#house of hearth

[fontaineclafoutis]

Before Arlecchino quest: She’s gonna turn out to be evil and cruel and insane, isn’t she?

After Arlecchino quest: WOW she’s actually way better written than I thought AND she actually does care about the kids!!

———

Bonus: Her scaring Childe with Rebellious Phase foreshadowing

[blood-orange-juice]

Also can we take a moment and appreciate that Freminet canonically uses The Bell.

That one sword no one knew who to put on.

[followerofmercy]

Lynette really takes after her dad, huh?

She copied her hair, her attacks, AND, the whole pretending to be a robot thing? Letting people assume she's just Lyney's stage prop and not bothering to correct them because it's more convenient for her?

Sure sounds a lot like Arlecchino not correcting anyone that she isn't actually Fontainian, huh.

(And maybe this is another reason Arlecchino wants Lyney to succeed her instead of Lynette. Lynette copies her too much. Lyney's the one that will lead in a new direction.)

[venbubbless]

the next in line...

[bloobearr]

do not touch her babies

more active on: @bloobwr (twt) & @klariloo (insta)

[rockingbytheseaside]

✦ Capitano and the mighty soldiers from the House of the Hearth. Part 3 of me trying to draw simple (yet silly) Capitano headcanons. This time, Capitano checking on future soldiers from the House of the Hearth. Yes, he'd be an absolute softie to kids.

[cerulapis]

An illustration for @azertyjf 's text post

[aetherdoesthings]

did you see the arlecchino animation and teaser??? a;fasjl;f

they make me so sad :(( also, the teaser was hot af tho, had me so downbad. arlecchino's lore is just so 😭

~EL anon

would you like new toys?

i simped so hard during the animation and teaser i decided to write a mini series fic about arlecchino. i have a lot of thoughts about it and now i'm regretting not taking up your offer lmao

forethoughts: my love language is writing someone an entire fic about them (not really, but i will write you an entire letter).

notes: fem!reader in mind, but gn!. NOT AN x READER!! READER IS A CHILD IN THIS!

In every cluster of children, there was always one that had trouble making friends. 

That title was unfortunately bestowed upon you.

Always excluded in activities and games, left to play in the corner with the leftover, worn out toys while everyone chose the newest and best toys in the box. It had always been that way; you didn’t see it changing any time.

Father was always more lenient and caring with you. She made sure you were the first in line to get breakfast, lunch and dinner. While everyone had a curfew, you were allowed to wander the halls freely and exit your room. That of course didn’t make it any easier for you to make friends. 

Like a robot given the same set of codes and no changes, days blurred into weeks, and weeks blurred into months while you lived your solitary life. 

~

You sat crossed leg, facing the corner of the playroom, hands empty. You ran out of luck; all the toys were already gone by the time you got to the box. Letting out a sigh, boredom finally consumed you, prompting you to stand up, brush the dust off your shorts as you exited the playroom. No one batted an eye or even glanced at your direction; to them you were invisible. To everyone you were invisible.

Wandering the halls of the House of Hearth at night gave you a pretty good scope on the architecture of the building. If someone asked you where the infirmary was or the bathroom, you could accurately pinpoint the location for them. You looked at the colorful glass panes on the sides of the halls, raising a hand to block the sunlight from hitting your face. They called you a dreamer, delusional for your ideas and thoughts. Said your hopes were far too high. Father always disagreed. Father always disagreed with whatever the others called you.

A sudden shriek was ripped out of your throat as your body went sideways, shoulder hitting an even stone ground. You winced, forcing yourself to sit as you examined your body. You could barely make out what was your leg and arm with the lighting. Standing up, you decided to explore the uncharted territory in your little mind map. The walls were lined with sharp blades that glimmered under the narrow light source opposite to the swords. You looked behind you, to your sides, in front of you, as you allowed curiosity to take hold of your mind. With two hands, you lifted one of the blades from its holding place, letting it fall onto the ground. You dragged the blade along the stone to the center of the room, ignoring the shriek of protest the sword was making. Letting out a deep breath, you gripped your hands around the hilt of the sword, lifting it as high as you could. When you’d finally lift it over your head, a triumphant cheer exited your mouth, eyes admiring the shine and sharpness of the blade like a bee eyeing a flower. 

