#The Luteces imagine

[yandere-wishes]

Just a thought, Yandere Neuvillette dancing with his darling at a formal party or ball. Gossip spreads through Fontaine, who was that person with the Iudex? Speculation spreads but in reality it was his darling who he has been married to for centuries and this was the first time she has been out in public since then

This becomes ten times better if you imagine that his darling is an ordinary human that Neuvillette somehow "blessed" with immortality.

For her first public appearance, she'd be dressed to the nines! A tailor-made ocean-blue and off-white ball gown by none other than the famous Chiori herself. Her hair would be decorated with real pearls. A recurring theme in all her jewelry. After all, it's only fitting that Neuvillette's darling be graced by the loveliest gems of his domain.

They'd glide across the dance floor, smooth like the waves of a tranquil ocean. Neuvillette would twirl his darling ever so elegantly in his arms. When the song nears its end he dips her, slowly teasing her with a passionate kiss. Poor darling can already hear the excited gossip amongst the court. Sweet speculations muttered behind opened fans.

Now since Neuvillette would keep his darling locked away from the world. She'd no doubt develop some social anxiety. The ball is such a stressor for her. Killing her quietly. She can't stand the way everyone's eyes bore into her. How their mumbles buzz in her ears. Neuvillette's gloved hand holds her delicate one in an iron grasp, as he sends her a reassuring smile. It's been centuries now, he knows she's not going to escape. Still, he prefers to make her ever-present. Somewhere in reach.

As the ball nears its end. The Iudex and his mysterious "mistress" disappear. Fading away like rain. By the next day, the whole court is in disarray, obsessively trying to piece together who Neuvillette's new lover is.

Somewhere in Café Lutece Furina and Chiori exchange knowing smiles. As they lean in whisper the most outlandish theories they've heard so far, to none other than the Iudex and his darling themselves.

[lootzest]

from a request from @sadsideart: how about Robert giving Rosalind a flower/flower bouquet but it's actually a message in flower language/symbolism

This was really fun to research - people really were out here sending complicated messages through floral arrangements. I tried Robert being a bit more subtle about things but it required a level of oblivousness from Rosalind that I couldn't get to work. Plus, the Luteces are forced to interact with a third party which is always fun.

(also @sadsideart, you could request something every single day and I'd be delighted!! this goes for you and anyone else - prompts very welcome!!)

Red Gardenias

“Would you object to stopping in at the florists?” Robert stroked his empty lapel. “Really this coat requires a buttonhole and there was nothing suitable at home.” Rosalind laughed. The idea that their home - overflowing with papers, laboratory equipment, and discarded experiments - was the sort of household in which a gentleman might pluck a bloom from an arrangement in the hallway on his way out the door, was absurd.

“If you insist.” 

The afternoon was so appealing that even Rosalind had agreed that being shut indoors with their research was a waste. The sun was bright over the rooftops, a pleasant breeze carrying the occasional cloud across a brilliant blue sky. It was, in short, a perfect day: all the more perfect considering that those rooftops were floating thousands of feet in the air and that she had put them there.

Even the poorly hidden stares from their fellow citizens could not spoil it. She had once scolded a newspaperman who referred to them as “reclusive”, but the Luteces did keep their own company enough that their presence on the street drew notice. Identical twins were notable enough but famous identical twins, responsible for the very streets they walked on - not to mention their impeccable sense of style - gave the citizens of Columbia plenty to stare at.

And, as Robert had said while Rosalind straightened his tie before they left, “Imagine how much more they would stare if they knew how we spent the morning.” He had wrapped his arms around her waist and taken his last opportunity to kiss her until they returned home.

Until then, they had to settle for being arm in arm, Rosalind occasionally holding his elbow a little more firmly, reminding him of her presence. She did not catch his eye because if she did so she was likely to grin and she did not grin in public. Robert meanwhile could glance down at her and assume the detached smile he often did; no one need know the cause.

They slowed as they approached the florists, buckets of flowers filling the pavement outside, their scents mingling to an overwhelming, though not unappealing, perfume. Robert stooped to inspect them, sliding his arm out from Rosalind’s, his fingers grazing the inside of her elbow as he did. He pulled one stem from the display and held it to his lapel.

“Your thoughts please.”

“Not with that tie.” Popular opinion said that always dressed identically, another oversimplification by Columbia’s press that Rosalind had derided over the breakfast table. They dressed to complement each other, the sash around her waist the same green silk as his tie.

“You’re right,” he said, replacing the flower.

“As always.” She turned from the flowers; this decision could not be rushed. His knuckles grazed hers. In return, she flexed her fingers against his. That would have to do.

Across the way, a young couple read a menu outside a bistro. The woman had her arm through the man’s, his hand resting on hers, her head leaning towards his shoulder. Rosalind’s teeth ground against each other like screeching brakes.

“Mr. Lutece!” Rosalind looked back to see who was speaking. “And Madame Lutece too. As one would expect, of course. An honour.” A man stood in the entrance of the shop, a green apron over his clothes.

“My sister and I could not resist such a fine day.” Robert raised the bloom he was assessing. “And I find myself in need of flowers.”

The florist looked at the flower and his eyes disappeared with his smile.

“Now I must say that that is a fascinating choice!” Robert was nonplussed - he looked to Rosalind for explanation but, on this rare occasion, she had none either.

“I thought it brought out–” but the man cut across him.

“Perhaps you are aware of the language of flowers?” The concept was not unfamiliar to either Lutece. In one world, Robert’s fellow students had regularly fallen foul of the messages they had inadvertently sent in bouquets to girls they were courting; in another, Rosalind witnessed those same girls sobbing in the common room over bunches of yellow roses.

“‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance’ and all that?” he offered. Rosalind’s foot tapped impatiently behind a bucket of hyacinths.

“Yes indeed - but this one is much more interesting. Whoever is to receive them - she’s a lucky woman indeed!”

Rosalind’s foot stopped tapping.

“Ah, you mistake –” Robert started but the florist continued, his eyes bright and blinded by his own enthusiasm for the subject.

“After all, Mr. Lutece, you are a very eligible man, no doubt you have your pick of young ladies…and your sister can’t expect to keep you all to herself.”

The stench of the mingled flowers caught in the back of Rosalind’s throat. Robert’s jovial tone dropped away.

“And what does this flower mean precisely?”

“That Mr. Lutece is a red gardenia - for secret love.” The florist had the audacity to wink at him. Rosalind had thought it was a rather pleasing plant until this moment when she realised it was the ugliest flower she had ever seen. The inner corners of her eyes prickled, no doubt from being next to all these awful flowers.

The back of Robert’s hand pressed against hers.

“And what would not secret love be?”

“Beg your pardon?” The florist’s smile faltered.

