PRETEND ━━ lyney ( ✓ )

𝟯𝟵

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

truly, i do

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"𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄, 𝐈 𝐀𝐌 at a complete loss..."

"I know, Lady Furina. I'm afraid there isn't a huge amount that we can do to solve this current predicament."

The Hydro Archon peered out of the window to one of her many rooms, a distant loneliness residing within her eyes.

"At least the skies of Fontaine are clear..." She mused with a small chuckle. "That means you are well."

"Well, I wouldn't necessarily say that..."

Being greeted with the familiar sound of silence, Neuvillette posed another question. It was evident this question in particular had been playing on his mind, running aimlessly through his many thoughts.

"Lady Furina..."

The Archon hummed out in acknowledgement, quickly flashing the other one of her infamous grins.

"What is it?" She wondered curiously.

"The gnosis... You appear to be awfully attached to it in a way." Neuvillette spoke with a thoughtful hum. "Apart from powering the Oratrice and various structures within Fontaine... What other purpose does it serve?"

Furina thought about the said question for a few moments, her lips pursed into a thin line. She allowed for her attention to shift from Neuvillette, her saddened gaze returning to the world behind the window.

"I..." She inhaled sharply, "The gnosis gives me an opportunity to prove myself to the people of Fontaine. Without it, what sort of Archon would I be?"

There was a brief pause.

"All I've ever wanted... All I've ever cared about over these five hundred years of posing to be something I am not... Is for the people of Fontaine to rely on me — to confide in me."

Neuvillette remained silent as he listened to the Hydro Archon express her clouds of doubt — her vulnerability. These thoughts consumed her mind daily, tainting the corners of her very being. She was terrified; feeling as if she were nothing but a hollow body without a soul.

"Whenever I lay my eyes upon that gnosis... I am constantly reminded of the fact that I have a duty to fulfil here in Fontaine; and that is to be there for my people. I couldn't possibly just... Abandon that duty."

"I know very well that I am not a true Archon, and I never will be. I am a cursed being, the strings of immortality tightening around me as the days repeat themselves over and over."

A lone tear.

Then, a few more.

"Neuvillette... I'm so tired of living a lie."

[ ☆ ]

I might have killed that man.

Rightfully so.