“Children like you should not be wielding such dangerous objects.” Your muscles went limp, bones turning into uncooked noodles as your head spun to the direction of the voice. Father. Fear wasn’t just done with taking hold of your body. Fear was transmitted into the blade itself. Before you knew it, a sharp pain emitted through your forehead, a rush of warmness surging towards the area. The sword fell on your side, next to your collapsed body.

“Y/N!” Father was instantly by your side. Through that cold and emotionless facade, you could see a flash of worry and fear in her eyes. Fear. Father felt fear. Your head was placed in Father’s arms, knees hooked onto her other arm as you were rushed out of the dark room.

You sat on Father’s table in silence, fiddling with the sleeve of your shirt as you stared at your dirt covered, bruised hands. Father reciprocated the silence, as she stood in front of you, using a cotton ball to dab up the blood. You winced at the serum that was infused with the cotton against your fresh wound, knuckles turning white. Father didn’t let out any remark at your wince, rather you could feel her actions becoming more gentle and tender. 

“This might hurt.” Father muttered, picking up something from her tray of material, the object having a thin string tail behind. You could barely stifle a shriek as the needle penetrates your skin, the lithe object dancing from one side to another, piercing hole after hole in your skin. You gripped onto your sleeve for life until your hand was ghost white, as Father stitched up your wound before you could blink. Father let out a sigh, snipping any remaining string as she set the needle on the tray. Her eyes shifted downwards, her lips pursed as you felt her gaze burning into your skull.

“...I’m sorry.” You murmured quietly, the words regurgitating out of your mouth, unable to squeeze anything out under her gaze.

“I thought I told you that recklessness always leads to failure. What were you doing out of the playroom?”

“...” You could feel the corners of your eyes starting to burn up, your mouth quivering. Father noticed. Of course she did. 

“Look at me.” Father sighed. 

Reluctantly, you lifted your head, meeting Father’s eyes. Instead of scorn and disappointment, you were met with understanding and warmth, her pursed lips turning into a thin smile. Thin. Just like the ice you were on. Father could smile all she wanted, but you knew you were as good as dead.

Father’s hand went for your head, sharp fingers combing through your hair. “What type of toy do you like, Y/N? I am planning to get more for the toybox; it appears we have a shortage of toys. Of course, I would like to get the best and newest toys for all. I was wondering what you would like to see and play with.”

Your heart moved an inch higher from your stomach, still threatening to fall and combust into millions of pieces. “U-Uhm… I d-don’t know…”

“Speak up, my child.”

“I-I don’t know… what toys I like, Father…” 

Father let out a chuckle. “Of course. How could you choose your favorite in an empty box?”

You looked down at her words. Of course Father knew.

“Y/N.”

You looked back up at her, meeting her playful eyes, a look you knew she only gave you and you only. 

“How about I introduce you to some… new toys not any of the other children have seen? Would you like some new toys?”

“Toys… the others haven’t seen?” You tilt your head at that statement.

“Yes. Toys the others have not seen. Are you interested? I will personally teach you how to… play with these toys.”

You nodded your head, a small hesitant smile on your face. Father never offered the other children new toys. Father never offered how to play with toys. Father never played with the others.

The corners of Father’s thin lips tugged upwards slightly, as her finger hovered over your wound. She helped you off the desk, hand holding yours as she led you out of her office. “It is almost time for lunch. But I would rather you get some rest after what happened. Rest assured I will bring food to your room.”

“Y-Yes, Father.” You mumbled.

Father led you to your room upstairs, setting you on the plush mattress as the blanket was draped over your body. She ran her fingers through your hair again, petting your head before strolling out of the room. “Rest well, my child.”