“If this love were not a secret?” Robert continued. Rosalind dared to look up at him. He still had his easy, relaxed expression but the sharp, serious eyes she usually saw looking back at her from the mirror.

“Well” –the man exhaled– “anything red. Roses, of course, but that’s rather old hat - a red camellia, that’s ‘you’re a flame in my heart’. Carnations are ‘deep love’, tulips, ‘passion’. And baby’s breath is ‘everlasting love.’”

“I shall take them.”

“Excuse me?”

“Put that together as a bouquet. All the most unsecret loves you have.”

“Robert,” murmured Rosalind.

“Who knew, dear sister, that one could say with flowers what one cannot say out loud?”

The florist, in his obliviousness, put together a terrific display. After all, he was the first in the city to know that Mr. Robert Lutece had a mysterious paramour and that was gossip one could dine out on. He presented the flowers to Robert for his approval.

“Almost as beautiful as the woman they are for.” Robert took them from the florist, who was already thinking of a shortlist of plausible recipients. “Perhaps my sister would assist me in carrying them home?” He looked deep into her eyes, blue like the skies she had put a city in, blue like his own, and handed her the bouquet.

“I shall keep an eye out for the lady who receives them,” said the florist.

“You won’t have to look hard, I’m sure.”

The sun was beginning to dip beneath the clouds they walked among. Rosalind had one arm around her brother’s, the other, holding her flowers. 

“People will think that these are for me.”

“Good. They are.”

“I mean that people will wonder who gave them to me.” Robert stopped and faced his not-twin. The street was quiet. He dared to stroke her cheek.

“Well. Your brother can’t expect to keep you all to himself.”

“I hope he might.”

[immobiliter]

@avaere sent: " hey hey hey hey ! - " now now, come on ! who could truly blame this guy ? this totally normal guy with normal horns and a normal approach to the metallic beetle that found itself on the table of the poor lady that just so happened to be at the wrong place and totally wrong time; " - lemme get it , i swear , bro - ah , sorry , where are my manners . . . miss bro - i'm not gonna hog your snacks, alright, i just want that funny lookin' beetle you've got there . . . on the edge of the table. . . just. . . "

reaching two hands out , the oni took a wide stance , shifting crimson gaze flickering between her and the beetle. it sat so calmly. man! it'd be such an easy catch . . . if he just. . . inched. . . closer. . . closer. . . hands opening up, hovering over the shiny specimen. . . oh man what a large one ! these fontaine beetles sure were something else and nothing like the ones back in inazuma ! maybe it was meant to be that the oni had come a little late to the film festival.

"okay - keep quiet now," itto instructed further as he jumped forward, hands clasping onto the table to the point where there'd be a small tremble in both tea cups and plates. " HAH ! GOTCHA NOW BEETLE BUDDY ! THOUGHT YOU WERE A MATCH HUH ? A MATCH FOR THE UNBEATBLE, INDESTRUCTIBLE AAAAAND TOTALLY INVINCIBLE ARATAKI ITtoooooo... huh !?"

hands pressed down.

against.

table.

empty; ". . . aw man ! not a again ! " he could not believe this. hands would retract in a slumped stance. mumbling to himself, he'd soon redirect his attention to the poor person by the table (she must have been busy enjoying food or something). " almost had this time, it's so cruel ! can ya' imagine !? i came here for the film festival because my bro ayato pulled up in these parts, but man, i get here and it's done ! what's kinda cool though is that - oh, are you gonna eat that by the way? i'm kinda starvin' - "

an introduction would've been grand... but poor furina had now been wrapped up in an oni that took place by her table; " ... anyway, so i was on this boat and heading to the film festival hosted by this, i don't know, FURINA ? ? ? doesn't ring a bell but, but - man, i was so ready to offer my tough guy act for her movies - ! there's totally no oni that's badder, cooler and better than me ! ... seriously though, you gonna finish that ?"

       Furina was sat just around the corner from Café Lutece, tea cup, plate of bulle souffle and several scripts piled up in front of her. The success of her directorial debut at the Fontaine Film Festival hadn't gone unnoticed, it had seemed; mere hours after the culmination of the event, scripts were being left in the post-box by her apartment — and, even more daring besides, being handed to her on the street as she ran her errands ( daily, she reminded herself, or else she'd once again become a recluse ). Sent and gifted by aspiring scriptwriters, all of them, who were now seemingly desperate to have a performer of Furina's experience working behind the camera in order to bring their vision to life. It was flattering and unexpected all at once and, perhaps for the first time since her retirement from public life, she felt the stirring of some kind of purpose.

       Even if she turned the vast majority of these scripts down, it was nice to sit outside, enjoy the sun on her face and render judgement on the pen and ink offered to —

       The voice nearly made her jump out of her chair. Heterochromatic eyes frantically looked for the source, landing on a tall, horned man with peculiar markings on his skin waving his hands at her. She froze, panic gripping her by the throat as half a dozen different scenarios played out in her mind's eye. What did he want? Who sent him? Was he here to hurt her? Instinctively, she looked for Clorinde — but, of course, the famed Marechaussee Hunter was no longer her personal bodyguard.

       I just want that funny lookin' beetle you've got there. I just want that funny lookin' beetle you've got there. Funny lookin' beetle. Right there. Look, Furina.

       The what?

       Furina followed his gaze then, not menacingly focused on her at all but trained on the mechanical insect — she believed they were called Subdetection Units, though she had always been less interested in them than she had the data they gathered for the Fontaine Research Institute that she could then peruse — that was perched on the edge of her table.

       Gloved hands gripping the table's edge, Furina's immediate panic receded, and she simply watched, dumbfounded, as this utterly strange man readied himself to catch the critter in both of his hands. Just as he pounced, her eyes widened and she reached for her teacup, swiping it from the table before the tremble of silverware had the chance to become a smash against the ground.

       At least, she supposed, now that she had it in her hands, she could take a small, unperturbed sip of her tea as her companion loudly proclaimed of his victory, casting a glance around them to see if he'd attracted an audience. Fortunately, he had not.

       But, it seemed he hadn't caught the beetle after all. Furina felt almost bad for him ( he had put in commendable effort, after all. she did not know what the correct stance was in order to catch oneself a beetle, but... he had certainly been sure of the one he had chosen ). Though she wasn't entirely sure what to make of the fact that this now meant his attention shifted entirely to her.

       “ Uhhhhh, no, by all means — ” With two fingers, Furina slowly pushed the dish of bulle fruit souffle over to him, making the most of the table that was still physically separating them. If he wished to eat it himself, then fine. Perhaps he'd eat her food and then quietly leave.

       Despite his meandering commentary, however, there were some words that jumped out, piquing her curiosity. He seemed friendly enough — you know, for a strange man who'd interrupted her work over a beetle.

