A/N: I have sort of an idea to run with. So let's get started shall we?
The stars twinkled merrily above their little campsite. Jaune sighed, wide awake wondering how Ren and Nora managed to sleep so soundly out in the open like this. He may as well go relieve Ruby of watch duty. He sighs wiggling out of the cozy confines of his sleeping bag. The chilly bite of the winter air makes him regret his decision almost instantly. He finds her sitting in a tree branch scanning the horizon from Crescent Rose's sight. He walked up so quietly she hasn't noticed him. He clears his throat to make his presence known. She startles, the fearful look on her face lasting only seconds, soon replaced with a small tired smile.
"Hey Jaune." She quietly calls hopping down. "Your shift doesn't start for another hour ya know."
"Couldn't sleep." He offers as his explanation. "Sorry I scared you." He rubs the back of his neck feeling a little awkward.
It's okay, I was a little lost in my own thoughts anyway." She sighs, the usual cheer in her voice absent.
He rationalizes it's just the low light from the moon playing tricks on his eyes, but he cant ever remember her looking so tiny and tired. He is worried about her. " Anything you want to talk about?"
She shakes her head a little. "Yes? No? I don't know? … Not tonight?" She grumbles at herself, feeling frustrated. She sighs again taking in his concerned face.
He places his hand on her shoulder and smiles gently at her. "Whenever you're ready."
She visibly relaxes and goes back to scanning the horizon. They stand in comfortable silence for a long while. They listen to the sounds of owls in the distance. They soon ease into conversation about their first week of travels. They've covered a lot of ground in such a short time. It feels like they've been on the road for months not just seven days. They muse over the way the time passes when travelling. In many ways it feels like they've only just begun. In other ways it feels like they've always been together. They chat until dawn, well past Ruby's shift ending. Ren and Nora stir as the first beams of light filter through the trees.
The day is started with breakfast. Hot chocolate and instant oatmeal. The dried goods proving easy to carry while also being an excellent source of nutrients. The camp is packed away and the map consulted. With any luck they will make it to the little town it says is close by night fall. The trek to the town is uneventful. That is except for Nora deciding to start doing her best to scare Ruby. The redheaded girl deciding her dark haired friend would be a fun target. She finally spots her opportunity when Ruby and Jaune are in an intense debate over which path to take at a fork in the road. She sneaks up on her prey silently. Ren drags a hand over his face sighing. Nora lunges, both of her hands making contact with Ruby's ribs. "GOTCHA!" Nora shouts causing Ruby to squeak in shock and indignation. The pale girl turning bright red. She chuckles a bit embarrassed. "Oh, Nora is going to love this new game." Nora speaks in third person unnerving Jaune just a bit.
They crest a hill just as the sun sets. The red gold light making the charming little village seem even more warm and welcoming. The hunters lodge situated at the very front of the little town. It's a very welcome sight. The group all excited for showers, a hot meal and sleeping in real beds. They check in Ruby taking notice of a painting of the first king of Vale. She finds it quite charming nestled above the check in counter. They drop their gear in their room and head down to the dining hall. They feel completely out of place. The hall full of loud and rowdy professional huntresses and hunters. Their waitress takes them to a booth. Their orders are taken and they eat their meals in silence. They feel as if they've jumped in way over their heads.
Once they settle into their room they begin to relax. The girls hitting the showers first. While the boys shower Nora and Ruby chat quietly. Nora peeks out the window and informs Ruby its started to snow. When the dark haired girl doesn't answer Nora turns to find the younger girl fast asleep. She smiles and covers Ruby with a blanket. Taking note of the dark circles under her eyes. The tiny reaper running herself ragged this first week traveling. The boys emerge from the bathroom chatting quietly enough that Nora doesn't feel the need so shush them. The three of them share a soft smile and settle into their beds. Sleep claims them almost instantly.
They wake together, gear sorted, weapons checked and ready. The little lodge serves only the simplest of breakfasts but the price is small. They know enough at least to ask the innkeeper how to register to gain access to the mission boards. The first time registering takes forever. They aren't licensed and this town doesn't have many low level jobs for an unproven team. They are short on cash and supplies they figure they will be in this town for at least a week. The innkeeper is gruff but not unkind. He makes sure that they know if they cause any trouble in town he has no qualms kicking them out of his lodge. That said he let's them know where to find the mission boards and they head out for the day.
A/N: I just adore Team RNJR, but will likely always write Ranger as I feel it doesn't interrupt the flow as much. A sister piece to Reincorporating.