~

Arlecchino closed the door, letting out a sigh. She made her way back downstairs to join the other children. “Rest assured, my child, no one will ever dare to lay a finger on you anymore. No harm shall ever come your way.”

[e-steamedtea]

Nothing is stranger than the fact we actively know that Lyney's stability is tied to his sister. The more I look at his character and the moments where he breaks more, it's makes me realize that he's not as stable as I gave credit for?

Like, that moment in the fortress when he attacked Wriothesley plus moments in his voicelines about delusions points to the idea that he doesn't value his life. He's so willing to throw away his life for his siblings that if he'd make himself miserable to keep them out of what he perceives as danger.

When with his sister, he's a great planner and an excellent manipulator. On his own, he's a lot more reckless and what keeps his anxiety in check is the fact he normally knows exactly what his sister is doing.

When he doesn't, all hell breaks loose. He tends to give in to his anxious thoughts especially when there's anything that validates them.

Then entire Archon quest is just like: Lyney...deep breaths, I'm begging you.

He's just constantly on my mind so I'm subjecting the world to my takes on his questionable behavior. If you don't agree, it's technically a headcannon. 🤷🏿

[cloverandstuff]

// 4.6 UPDATE SPOILERS

Anyway, Im also in Genshin Impact so give me a minute to get some thoughts out:

Fuck Pulcinella, Pantalone and Arlechinno are the found family that Childe truly needs and deserves.

I love how it's now canon that Pantalone just loves ranting, and Childe is just sick of it. He wants to escape him so bad. (They are siblings and Pantalone is doing his duty as an older brother to be absolutely insufferable)

Arlechinno truly thinks of Child as as...well as a child. She understands damn well that he is naive when it comes to trusting others. She recognizes that Childe is easily manipulated and used. She knows he's a good person.

I live for the dynamic between Arlechinno and Childe. They are siblings (real)

Arlechinno is like a very experienced parent while Childe is like a new parent who has not yet seen the horror of teenagers.

Childe throughout the conversation with Arlechinno had such protective mother energy and that is purely because of the hands of hips pose he does.

Arlechinno is Father, Childe is mother and the are not together, they are just siblings dealing with chaotic kids.

The House Of Hearth kids love Childe and this is likely canon and I love it. He cares so much about them, literally says they remind him of his siblings.

They do be talking shit about their colleagues casually. Respect that.

Pulcinella is hella suspicious and we should be very wary of him. Especially since its seems likely he plants ideas into Childe’s mind through decievement.

[thisrobinisred]

Is it just me who thinks that at the house of hearth the kids are being made to hunt each other?

Like Arlecchino even says that when they have those nights again, sometimes familiar faces are no longer with them-

[blood-orange-juice]

Other characters about Arle.

Scaramouche:

Childe:

From what I've seen she does seem unhinged but in a, uhm... reasonable and tolerable way? What she does seems like necessary cruelty. Both guys are not exactly reliable narrators but I'm still curious if there's something about her that we will find out later. Or maybe her crazyness is a performance for colleagues and nothing else.

There's the Commedia dell'arte trope of Arlecchino serving two masters, but if she simply wants to save Fontaine it's a beautiful and relatable goal, there's nothing wrong with that. Alternative theory: she's loyal to Narcissenkreuz, not Fontaine.

(Narcissenkreuzers are everywhere, just like Rosenkreuzers irl. consider me a conspiracy theorist)

I'm also fascinated by the things she says to the House of Hearth kids. "True understanding can only be found, not sought" to a neurodivergent girl trying to fit it. "No one needs self-satisfied concern" to a guy with a savior complex. These are all not things intended for tying people to her, these are things to make them stronger and set them free. Their loyalty to her comes from a place of gratitude, not fear, they weren't coerced into it. Before the siblings' appearance I contemplated whether she could be a yandere, sweet to her followers and horrible to everyone who dares abandon her. This is something more interesting.

Siblings' lines about her.