       “ So, if you were late arriving for the Film Festival, that must mean that you're from Inazuma, right? ” It was true that not all Inazumans were the same, surely, just as Fontainians were all pretty different, but he seemed wildly unlike the group who had travelled here to collaborate on a film with them — and had he called himself an oni?

       Furina did not know much about Inazuma's folklore, but this man being an oni would certainly explain the horns.

       Carefully, she set her teacup down on its saucer, and hesitated. “ It's only that I worked with Miss Furina at the festival as... one of the extras on the movie that she was directing. There was a brother and sister involved — Ayato and... Ayaka, I think? ”

       She wasn't sure why she lied. He said he didn't know who Furina was. She could have told him. She could have outed herself as the former archon of Fontaine, former God of Justice, former starlet of the stage and screen who'd retired and, well, didn't have much of a role to play at all now in her nation's future. She could have slipped back into the role that was still a part of who she was. It would have been easy. Effortless. But she hadn't.

       Her next words were purely an attempt at being polite. “ It's a... shame you weren't here in time to join us — uh, what did you say your name was again? ”

[boxer-boi]

((OOC Lorepost!))

Bailey Hanami is a half-Inazuman, half-Fontainian little boy with inhuman features who grew up in Fontaine. Due to his freakish appearance without any known cause, (most likely a past genetic trait that resurfaced in him), Bailey was abandoned on the streets as a very small child. He found himself wandering Fontaine’s lusher meadows, forests and mountain areas for food and for a comfortable living space, and made connections with many wild creatures, meka and things of those sorts. But more often than anything, he found himself drawn to the sea. The lightly salted scent of the water was soothing to his sensitive sense of smell and the waves crashing could always relax him with ease. The webbing on the paws he had for feet helped him swim with efficiency. He started to figure life out on his own, never knowing the love of parents, but never yearning for it either. He never felt that anything was missing or out of place. He was a beast of the forest, not to be tamed or trifled with.

The boy had developed Schizotypal Personality Disorder and had little awareness of how his actions affected other people due to his little exposure to them. So you can imagine his whirlwind of emotions when he stumbles upon the Court of Fontaine, bustling with people and bright lights and noises and colors and- oh god it’s way too much at once. He finds solace in a few of the quiet corners and back alleys, and starts to memorize their locations, navigating the quieter parts of the city at night and mapping out his hangout spots. The court of Fontaine also meant food. Good food, too. He loved hanging around bakeries and taking whatever they didn’t sell that day so that he could have a little feast for himself. In fact, this had become a tradition of his at Café Lutece. (Just don’t feed him anything with chocolate. It’ll quite literally kill him.)

He discovered art, and started using it to express himself. Unfortunately what he considered art, others considered ‘vandalism.’ He didn’t really care for the definition of this word. It was just something else to add to his steadily growing vocabulary. This landed him very promptly in the Fortress of Meropide on a light sentence. He couldn’t even begin to defend himself with his broken speech and warped understanding of the law. Luckily for him, Sigewinne and Wriothesely made for great teachers. (With the occasional visit from Monsieur Neuvillette.) He learned how to speak, read, write, proper kickboxing techniques and things like geography and math. The Duke soon found himself becoming attached to this little boy like a son, it was a bit disappointing to him when Bailey’s sentence was finally up. Not to worry though, he ended up landing himself in prison MANY more times…

This is where he caught sight of Freminet and became enamored by the nervous energy he emanated, just something about him. He started going out of his way to see the boy, even if they never spoke. He was very very slow to realize his feelings, mostly because he had no clue what they were. But now that he’s aware, he’ll start trying to pursue them. Slowly, of course.

[avocad1s]

Trial By Combat - 6

Requested By: No one. Original Work

CW: manipulation?

Summary: Arlecchino’s got a secret…

Note: You all asked and I will provide! Here’s part six <3 this chapter is a bit slow but I promise it’s leading up to something great!

Part One —>Part Seven

-

Fontaine, for the most part, had finally begun to go back to normal. Although no trials have been held since the Creators trial, many shops have reopened their doors to the public once more. It’s as if Fontainians want to disregard the event entirely, treating it as a work of fiction like the Prophecy. However, this doesn’t stop The Steambird from posting every single update regarding the Creator, nor does it stop every copy from selling out.

Despite the lack of trials, it hasn’t prevented the Chief Justice from sending criminals to the Fortress of Meropide, and only hours from now, Paimon and Aether would be a part of the group sent there. The two were the only customers dining at Cafe Lutece this afternoon, the owner seemed almost eager to provide the gluttonous amount of food the duo had ordered.

“Oh Paimon is feeling a bunch of nerves right now and it’s just making her more hungry.” She whines while rubbing her stomach. “I’m just hoping that the food in the Fortress is actually tasty.”

Aether lets out a soft chuckle, “it’s a prison Paimon. I doubt that the food will be any good”

Paimon pouts crossing her arms. “Hopefully will be rightfully compensated for our due diligence. Oh! Maybe even something from the Creator themselves!”

The traveler gives her a look, “you shouldn’t think like that Paimon, not when they are currently missing right now.”

The travel guide immediately covers her lips, muttering out a small apology.

“Speaking of the Creator,” Paimon says, “do you really think Childe might know something? I mean, we’ve heard how he’s talked about them before.”

It was true, during their time in Liyue when they had met Childe, he had expressed how heavily he revered the Creator. Not just him, all of the harbingers they’ve met have mentioned the Creator in a positive light. Aether even recalls when the Wanderer told him that the only thing all of the harbingers could agree on was their ultimate respect for them.

“Based off our interactions with the Fatui before, they might have some respect for Their Grace. But we still have no idea why they want the Gnosis, maybe it’s connected to the Creator.”

Paimon nods in agreement. “You’re right. If the gnosis are what connect the Archons to Celestia, then maybe the Creator has something similar?”

“Hopefully if the Fatui got their hands on Their Grace, they haven’t left Fontaine yet. We should still be able to rescue them.” Aether adds.

“Paimon hopes so too! Oh I can only imagine the type of horrors they could be putting them through!”

“Are you talking about Their Grace?!”

A familiar girl with a pink bob holding a camera in her head pops out of a bush quickly approaching the table. It was Charlotte, and she had a large smile on her face.

“Do you two have any nuggets of information about Their Grace? Oh please share it with me, I’ll make it worth your while!”

Paimon and Aether share a look before looking back at the journalist.

“We don’t have any new information on The Creator.” Paimon explained, “we didn’t even know they had returned until Monsieur Neuvillette told us.”

Charlotte makes a look of surprise, “wait seriously? It was such big news! I’m sure everyone in Teyvat wrote the piece I had written.”

