You refused to choose sides, just like Childe had. Like everyone else, you did not know enough of “Stuzha” to hold valid opinions, and unlike everyone else, you did not hold grudges that could conveniently be expressed.

However, you did owe favours to one person who had helped you adapt life as a Harbinger when you were but a green recruit, and Columbina was certainly interested in cashing them in now. The petite angel was now joined up with the Conservatives, and she was eager to have you widen their numerical superiority over the Radicals to 5-3.

A Fatui Operator shows up at your office, handing you a piece of parchment. “From Lord Columbina”. You open it, and see a message written in her refined cursive.

Drop everything and come to the Vivarium. For a picnic, of course.

You don’t want to, but she would know, and you would face her wrath if you chickened out. As you trudge through the glass doors, you find Columbina sitting on a flower-patterned mat, gently humming as dozens of pigeons surround her. Though her eyes are still closed, her trademark smile appears immediately on her face as she turns to face you.

"I told you, Columbina. My answer is still no."

Her smile doesn’t falter; indeed, it’s visibly brighter.

“Oh, but that only makes it better! Come, you look weary, let us catch up on your day first.” She pats her lap, and you know better than to provoke her wrath by flinching, refusing, or showing hesitation of any kind. She lets out a giggle the moment your head meets up with her hip.

“There, there… Does the exhaustion not disappear when you do that?”

It does feel comfy, but… you try your best to keep yourself from showing it. Give an inch, and she’ll start pressuring you for a mile. Though, as you expected, that was futile.

“Hide as much as you want, birdie. It did. Consider my offer – to have me here, for every weary day that you shall have, is it truly something your heart would refuse?”

Her eyes open. Not good.

“Little birds should listen and stand with me, should they not?”