Lynette:

Lyney:

Also Lyney mentioning somewhere in the 4.1 quest that she has a very unique view on what can and cannot be sacrificed.

Freminet:

Also she personally saved each one of them.

Their loyalty is so beautiful and genuine, and so sick and twisted at the same time. I want to see more of this.

So far she seems like a character who values survival over everything with a bit of a "strict asian parent" mixed in. Ruthless but not crazy. I wonder if it changes in next patches.

(I have an undestroyable headcanon that Childe has good intuition about people. he would have loved someone acting like a strict dad and he would respect a focus on survival. if he doesn't like her it means she is something else entirely)

I also wonder what happens to kids who are unfit for military/spying. I mean, there's Freminet but he's an engineer and a diver. Would a simple cook do all right in HoH?

[followerofmercy]

I think Freminet has some of the most interesting dissonance in his self perception of any Genshin character.

Like, of the Hearthlings we know, he's one of the most emotionally mature and intelligent. Lynette might still have him beat, but after playing her hangout... I dunno. I think they're tied. Lyney is Crumbling, Alrecchino is. Well. Arlecchino. Everyone else is a deeply traumatized child or adult and Freminet seems to pretty regularly be people's emotional support. His character stories talk about getting his vision by saving a bunch of other kids on a dive that went bad. The Selkie event literally had him being a therapist for a grownass woman, citing his past experiences with all the other Hearthlings that have died or killed themselves. And he handled that situation WELL. Yeah, he seems to live in a fantasy, but goddamn he's alive and a lot of people in his position aren't so clearly something is working.

Either his or Lyney's character story talks about the time Freminet had reached out to Lyney to try to ease his burdens, which resulted in Lyney blowing up at him. That probably contributed to Freminet thinking he's not good at it, but I think the reason Lyney reacted so badly was BECAUSE Freminet is actually a good support. He can't allow himself that from the little brother he's supposed to protect.

Freminet seems to both cry and dissociate often, but like... Kiddo you are in fact the only person in this family actually processing your emotions. Lynette dissociates 24/7. Arlecchino. Lyney lies and tells everyone he's fine and would literally rather die than admit otherwise. In comparison, Freminet is doing FANTASTIC

Freminet also gets a lot out of helping people! Like anyone, he needs to feel useful and needed. He seems to be an excellent mentor to the younger Hearthlings and perfectly competent on his own, but when you put him in a room with Lyney and Lynette who baby him and insist that THEY take care of HIM, he withdraws into himself.

Like, Freminet by himself feels like a young man and Freminet with the magician twins feels like a teenager. I have no idea how old he actually is. Logically, he would be OLDER than them! He's been with the House much, much longer and his experience shows. I think it's fascinating that they love him SO MUCH and yet, they just Cannot let him help them. Which is hurting him.

(Lynette is much better about not babying him and that is probably why their relationship is so much better than Freminet and Lyney's. Also why she keeps having to mediate between them. Because Lyney charges off trying to Fix Everything and that just makes Freminet feel useless and he doesn't want to get in the way and- you get the point)

Idk. It's hard to tell what things the previous director said to him vs what Arlecchino has said to him. I'm inclined to think our Arlecchino was the one that said he cries too much, but in a "crying in front of your enemies will get you killed" way and she herself is too fucked up to realize how "you cry too much" could be damaging.

Also I try not to consider gameplay stuff when it comes to story, but Freminet also has some of the most BRUTAL animations. He SMASHES HIS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT METAL PENGUIN INTO HIS ENEMY'S FACE. He doesn't think he's the most amazing fighter, and by Fatui standards he probably isn't, but he is winning fights against most grown men.

Tldr Freminet thinks he cries too much and is a burden and isn't good at helping people when he's actually the most mentally stable Hearthling send tweet

[d-thwish]

fontaine expectations

lyney: please save us from arlecchino!

reality

lyney: thats our FATHER!