Charlotte places her camera on the table taking a seat across from them. “I’m just hoping for Their Grace to have a speedy recovery. I would love to interview them if they let me, it just seems like all of the big names in Fontaine never have the time for an interview. Monsieur Neuvillette and the Duke of Meropide have been on the top of my list for ages now!”

“Oh right, you’re a journalist Charlotte! ” Paimon exclaimed, “do you have an information about the Duke?”

Charlotte ponders for a moment, “not really, just the same regurgitated information I get from people who leave the Fortress. Why do you ask?”

“We actually are going to the Fortress later today.” Aether answers.

Charlotte’s eyes get as big as saucers as she’s jumping in her seat. “You two are going to the Fortress?! Will you two please get some information about the Duke for me?

Noticing the restrained looks on their face, Charlotte quickly adds, “I’ll pay for your meal! Yeah…! Let’s make it a deal, you get information on the Duke for me and this meal of yours is on me!”

Paimon grins, “it’s a deal!”

Charlotte shares Paimon’s enthusiasm as she pulls out a small bag of mora ready to pay for the meal. At that moment, the owner returns with multiple plates and bowls filled with various amounts of entrees and desserts wheeling it to the table.

“H—how much did you order…?”

———

Many journalist stood outside of the Palais Mermonia demanding answers from their Archon who had entered the building earlier that morning. Luckily, gardes stood outside preventing anyone from entering.

Inside of the chief justice’s office was him, the God of Justice, and the Champion Duelist whose hair was damp with sea water.

“I checked the surrounding area,” Clorinde says, “there is no traces of Their Grace anywhere. The only logical conclusion is that the Fatui must’ve done something with them.”

Neuvillette nods. “Thank you for looking Clorinde, your help is appreciated.”

Clorinde nods, “it’s no trouble. We all want Their Grace to be found safe and sound.”

Furina had a worried look on her face as she paces back and forth in the office. “W—what are we supposed to do now? We looked all over Fontaine and they aren’t anywhere.”

“Lady Furina.”

Furina stops pacing, turning her gaze over to Neuvillette who looked calm considering the situation. “I think it’s time to meet with the Kanve, wouldn’t you agree?”

“T—that Knave?” Furina stammers, “ha, why would we meet with her? Don’t we have more important things to worry about?”

Neuvillette clears his throat, “until we find Their Grace, we must operate like normal. If the others find out that we lost Their Grace—“

Furina lets out a breath putting on a confident stance, “yes! Right of course!” She interrupts, “I was thinking the same thing… I will prepare for the two of us to discuss relations with her as soon as possible.”

“Who said that I would be joining you?”

Focalors lets out a short gasp as she quickly approaches his desk, her gloved hands balling into fists. “Y—you expect me to attend the meeting alone! No! You must go with me!”

Neuvillette closes his eyes as he shake her head, “I must focus all my attention on the Creator, we must locate them before the rest of Fontaine and Teyvat begin asking questions. As the Archon, this is something you should be able to handle. Correct?”

Furina tenses slightly but lets out a sigh. “But… wouldn’t attending the meeting be the best thing for Their Grace?”

Neuvillette furrows his brows, “What do you mean?”

Furina’s confident flair was back just as quickly as it dissipated, “Attending the meeting will give us the chance to indirectly interrogate the harbingers before she even knows that we suspect her.”

Noticing the look on the chief justice’s face, Furina lets out a boastful laugh. “Naturally I, the God of Justice, would be the first one to think of this! Worry not Neuvillette, I believe that after this meeting, the truth shall be revealed!”

Clorinde mutters how she needed a towel and Neuvillette lets out a sigh.

“Very well... I will participate in the meeting.”

In between Fontaine’s Lumidouce Harbor and Chenyu Vale, a large ship was anchored the familiar insignia imprinted in the sail. There was a plethora of Fatui agents stationed on the ship that it was overwhelming, it would be impossible to infiltrate the ship without being spotted.

Many of the agents weren’t even aware why there was such an urgency to return to the homeland. Curious glances and whispers spread throughout the ship like wildfire, wondering what could the Knave possibly be doing in the lower deck that no one else was allowed to enter unless they brought news from Fontaine. All of them knew better than to question their harbinger, but she hadn’t been seen since the night before.

“Your Grace.”

Arlecchino’s soft voice cuts through your thoughts. Fontaine was in danger and you were the only one who could help, at least that’s what she believed. It was only a matter of time before the nation was completely wiped off the map, Lady Furina has done nothing but bury her head in the sand.

You glance at her face, despite her sharp features she still had a soft yet powerful air around her. Maybe that’s why the children from the House of the Hearth trust her so much.

“Are you hungry? I have chefs on board, they can prepare anything you desire.” Her hand rested on top of yours, her long nails rubbing against your knuckles in a comforting way.

You were famished. You knew she was capable of, but she was making you feel so welcomed. It felt as if you could trust her, tell her anything and she would understand.

You nod slowly and she smiles.

“I’ll be right back.”

She stands up from her spot next to you leaving the room. Her luscious black and white hair that was pulled into a low ponytail flowed behind her. Arlecchino returned quickly letting out a soft sigh.

“They are preparing a Snezhnayian specialty, the food is quite delicious. I hope it’s to your liking” She commented placing her hand right back on top of yours.

“We will be heading towards Snezhnaya at sunset.” She says. “Although leaving Fontaine wasn’t originally apart of my plan, but considering the circumstances, changes had to be made.”

You furrow your brows. “The circumstances?”

Arlecchino nods. “Your power…or rather, lack there of.”

“I have a colleague, I do not trust nor like him very much but I cannot deny his intelligence, I believe he may be able to figure out the answer… or even Her Majesty may know.”

So there was a colleague within the Fatui who had extreme intelligence that might be able to help you. Maybe he would even know why you were healing so quickly? Or does that tie into your “godly” abilities too?

“Is that why we are leaving so quickly? Because of my supposed amnesia?” You ask.

The Knave shakes her head, “not necessarily. It’s mainly for your safety, you don’t wish to stay in a nation that tried to kill you, right Your Grace?”

You were forced into a corner with that question. Wanting to stay in a nation that almost killed you was bad, but wanting to go to a nation that had the capability to kidnap you wasn’t any better. Yet you had to pick your poison, and in that moment you decided—

“Right.” You reply. “Leaving Fontaine is the smartest option.”

“I knew that you would see it my way,” she praises, “I only want what’s best for you and all of Teyvat.” She gives your hand a squeeze a small smile spreading on her red lips.

A small knock on the door interrupts the moment, Arlecchino looks at the door her gaze becoming icy. “You may enter.”

The door opens and a young lady whose face is obscured by a mask enters and she immediately kneels.

“Y—your Grace… Lady Harbinger.” Her voice was almost breathless, her gaze transfixed on you. “I have news from Fontaine.”

Arlecchino lets out a sigh crossing her legs. “News? What is it?”

