special

Just wanted to do a Halloween special:3! But yes! Thank you for 1k reads on The first book!! I'm super excited to see the journey of this one! And this one might be a tad bit longer than my other ones but please enjoy! I know it's not really a Halloween special but I don't care! :3 anyways have fun!

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In the grand hall of Fontaine, the Halloween banquet was in full swing. The atmosphere buzzed with an eerie energy, the walls draped with crimson and violet tapestries, flickering candles casting long shadows across the tables laden with decadent food and drinks.

The chandelier above was adorned with fake cobwebs, and the distant sound of an organ hummed a haunting tune.

Furina, the host of this gathering, sat at the head of the table, her delicate fingers drumming against the arm of her ornate chair. Her costume, as always, was extravagant: she had chosen to embody the Lady of the Lake, her gown shimmering like liquid silver, adorned with blue gemstones that reflected the light, creating the illusion of rippling water. A delicate crown of pearls rested atop her head, and a flowing veil trailed behind her, giving her the appearance of a mystical figure from a forgotten legend. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she glanced around the table at her fellow Archons.

Beside her sat Zhongli, the Geo Archon, dressed in the guise of an ancient general, his armor gleaming with the dull shine of gold. His costume was regal and understated, fitting his calm and composed nature, yet imbued with the authority of a figure who had seen centuries of conflict. The metallic plates clinked softly as he lifted a goblet, sipping it with a contented sigh.

To his right was Venti, the Anemo Archon, who had fully embraced the whimsy of the evening. He had chosen to dress as a mischievous fae, his green and white ensemble decorated with delicate wings and a crown of ivy. The bells on his wrists jingled as he reached for another slice of pie, his cheeks already flushed from the wine. His carefree laughter filled the air, and he kept trying to nudge the more serious Archons into lighthearted banter.

Raiden Ei, the Electro Archon, sat in regal silence, her eyes sharp beneath the mask of a fierce samurai warrior. Her outfit was a deep shade of violet, the armor etched with lightning patterns that shimmered with each movement. Her hand rested on the hilt of her katana, her demeanor unyielding even at this festive gathering. She was quiet, occasionally glancing over at her fellow Archons, her lips barely curved in amusement at Venti's antics.

Next to her was Nahida, the Dendro Archon, who had chosen a simpler, more innocent costume—she had dressed as a forest nymph. Her gown was made of woven leaves and flowers, her hair crowned with a delicate wreath of glowing white blossoms. She smiled warmly, her eyes full of curiosity and wonder as she observed the others, though there was a slight melancholy in her gaze, perhaps from remembering the past.

And then there was Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, dressed in fiery reds and golds, her costume a blazing representation of her domain. She had come as a Phoenix, her feathers seeming to glow with an internal flame, her fiery eyes sharp and full of passion. She laughed boisterously, clinking her glass with Venti's and chatting animatedly with Zhongli, who was recounting an old tale of Liyue.

But the final seat at the table drew the most attention. Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon, had arrived in an icy blue gown, her costume representing the Snow Queen, a figure both elegant and chilling. Her hair was adorned with frost-tipped crystals, and a cold aura seemed to emanate from her as she sat at the far end of the table. Beside her, uninvited but undeniably present, stood The Knave.

The Knave had not donned an elaborate costume like the others, yet her presence was enough to cause a stir. She wore her usual black and red uniform, the colors stark against the festive backdrop, her mask covering half her face, making her sharp gaze all the more menacing. The Knave of the Fatui was an unusual guest at a gathering of Archons, but she was never far from the Tsaritsa's side. Tonight, she lingered in the background, her eyes scanning the room, observing the interactions with a calculating gaze.