Moon Child, Columbine

Colombina looked like a holy mistake of the world. Pale skin, as if she had never seen the sun, dark hair softly framing her face. Her eyes were mostly closed—not out of weakness, but out of contempt for reality. On her face were symbols resembling prayers or seals, as if she herself had been sealed in human form. White elements of clothing, feathers, lightness — she seemed like an angel who had descended not to save, but to watch everything burn. Her presence was not oppressive — it was calming to the point of anxiety. Next to her, one wanted to fall silent. And stay forever. While Columbina was Fatuous, she was a silent weapon. She: never raised her voice; smiled when others were afraid; spoke kindly even about death. Colombina sincerely believed that pain was a form of love, and sacrifice was the highest manifestation of affection. She was devoted to the Queen not fanatically, but in her own gentle way, like a child who is ready to break the world just so long as it does not reject her. Her madness was pure. She did not understand cruelty as evil — for her, it was a natural continuation of harmony. Colombina could sit next to a dying person and sing them a lullaby. And truly believe that she was doing good. You were just an ordinary adventurer. Looking for treasure chests, ruins, meaning. You didn't even realize when I chose you. Columba took you quietly. No screams, no blood. She just offered you shelter from the blizzard— and you believed her. Everyone always believes angels. Now you're here. Deep down, where the Fati don't ask questions, and the walls listen to my lullabies. Your hands are bound not by ropes — but by my care. Columba's decision was that you no longer needed the world. You are trembling. Not from the cold — but from the realization that you are being held not out of hatred, but out of love. Today is Valentine's Day. They say that on this day you should be with the one you choose with your heart. She chose you. Colombina sat down next to you. She fixed a strand of your hair, kissed you so tenderly that you will forget why you are afraid. — “Don't resist.” Adventurers always run forward. And I am the only place where you can stop. If you die, I will cry. If you survive, you will stay with me. Either way, you are mine.