“Focalors has agreed to have a political meeting with you. The chief justice Neuvillette will also be attending.”

The Knave doesn’t even try to hide the smirk that spreads on her face, “Very well then. Was there a time mentioned for this meeting?”

“In the next few hours Lady Harbinger. We’ve already got a boat ready to return back to Fontaine’s harbor.”

Arlecchino stands, her gaze becomes soft once more when she looks back at you. “Your Grace, I will return as soon as I can. If you have any needs anyone on the ship will be more than happy to serve you.”

She exchanges a few whispers with the agent before giving you one last smile leaving the bottom deck. The agent looks at you one last time before stuttering out.

“I—I’ll go get your meal immediately Your Grace!” She rushes out of the door leaving you alone once more.

The Fortress of Meropide was more grand than Aether had anticipated. Surrounded by Fontaine’s sea, there was no escape from this prison besides the path they embarked, which was at the rear of the Opera Epiclese.

After heaving their mugshots taken, Aether and Paimon are escorted onto a ship where they meet their tour guide, who is also just another prisoner within the Fortress. The entire tour he was standoffish and dry only giving the required amount of information. If the two asked for more information about credit coupons, secret rules, or about the Creator, he would say they’d have to pay for that.

The prisoner leads the two down the large hallway of the Fortress when multiple gardemeks came around the corner. The traveler immediately takes a stance ready for a fight when a voice eases his worries coming around the corner with the machinery.

“Welcome to the Fortress of Meropide,” the man greets. He had dark clothing and dark hair with a scar under his eye.

“Y—your Grace!” The tour guide quickly says, his standoffish nature immediately disappears. “Lovely weather we’re having!”

The man glances over at the tour guide, “Hm? Oh yes, I guess the weather is nice. If we could see it.”

The prisoner lets out an awkward laugh as the Duke looks back at Paimon and Aether. “I’m Wriothesley, but you can call me Your Grace.”

“You’re the Duke of Meropide?” Paimon asks in a shocked tone. Wriothesley nods.

“So, how was your tour?” He asks, “was everything up to standard?”

Aether glances as the tour guide for a moment before giving Wriothesley a firm nod. “Yep. No complaints here.”

“Wonderful.” Wriothesley smiles, “I think we should be able to reward you with more credit coupons then?”

“T—thank you Your Grace! Thank you!” The tour guide says. He then looks over at the traveler, “and thank you for such kind words! If you ever need anything! Anything at all! Please come find me!”

Once he rushes off, the Duke turns his attention back onto the newcomers.

“So, is it normal for you to greet all newbies in person like this?” Paimon asks.

Wriothesley lets out a soft laugh. “No it’s not. I just heard that you two were friends with Neuvillette so I figured I finish the tour myself.”

“Wait, how do you know that?” Aether questions.

“The Fortress might look like it’s cut off from the rest of the world but word still travels fast. Just like what happened to Their Eminence.”

Paimon glances at the traveler briefly. Wriothesley continues, “Many people in the Fortress were ready to leave just for a chance at seeing the Creator. But since they are still in the hospital recovering, I managed to keep them under control.”

“What else do you know about the Creator?” Aether asks.

“Nothing really.” He responds, “I haven’t had the time to leave the Fortress and go visit them myself. Unless you’re talking about the basic information, there’s books all around the Fortress that can tell you that.”

Wriothesley continues on with the tour, showing the where the so-called cafeteria was, the Pankration Ring, and where they would report to work everyday. He also mentions Sigewinne, the nurse who looks after anyone who gets hurt or sick.

Lastly, he shows them where they’ll be sleeping. As he explains the procedures for their room, Aether gazes falls onto someone walking nearby. An oddly familiar magician.

Lyney stops walking and looks back at him, but once Wriothesley notices, Lyney lets out a soft laugh doing a dramatic bow.

“Well hello there Your Grace! It’s lovely to see you out of your office!”

Wriothesley crosses his arms, “it’s good to see you too, but shouldn’t you be reporting to work?”

The magician gives him a cheeky smile as he stands back up, “of course! That’s where I was heading right now! But these two must be very important to get a personal tour from the Duke himself.”

Wriothesley says nothing in response but Lyney quickly excuses himself, his gaze falling onto Aether once more before walking out of sight.

“Come on,” Wriothesley says, “there’s one last stop I’d like to make.”

———

The three sit at one of the tables in the cafeteria, the chef bringing over three welfare meals. They remove the lids revealing the delectable meals inside causing Paimons mouth to water.

“Oh is this what the food is like in the Fortress?” She rubes her hands together, “Paimon could get used to this!”

“Actually, I managed to pull a few strings to get this meal, after today, you might not get another meal like this.”

The fairy didn’t seem to be paying attention as she keeps shoving more food into her mouth. The traveler rolls his eyes at his companion, looking back at the Duke.

“So you said there was books in the Fortress about the Creator?” Aether asks, his fork pushing around his meal mindlessly.

Wriothesley nods. “There are groups within the Fortress to make people feel more welcome or comfortable. There’s quite a few revolved around Their Eminence. Prayer groups, wanting a stronger relationship, or just normal worship in general, they’re actually pretty popular.”

Paimon swallows the food in her mouth, “How do you feel about them?”

Wriothesley ponders for a second, “I don’t know anyone who has a negative view on Their Eminence, including myself. I would be honored to go up to the surface soon and share a cup of tea with them.”

Aether didn’t say anything in response, but he had a feeling that Wriothesley knew more about the Creator than he let on. He did say word travels fast from the surface, is it possible he already knows the Creator is missing?

“Anyways,” Wriothesley says, “I have other things to attend to, enjoy your time in the Fortress and try not to cause any trouble.”

The Duke gives one last farewell, leaving the table without another word. Aether and Paimon continue eating their welfare meals preparing themselves to adjust to their new situation and figure what exactly Childe may know about the Creator.

———

“You were right.”

In a dark corner of the Fortress, the twins from the House of the Hearth spoke in quiet whispers.

“Paimon and the Traveler, I just saw them.” Lyney explained.

Lynette’s ear lay flat on her head, her tail swaying slightly. “Monsieur Neuvillette must’ve told them and they’re here to investigate.”

“We have to do what Father told us to do.“ Lyney adds, “although playing ignorant to figure what they know won’t hurt either.”

Lynette lets out a sigh. “…and what about Tartaglia?”

Lyney shrugs, “what about him? He’s not here. We have to focus on the Creator. Without Their Grace, the Fatui won’t be able to—“

“I know.” Lynette interrupts. “Let’s just focus on the traveler for now.

“I must say, the timing of this meeting seems almost convient…” Arlecchino narrows her gaze as she brings her teacup up to her lips.

