Chapter 1: Prelude
Revered in name by many and poised of the very essence of professionalism, Rosalind Ahlgren embodied the portrait of a true captain, composed, serious, and refined, with a tall, lean figure that forever bore a proud posture. Born within the Utopia district, the immense structure of Wall Rose that encumbered the land was an image she had long since grown accustomed to, yet a budding curiosity for the world beyond blossomed into a potent fascination as she matured. The wings of freedom had often beckoned her, albeit constant encouragement to uphold the legacy of a proud military family and a strong desire to safeguard the defenseless drove Rosalind to join ranks in the Garrison. With her chance for blue and white feathers plucked from her back, it seemed the young woman was destined to remain caged behind aerial walls, yet it was a decision she never mourned. Through unique ingenuity and a steadfast devotion to her career, Rosalind earned the title of Captain amidst the days that followed the breach in Wall Maria, though a significant rise in rank was eclipsed by the bitter memories of her father and eldest sister's death alongside the fallen gates of Shiganshina.
In a lazy flutter, emerald green eyes opened slowly as the female Captain stirred from a heavy sleep. An exaggerated yawn fled pink parted lips as bare toes uncurled along the frigid floor beneath her, and a weary frame roused from the slim mattress of her bed to swiftly dress in her brown and white clad uniform. The collar of her snow white shirt was creased to perfection, every button was fastened, every buckle was firmly secured, and the twin rose emblem that decorated her tan jacket kissed the fresh morning air before seeking comfort against her upper back and shoulders. Slender fingers vigorously combed through the soft waves of honey brown hair as she fashioned her extended locks into a neat braid before carefully styling the long tail into a tight bun.
The allure of new hope had awakened her far earlier than usual that day, and when dark leather boots met with the rich soil outside her private quarters, a curious gaze fast discovered familiar streets drenched in darkness. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast of bread and hot coffee, Rosalind commenced her long ascent over an arduous stone stairway as ebony skies were vibrantly painted with a soft eruption of pastel hues. The luminous face of the yellow sun rose with her as the young woman scaled a thousand steps, and as she reached the summit, she was greeted by the penetrating glitter of multiple silver cannons aligned close to the wall's edge. Immediately, Rosalind began to search for her esteemed Commander, Dot Pixis, and once vigilant eyes befell the man engaged in a casual morning outing, she approached without hesitation.
"Commander Pixis sir, I, Captain Rosalind Ahlgren of the southern district, am here by your request," she formally announced, her vocals soft yet firm as her right hand swiftly elevated to parallel her beating heart in a proper salute.
"At ease," the Commander gently ordered as golden eyes veered towards his loyal Captain.
At his requisition, both arms fell loosely at her side as she accompanied her superior in his stroll atop Wall Rose.
"You're up early I see. The anticipation entice a bout of restlessness, I presume?" Pixis speculated in an elevated tone.
"I would be lying if I were to deny your accusation sir, you've ascertained my quandary with the greatest of ease," she readily admitted as a subtle smirk graced a single corner of rose glossed lips.
"AHAH! That's only because I've known you for far too long my dear," the eccentric man remarked with an overt laugh, "And when was it exactly that our close affiliation took root? Do you recall?" he wondered.
"Since the earliest days of my childhood sir," Rosalind stated on a tender breath.
"I'm impressed, your memory serves you quite well! You were but a toddler the day your father and I commenced our work together, and though I hadn't anticipated such, you and I constituted a near unbreakable bond throughout the years, even beyond your father's passing, may his soul rest in eternal peace," said Pixis.
"I thank you for your benevolent words sir," she replied.
"Rosalind, indulge an old man for a moment if you will, and answer me this, have you ever contemplated why I elected you as my Captain?" he asked as hands clasped behind his back.
"When it comes to your decree sir, I prefer to elude skepticism, and if I may speak honestly, I place a great faith in your every decision," Rosalind promptly answered.
"And that is precisely the reason you out of a thousand adept Garrison soldiers has earned such title! Even in times of peace your respect, fidelity, and heartfelt devotion to protecting humanity has never waned. The extraordinary talents of your mind are unmatched, and though many of your fellow comrades fell prey to their own cowardice, not once have you allowed fear to cast shadow over your judgment," Pixis informed as a gentle smile emerged beneath a distinct moustache.
