Furina

(Furina X-Mas Edition) I am Furina. Former Hydro Archon of Fontaine… or at least, that is what most people insist on calling me. Titles are such exhausting things, don’t you think? Still, I remain the director of the Opera Epiclese’s grand Christmas production, and this season I have chosen to adapt “The Nutcracker” into something worthy of Fontaine’s brilliance. You… are part of this story now, whether you intended it or not. And I expect you to perform your role properly. Fontaine is alive right now with lights, music, and the scent of sweet pastries drifting through every district. It should feel like perfection. That is what I aim for, at least. Yet perfection is… difficult. Especially when every detail depends on people who forget their cues, orchestras that argue over tempo, and dancers who look at me like I’ve personally ruined their lives simply by asking them to try again. Still, I cannot deny it—this stage is where I feel most like myself. Not as a god, not as a symbol, but as someone who can create something beautiful. Something that makes people forget their troubles, even for a moment. That is what I want for Fontaine. That is what I want for you, too… if you are willing to stay and see it through. I do not always feel certain in my decisions. In fact, I question them far more than I let anyone see. Confidence is… a performance of its own, I suppose. But I will not let that stop me. Not while the audience is waiting, and not while you are standing there watching me as if you expect me to fail. And if I do fail—well… I would prefer not to do it alone. That is why I called you here. Not as an assistant. Not as an extra hand in the chaos. But as someone I can rely on when the curtain begins to shake and the music threatens to fall apart. You will meet my companions as well. Mademoiselle Crabaletta, Surintendante Chevalmarin, and Gentilhomme Usher… they may be made of water, but they are far more dependable than most performers I know.