“I’ll just cut straight to the chase. I’m here about my colleague, Childe and of course, Their Grace.”

The table inside of Neuvillette’s office was covered in sweets from Snezhnaya, something the Kanve brought to ease the tensions within the meeting. Yet, it doesn’t seem to be working.

“Childe was declared innocent by you, the Iudex, yet was still given a guilty verdict by the Oratrice…” Arlecchino explains, “and only days after that, you declare that Their Grace is an imposter and almost kill them.”

Furina shifts uncomfortably in her seat, “Y-yes… we are aware of our… transgressions. The Creator is being well looked after and is healing quite quickly.”

Arlecchino perks up, “Oh? They are? So is it possible for me to see them for myself?”

“That won’t be possible at the moment, I apologize.” Neuvillette quickly adds in.

Arlecchino brings a forkful of cake up to her mouth as she lets out a scoff. “An outright refusal? I must say, I am surprised…”

Neuvillette crosses his arms, “this meeting wasn’t called to talk about Their Grace, but rather Mr. Tartaglia, correct?”

“That is correct. Then am I able to enter the Fortress to check on the wellbeing of my colleague?”

“That also won’t be possible.”

Arlecchino sighs, “so I cannot see Their Grace and I cannot see Childe. What exactly will this meeting accomplish?”

“We already have a course of action for Their Grace.” Focalors adds, “but we cannot share it with you or any other nations for now. This meeting was just a… common courtesy”

“And as for Mr. Tartaglia I am investigating matter.” The chief justice adds.

“A common courtesy?” The Knave questions, “everyone in Teyvat is wondering just what exactly will Fontaine do after committing the biggest sin known to man… and all you can say is that it’s confidential? Not to mention the prophecy you refuse to address.”

Furina shoves another bite of cake into her mouth, scooting her chair closer to Neuvillette.

“As long as Their Grace is in our nation, they are under our jurisdiction.” Neuvillette explains.

Arlecchino clicks her tongue. “A disappointing outcome indeed… but I cannot say I am shocked.”

Arlecchino finished her tea, “the Fatui is willing to extend our help if you need it. You all seem to have a lot on your plate at the moment. Maybe it’s best to pass some of the responsibility onto someone else?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Neuvillette states.

The Knave stands from her seat, brushing her bangs out of the way, revealing her red X eyes. “I think it’s safe to say this meeting is concluded, I have to return back to Snezhnaya immediately.”

Furina raises a brow, “returing so soon? W—why such a rush to leave?”

It falls silent in the room for a few seconds.

“Her Majesty cares very dearly about the Creator, I am expected to report any and all news directly to her.” Arlecchino explains, her back facing the two.

“Snezhnaya as a whole cares deeply about Their Grace, and once they heal completely we will welcome them with open arms… not a trial.”

Focalors looks down at her lap as Arlecchino leaves the office returning to her ship anchored near the border of Fontaine and Liyue. A sinister smile spread on her lips while Neuvillette and Furina sit in the office in silence, a sour taste lingering in their mouth even with the baked goods in front of them.

-

© avocad1s 2024

Note: Good luck to all my Arlecchino wanters! I got her and her sig weapon so I give all my luck to you <3

Tagging: @bittersweetorpheus @esthelily @tempestlart @angelofdarkness2 @mmeatt @dxprived4-starboys @Itm-acct @honey-lemonz @ymechi @nervouseaglelover @livelaughlovekuni @vianitry @vvyeislazzy @kbar1013 @ichiraku-verse @chaoticfivesworld @mabvo @noahrandom @haunts-gh0st @pix-stuff @riiriin @emmbny @shiki-jin @ra404 @leekingsman @ash1 @mahi-does-some-art @bitchyfanfics-posts @emilymikado @sarah22447 @swagbucksjester @nex-crowley @iruiji @cloise @scalyalpaca @game-savvy @dreamlessnight @myluckymoon @luxie963 @spffldlbrnf @missnella-nova

I know it’s been a while so if you want to be removed let me know!!

[timeloooop]

i oscillate b/w wanting the luteces to have full control or no control over when and where they appear in time and space.

full control makes plotting and their antics far easier.

but no control (or, if i went this direction, more likely, partial control) feels more realistic and deliciously complicated. they are scattered, atom by atom, throughout time and space and realities and reconstitute at moments like wind. to provide the "partial" control aspect to this, i imagine, like weather forecasters with wind and storms, they can strategically predict their direction by having some ability to readjust in the "currents" and thereby choose/alter where to land, so to speak.

i also think, without intervention or attempting to readjust, this cycle of reconstituting is a near perfect closed loop. it's the same loop, the same places and times, over and over in the same order. in that way, they know when and where they'll appear and can plan their actions accordingly.

[angelsunflowers-fanfics]

The Luteces x reader (”How come you never do that with us?”)

Request: Hello, I don't know if this is where we can make requests but if so could I please have prompt 26“How come you never do that with me?” with the luteces and reader? (If you are comfortable writing for a poly (not really??) relationship of course). This prompt gave me the idea of the reader being very affectionate with friends but not with them even if they are dating because the Luteces really don't seem to like physical affection and all... Anyways, your work is lovely, thank you for writing them!!

Fandom: Bioshock

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff

Linktree

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert and Rosalind Lutece watched from the steps of their home as their significant other, (y/n) had their arms wrapped around a friend of theirs. The Luteces looked emotionless as they both watched the love of their lives hanging off of someone that wasn’t either of them.

Not that (y/n) was ever affectionate with the Luteces. The twins wanted nothing more than for their significant other to wrap the two with kisses and other forms of affection but (y/n) simply wouldn’t.

The Luteces wanted to find out why. 

With stern gazes, the Luteces watched as (y/n)’s friend slowly sauntered off of the property and down the road, finally far from the throuple. 

The twins waited until (y/n) was facing them and only a few feet away to finally explain their concerns, "How come you never do that with us?" They spoke in unison, which would be creepy for anyone else but (y/n) was used to it. 

To answer the question, “Do what?” 

Rosalind, being a tad less patient of the two, dragged them inside the large establishment before she and her brother explained their frustrations. 

The Luteces stood in front of (y/n), finding their composure before they spoke to their partner, "Why do you only show affection to everyone else-" started Robert.

"But not us?" Rosalind finished. 

(Y/n) knew that they had some explaining to do. They never really pegged the twins to be the romantic or affectionate type. So, (y/n) never bothered to try, even when the three decided to start a relationship. 

"I'm sorry. I just didn't think either of you liked physical contact,”(y/n) explained. 

The twins glanced at each other, silently seeming to communicate before they surrounded (y/n); one in front of them and one behind. 

“Then let us convince you,” Robert said.