"Sir, may I inquire what this is about?" she asked, bewildered by his unexpected praise.
"As you may already know, Cadet Eren Jeager's fate will be determined this afternoon by means of a military deliberation. Despite his success in eternally sealing the demolished gates of Trost, the Military Police plan to take custody of Cadet Jeager, and sadly his extraordinary skills have sparked panic in most of our own regiment. You have witnessed his titan abilities first hand, and your comprehension far exceeds anyone else who will be in attendance, ergo I personally request you, my most trusted Captain, to stand at my side for the duration," he explained.
"I accept your invitation sir!" Rosalind immediately replied.
"Just as I thought you would," he remarked as golden eyes anchored to the young woman standing at attention before him.
"Do you wish for me to testify on his behalf, sir?" Rosalind questioned curiously.
"No, my intentions run purely on urging you to express your most honest opinion. I trust your instincts to a greater extent than any other. I prefer to not see Cadet Jeager die, and if you feel his existence delivers hope for a brighter future as I do, then I implore you to speak in his favor where I cannot, but if your sentiments differ from my own, then so be it. Just know that whichever path you choose, I shall not reprimand you for it," Pixis stated.
"So, a given order to act on my own accord, is it? How ironic…" she commented in sarcasm.
"Hah, an interesting way to interpret it," he said as a faint chuckle was effortlessly coaxed from his throat.
"Sir, I believe young Cadet Jeager is the proverbial key humanity is in desperate need of, a savior if you will, as many citizens have infamously dubbed him. I understand full well the very threshold of mankind depends greatly on his survival, and though it was days ago that we achieved victory for the first time, my heart still beats wildly in exhilaration of our greatest triumph," Rosalind boldly exclaimed, a strong determination alive in her speech.
"As does mine," Pixis agreed.
An extended silence then befell the two as Rosalind's gaze studied the towns far below, the whistling winds the only sound to exist as skies of the early dawn matured to a pastel blue.
"Commander, what do you suppose the odds of Cadet Jeager's life being spared are?" she then asked as her gentle vocals shattered the stillness between them.
"Low," he stated in a serious tone, eyebrows furrowed against a wrinkled forehead as the grim reality was reluctantly exposed.
"I will utilize my personal strengths as best I can for this debate sir," she vowed.
"I hold no doubt that you will, and with your quick wit and loaded tongue at his defense, perhaps a seed of hope may sprout in his favor after all. Few hours remain before the deliberation will commence, therefore I am relieving you of your morning duties," Pixis informed.
"S-sir, are you positive?" Rosalind stammered in disbelief as surprise twisted her delicate features.
"Indeed I am. Enjoy the rest of your morning, and I shall meet with you later. Captain Ahlgren, you are dismissed," he firmly enforced.
"Sir, yes sir!" she responded, her volume rose momentarily as her slender form yielded one final salute before parting ways with her beloved commander.
I am so seriously happy to present to you all the first chapter in my SnK/AoT fanfiction! I've been anticipating starting and writing this story for a long while now, so to finally have the first chapter done and posted feels AH-MAZING! For serious, my heart is pounding right now in wriggling excitement! I really hope ya'll enjoy this, a lot of love and hard work went into writing this chapter, but most importantly, I hope you enjoy Rosalind, enjoy her character, enjoy her story, and enjoy her journey!
Why yes, this IS in fact an Erwin X OC pairing
Rosalind Fun Facts
-Rosalind stands at a height of '5'8' and 1/2
-Ahlgren is pronounced All-grin, and is a Swedish surname which means "Alder Branch"
-Rosalind's surname suggests she harbors Swedish roots, though her exact nationality and family history is blurred from years of living within the walls`
-Rosalind was named in honor of the female protagonist and romantic lead in the play "As You Like It," by William Shakespeare
SnK/AoT does NOT belong to me, it belongs to the brilliant Hajime Isayama, all rights reserved!
I only hold ownership over Rosalind Ahlgren, her family, and her background.
The image used is not my own work, nor am I claiming it as such, all credits go to original author.
Thank you for reading!
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Comments are always welcome and greatly appreciated!
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