[bloobearr]

presents for father

more active on: @bloobwr (twt) & @klariloo (insta)

[latenuitrambles]

𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖐𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖘 ( lyney x reader angst )

Note: so since the request only said angst I decided to go with angst no for comfort ( not sorry tehe) some minor spoilers for the first Fountaine archon quest if you haven't completed it yet ! As always criticism appreciated!

Requested by @heartsbyvalentina

thanks a lot <3 I'm sorry if this isn't what you exactly had in mind or if you wanted more angst with a happy ending T-T

TW: neglect, drifting apart, hurt no comfort, lyney is fatui because I love how much there is to explore with that. Not proofread :( so might be grammatical errors.

Your POV

The past few weeks had been tough. These days it seemed like lyney just didn’t have time for you at all. You had always known about his …..work. The one he didn’t talk about in public. He had told you when he confessed to you because he didn’t want your relationship to be founded on a lie. And you had understood. You were ok with the fact that he might sometimes not have time for you because you knew he did it all with good intentions. But these days it had become worse. Between his missions that had seemed to increase in quantity and his preparations for his show at the Opera, you couldn’t even catch a glimpse of his face properly. Lyney was up before you and returned long after you had fallen asleep. No more dates, no more him having silly magic shows just for you, even the way he talked to you seemed distant these days. You had tried to talk to him but he was always in a rush and put it off. Today, you decided you were finally going to confront him. 

It was way past 3 in the night when you heard the bedroom door creek open. Lyney entered and he was shocked to find you awake. “Why didn’t you fall asleep dear, you know how important sleep else you'll get dark circles on your beautiful face, mon amour.” Even now he was trying to sweet talk you. The grim look on your face didn't budge, “We have to talk about something, lyney. It seems as if these days we never even talk properly. I miss you. I understand you have certain duties but I can't go like this. It feels we are more like roommates than lover these days.” His face darkened. And yet he didn’t say anything. “You can talk to me about it, at least tell me what's wrong so that I can at least understand. Please lyney, I love you, I want this to work, I WANT US TO WORK. But not if you keep shutting me out and pushing me away.” A look of guilt flashed on his face before he masked his features again. “I can't tell you what is happening. You know I can't betray the House. Not after all it has done for me. And I had been thinking about this for a while, but maybe we should take a break.” You looked at him in shock. He couldn’t be implying what you thought he was. “So, this is it huh you choose the House over us?” He slowly nodded his head as he avoided your gaze. “I'm sorry mon amour but I have duties I cannot ignore, and you are a distraction. I hate that it had to be this way, but the House comes first.” You couldn’t believe him, you felt sick like you were gonna collapse. The tears in your eyes stung, threatening to fall. And so, you did exactly what he asked you to do, you walked away. 

Lyney’s POV 

He watched you as you walked away, keeping his own emotions at bay. He loved you, he truly did, but he could not risk you getting hurt. Not with the upcoming ‘plan’. Everything was going to finally begin, all the big plans they had set in motion. It was finally time. So, he had to let you go, both for your own safety and to make sure he was ready to sacrifice whatever it took for the plan to succeed. He had recently discovered that he was chosen to be ‘Fathers’ successor. That would put you in so much more risk. He could not do it to you, let you carry this burden. You deserved someone who could give you a safe life, not someone like him. For a second, he let himself wonder what it would be like was he not from the House, if he was just a normal Fountaine citizen. But alas, wondering gets you nowhere, because he did have duties, duties to the House, to ‘Father’, and duty to save the people of Fountaine. “For the greater good”, he repeated I his mind, over and over again, as he watched you walk away from his life.

End note: it seems I got carried away. Initially, I was gonna do a simple argument, but this idea struck me and I just had to write this. I love the lyney and the house and now he's probably the next harbinger ( he mentions the successor thing in his character story!) if it wasn't clear this is roughly around the time right before the archon quest starts hence the mention of his upcoming show at the opera!!! the plan is referring to the big fatui plan with the tampering of the Oratrice and Childe getting arrested. it is probably a very intricate plan and hence I wrote it like this. hope you liked it<3