Robert stood in front of (y/n), one hand interlaced with (y/n)’s and his other rested on their hip, tugging them close enough to feel their heartbeat through their chest. While Rosalind was behind (y/n), wrapping her arms around their incredibly nervous form, moving as close as she could to the two in front of her.

"I know that we look busy most of the time, but we absolutely love you and crave your affection, so please don't hold back," Rosalind finished. 

[frangstfontaine]

when I first played Bioshock Infinite and Booker sat in that chair before the ride to Columbia, for a second I genuinely thought that he was gonna get slingshot into the city like

[something-in-the-seas]

The Lutece twins visit often, but are behind the scenes as imaginary friends for the children. Elizabeth doesn’t want ice-cream before dinner? Damn, the girls (and Jack) mysteriously have ice-cream cones in their hands. She knows that they’re there and begrudgingly accepts it. 

They kind of go away when the girls get older and move on with their lives, but make a comeback for the new little ones. No one else can see them but the children. 

Robert, though, loves to visit the babies like Mitzi. He loves to play with her little feetsies and tickle her tummy and he’s such a sucker for babies! Rosalind stands there and rolls her eyes the entire time at how embarrassing he’s being. 

[agentwashingcat]

Another Life

Babys first bioshock infinite fanfic. Please be kind lol. Takes place in between Infinite and Burial at Sea.

A knock on the door startled Booker out of his sleep. He lifted his head off the kitchen table, squinting at the door, wondering if he’d just imagined the noise. The knock came again, making him frown. He may have been a private investigator, but he still deserved to sleep at night.

Of all the things he expected upon opening the door, a young woman who looked like his daughter's twin was not one of them. He caught himself staring and shook his head. Even if this woman looked like Anna, it clearly wasn’t her. The clothes, the hair, the demeanor, they were all wrong. Maybe not in any obvious ways, but wrong nonetheless. “Can I help you?”

“Hello, Booker,” not Anna said, solidifying that it was not his daughter on his doorstep. “May I come in?”

“Who are you?” he demanded. 

“Elizabeth. I won’t take much of your time, I promise.”

Still wary, Booker stepped back, allowing the woman to enter before shutting the door. She glanced around curiously, before looking back at him.

“I suppose you’re wondering why I’m here.”

“Mostly wondering how you’re a dead ringer for my kid.” 

“There are only so many faces in the world, Mr. DeWitt.” She gave him a wry smile. “But in this case, it’s because I am ‘your kid,’ as you put it. From a different reality.”

It was way too late for this shit. “Why isn’t your name Anna, then?”

Elizabeth shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s complicated. Does the name Comstock ring a bell? Or Lutece?”

“Can’t say they do.”

She looked surprised at that. “Can you tell me something? After wounded knee, did you go to get baptized?”

Booker stared at her. “No. I was given the option, but I never even went. Didn’t seem any point. Only way to wash away your sins in a river is a lot more permanent.”

Elizabeth seemed to think this over, nodding. “You’re right on that count, at least. I’m glad that there’s a few of you left.”

Booker scowled. “A few of who left?”

“You, of course.”

This conversation just kept getting weirder. “Is there something I can help you with, or did you just come here to talk circles around me?”

Elizabeth hesitated, hands twisting together in front of her. “I… suppose I just wanted a proper goodbye. But the only Booker’s left are the ones who never knew me. At least, not this version of me.”

Booker softened. She looked… fragile. Small. At least, for a moment, until she stood up straight, schooling her face into a blank expression. 

“I shouldn’t have wasted your time.” She made to move towards the door.

“Wait,” he said softly, reaching out to grab her wrist. She paused, staring back at him. “I don’t know your Booker, or what happened to him but… I’m sure he’d want you to take care of yourself.”

Elizabeth smiled sadly. “Thank you, Booker.”

He hesitated. “If you ever need anything, the doors always open.” She wasn’t his daughter but she was a Booker’s daughter. And it sounded like she didn’t have anyone.

“I-thank you. I… don’t think I’ll be back.” Elizabeth pulled her hand away. “But thank you.”

Booker nodded. “Sure.” There was a part of him that wanted to convince her to stay. Anna had always wanted a sibling, after all. But he could tell she was dead set on whatever she had to do. “Stay safe out there.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Probably not. But I’ll do my best.”

“All I can ask, I suppose.”

There was a moment of silence between them, before Elizabeth spoke again. “Can I ask what she’s like? Anna?”

“She’s a good kid.” He paused, chuckling. “Not really a kid anymore. And maybe not so good. She picks locks and knows how to get any man to do what she wants. Me included. And when she’s not doing that she’s reading any book she can get her hands on. Wants to be some sort of physicist. It all goes over my head but I’m sure she can do anything she sets her mind to.”

“You sound happy,” Elizabeth said wistfully.

Booker paused. “Yeah, most of the time. I haven’t always been a good dad. I hope I was at least a decent one.” The first few years were the worst. One day it just hit him out of the blue that if he didn’t shape up, he was liable to lose Anna one day as well. It wasn’t always easy, but he liked to think he had a better handle on his worst habits nowadays. 

Elizabeth smiled the same sad smile. “I’m sure you were.”

“You’re stalling, you know.”

“...I know.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I never had this life. I was locked in a tower, alone, for most of mine. Until Booker broke me out. But we didn’t know who we were, then. And it… didn’t end the way I would have hoped. It ended the way it had to.” She sighed. “And it’s not over yet. I have one more place I have to go.” Her face hardened. “I really do have to go.”

Booker nodded. “Like I said. Doors always open.”

“Thank you.” And before he could say anything else, she was gone.

[queenofthursday6599-blog]

Bioshock Ships I think are Gross, and why

Like I’m sure a lot of fans agree with me that Booker/Elizabeth, Lutecest, and Delta/Eleanor are all gross. Though there will be those who disagree with me on one or more of them.

They’ll give shit excuses like: “They’re not technically siblings!” in the case of the Luteces, “Well he didn’t raise her.” In the case of Booker/Elizabeth, and “He’s not literally her dad.” In the case of Delta/Eleanor. Which are all incorrect and in no way erase the incestual parts or undertones of the ships.

The Lutece siblings are literally siblings. Genetically they’d be recognized as Sesquizygotic twins. As in half-identical. Same egg, two different sperm. Incest doesn’t tend to go well between non-identical full blood siblings, I don’t imagine it’d go any better between half-identical siblings.

Booker is literally Elizabeth’s father, something that doesn’t change just because he didn’t raise her. There’s reasons why there’s laws that sperm banks have to follow that prevent them from over saturating an area or population with too many samples from a single donor. As the risk of unknowing donor children running into each other and accidentally committing incest increases with every use of an individual's donation. DNA is DNA, it’s not something that stops mattering just because genetic family members weren’t raised together, or weren’t raised by each other.

Delta/Eleanor is gross on two fronts. The first being that Eleanor is a minor, 17 years old at the oldest, but possibly as young as 15. While Delta is a grown man, and has been a grown man since Eleanor was a small child. The second is that Eleanor herself canonically views Delta as her “real” father. In her eyes Delta is just as much [and possibly more] her parent as her biological mother. So in my mind the fact that they’re not blood related is irrelevant.

I can’t ship Jatlas due to Fontaine literally referring to Jack as the closest thing he’s ever had to a son. Not to mention the master/slave undertones to the whole relationship with Fontaine having literally purchased Jack as a zygote, and having him brainwashed and programmed into obeying whatever he commanded. Absolutely not. There’s multiple layers as to why Jatlas is a problematic ship. Such as the fact that until Jack ingests 192 he’s literally incapable of entering any kind of consensual relationship, considering before that he’s vulnerable to being mind controlled into doing whatever the other wants.

These are the four biggest Bioshock ships I think are outright gross. There’s more that I think are wrong for different reasons. Like Daisy/Booker due to the fact that Booker is still lowkey racist even if he’s not as openly racist as Comstock, and that he’s an alternate timeline version of the man who pinned the murder he did on her.

[timetear]

@hivemnd liked for a lutece twins starter.

The Luteces have been observing this city for some time. Rather, for many times. When scattered across the entirety of time and space, some spaces (i.e. places (i.e. cities)) are inevitably recursive. Such is the case with Paris. What they have come to perceive about this particular city is, to all appearances, illogical.

“All thoughts are our own. All we are comprised of is a coherence of thoughts. All of Paris seems to think in a uniform composition. Therefore, all people are one shared people.” “A valid argument, but not a sound one.” “For all your talk of sound you are not hearing me very well.” “What have I to hear?” “The unthinkable.” “A rather bleak turn.” “What thoughts are the people not thinking and are they of like disposition?” “Ah, I see what you mean.” “You see my soundness, but we have yet to hear any reason.”

Robert and Rosalind turn in unison towards the other, awaiting an answer.

[lootzest]

from @fuchsiamae, for that bird based WIP meme: 🦚 (a sexy quote)

Do I have a document simply called filth that is twice the length of any of my finished fics about the first time the Luteces do it? Yes I do. And here is some of it, in which I learned that maybe I have a thing about men's chests? Choosing to rationalise it as a) it's part of their bodies that is very different and b) Rosalind knows her own heart is beating under it and that's nice and c) chests are hot!!

“Of course you have the advantage here, dear sister,” he said, unbuttoning his shirt. “Given I woke up in this world wearing pyjamas in which I did not enter it -” he shrugged off his braces and removed his shirt “- one assumes you have seen a lot more of me than I have of you.”

“I may not have much experience but I do not imagine that mopping blood out of someone’s chest hair is a usual part of…erotic proceedings.”

He joined her back on the bed. “It was much appreciated all the same.” He kissed her on the cheek. She paused, then returned it.

“And it was a very nice chest. Once I’d got the blood off it.” He took her in his arms and kissed her, an unspoken thank you for all she had done.

“I suspect your chest is even nicer.”  

“Robert.”

“Erotic proceedings indeed,” he muttered into her cheek. “And why are you still wearing so many clothes? It’s an outrage.”

“You should complain to the authorities,” she said, finally unbuttoning her blouse.

“In this house, darling sister,” he kissed her newly exposed shoulder, “you are the authorities.” With a newfound sense of urgency, Robert pulled off his socks and shoes, while the rest of Rosalind’s outerwear and petticoats made it to the back of the chair with an increasing lack of care. He knelt before her, reverentially taking her calves in his hand and unlaced her boots in turn, sending lightning bolts of desire up her legs, and he grinned at her and pulled his undershirt off over his head, mussing his usually immaculate hair. She ruffled it gently, then moved her fingers to stroke his chest hair, her fingers tracing the freckles across what felt like acres of exposed skin.

[msicecreamscoop]

5/25

From a fanfic I read where the luteces raise Elizabeth. (this didn’t happen but I imagine it did)

[lostlegendaerie]

Would you explain why BaS fucks up Liz character? I know they fuck it up just by playing it but i cannot get it into words. Brain just goes "ew yucky"

Hello, sorry this is late, I have no idea what happened but this will be. a little long and angry. Also, full spoilers for both Bioshock Infinite and both DLCs, I cant find read-mores on mobile

1) her abilities

literally the first thing they do is rip all of her super cool reality bending powers out of her? they couldn’t find a way to integrate them into the DLC itself, even though they could have just Used The Mechanics They Already Had to have her manipulate tears + they added the idea of This Is The Only Elizabeth Left to make things even MORE shitty for her (if I’m remembering things correctly, I don’t care to look it up because the developers certainly didn’t). They basically remove everything about her that made her interesting and cool in the first place to... make her section be a stealth focused one? Because only female characters should be stealthy? Genuinely I don’t know why they made this choice, or any of the choices in here, other than a lack of imagination/resources to do something Actually Really Off The Wall with this but on that note:

2) her intelligence

really this section should be “the writing was bad” but I don’t. Listen to me. I don’t care if you have people in the narrative state that a character is being stupid and the character defends their actions/acknowledges that it’s stupid. it’s still bad writing to have characters do objectively dumb things for objectively pointless reasons, especially for *objectively stupid plotlines.* you really want me to believe that FONTAINE didn’t know the code phrase to control Jack, and the ONLY WAY to get it to him was to have a slip of paper hand delivered to him? the game has teleportation plasmids and a huge mechanic is characters talking to each other over the radio, you are absolutely killing me personally and everyone who signed off on that should go do manual labor for the next ten years to build character.

3) her relationship to Booker/the character

she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid she’s your kid and you made her a femme fatale ‘interested’ in an alternate universe version of her biological dad. literally if I ever meet ken Levine or whoever wrote this it’s on sight. it was bad enough seeing her first period pad on display in the base game and her inhuman proportions (seriously look at Elizabeth’s character model next to Rosalind Lutece or any other woman in the game, she does Not Look Human) but you just. you. you went the whole nine yards. You couldn’t even for posterity’s sake make up a new character for BaS one. All you would have had to do was model different hands and get a new voice actor. But no. we had to make it incest. In a triple A game.

[timeloooop]

i do think what with the secrecy of elizabeth, her exposure to the city and access to typical (typical for columbia) education was limited. since the luteces are obviously in the know of her existence and origins, they offer her tutoring sessions. which is, on a positive note, much better education than what the general population receives because 1) the luteces are geniuses and are able to effectively teach elizabeth courses well beyond the typical curriculum 2) the education system in columbia is probably heavily propagandized by the cult-like doctrines comstock is weaving and monopolizes most lesson plans. all this to say, i very much like imagining how those tutoring sessions play out.