BAM! Surprise update!
The cloud were beginning to dot the sky as the trio arrived at the outskirts of Patch. Both Weiss and Blake were holding one bag of herbs while Yang carried two, one bag in each of her hands. Blake was several feet ahead of the two while the white and yellow duo were bickering every step of the way.
"-don't get me started on your fighting style! You jumped out and wrestled the bear!" Weiss fumed as her gaze narrowed at the blonde dwarf.
"To some people, that would be praiseworthy." Yang retorted.
"To some, not the spell caster who was about to electrocute the both of you!"
"If you would've hurried up with your spell, then I wouldn't have need to wrestle the fucking bear!"
"That's because I was charging my tome! Not only have I almost endangered your life, but you wasted one of the charges for my tome!"
"Alright, that's enough arguing. You two are causing a scene." Blake interjected as they passed the gates into the town.
"I'm not the one who started it, it's just that Weiss is making a huge deal about it." Yang countered.
"Because I would've killed you!" The mage elaborated.
"I could've handled it." The dwarf objected.
"Why you-" The white-haired girl was interrupted as a young man crashed into the her, causing both of them to crash to the ground. "Watch it you dolt!"
The man said nothing as he tried to recover from the fall, he clutched a sheathed sword to his chest as he tried to bolt- until a shout was heard behind him.
"Hey asshole! Where do you think you're going!" A feminine voice called out, the figure was dressed in an olive green cloak, with silver embroidery along its edges. The hood obscured most of their face, except the bright silver eyes that were filled with anger as she glared at the man who crashed into Weiss.
The young man let out a yelp as he took off, however the hooded girl was already gaining on him. He didn't even reach the gate before he was tackled to the floor, the girl quickly pried the sword away from him before delivering a sharp kick to the side of his head- knocking him out cold. She took a couple of deep breaths before she unsheathed the sword.
The blade itself glowed in a white and gold gleam in the sunlight, the double edged sword had strange markings that trailed down the center. The crossguard was shaped as a pair of fangs as it formed an outwards ridge above the hilt. There was a lightish blue gem embedded in the center of the guard, casting a turquoise glow.
"Deo gratias." She muttered while she sheathed the sword and attached it to her belt. The hooded girl quickly turned around and walked towards the trio, who watched the entire spectacle happen before them. The girl stopped before them and extended her left hand towards Weiss, she wore gloves and had a leather brace attached to her forearm.
"Thank you for stopping him, even if you did crash into him." The silver-eyed girl said, she was roughly about Weiss' height yet most of her attire was covered by her cloak.
"I-it was nothing." The mage replied as she took the offered hand.
"Yeah, because he crashed into you. You practically didn't need to move at all." Yang added, as she snickered in the background.
That earned her a solid smack to her arm by the white-haired girl, followed by chuckling from both the hooded girl and the ebony-haired girl.
"I should probably get going, I think I wasted enough of your time." The green-clad girl stated.
"It was nice meeting you-"
"Ruby. My name is Ruby." The silver-eyed girl said as she waved her farewell.
The trio watched her disappear into the crowd before they made to deliver the herbs.
"She seems pretty nice." Weiss said, trying to start up a conversation as they handed over the Fyuthonnas.
"The girl with the hood?" Yang asked, which the white-haired girl nodded. "I wonder where she got that sword from, that thing was a beauty to look at."
"What? You're going to ask her if a dwarf made it?" Blake jested.
"N-no, okay maybe... look even you two saw how well it was made." The dwarf defended.
"We did, but I'm not sure if it was dwarven." The mage pointed out, "I mean, aren't most dwarven designs based around heavy metals and geometric shapes?"
"Most, but there are a couple of artisans who stray from the normal designs to create their own works. I'm surprised you know this Weiss."
"One of my servants is a dwarf. He would usually tell stories to me when I was younger."
"Really? What was his name?" The blonde girl asked with a brow raised.
"Why would I need to tell you? The bounty is over, so that means I don't need to see your face after this." The white-haired girl said with a smirk.
"You're right, welp I guess that's the last I'll be seeing you little miss prissy pants. I'm going to miss teasing you after this."
'I won't' The mage thought to herself just as Blake arrived.
"Here's your payment Yang," the Beastfallen said as she handed the dwarf a sack of gold, "And here's yours Weiss."
"Thanks." The two said in chorus before staring at each other.
"We should rest for the night, we got a long day ahead of ourselves tomorrow." Blake reminded.
"I know, I know. If we wait any longer the pass is going to be blocked by snow for another week or so." Weiss said.
"Wait, pass? Are you talking about the Wind Path?"
'No don't tell me' Weiss dreaded internally.
"I'm actually about to head up there too!"
'I swear to the gods if she says what I think she's going to say'
"Let's go together!" The dwarf said with a large grin.
Weiss swore she heard something snap, either her patience or mind- as she forced out a smile, "Great..."
"I think that might be a wise choice, an extra pair of eyes would be appreciating during the trip. Not to mention that we can buy more rations for the journey." Blake added.
"Why?! I mean why does she need to accompany us?" Weiss protested.
"Because we need more help. Not to offend you, but we're going to need all the help we can get." Blake replied.
"I know, it's just that-" The mage's gaze shifted towards the ground, "-do you really think that she can help?"
"It's a start, Weiss you know we can't do this alone."
"Um what are you two talking about?" Yang interrupted.
"It's nothing," Weiss said before she let out a sigh, "Fine, you can come with us if you want."
"Really?" The dwarf asked, which earned her a glare from the white-haired girl, "Awesome, so when do we head out?"
"At noon by the gate, pack only essentials- we're going to see if we can get through the pass before the snow settles in." The ebony-haired girl answered.
"It's getting late, we should probably check into a tavern." Weiss suggested.
"Alright, I see you two at noon tomorrow. And Weiss-" Yang's eyes narrowed as she wore a smug grin on her face, "-you're going to have to tell me the story later."
"Just leave already."
The dwarf said nothing as she chuckled, soon after she waved her farewell and disappeared into the town.
"Just you know, the next person you recruit has to be better than her." Weiss muttered.
"And if I do?" Blake asked with a brow raised.
"Then you can buy a whole salmon for yourself. With my money."
"Deal."
The sky was completely covered in clouds, the sky darkening as day began to shift to night. Without warning, droplets of rain began to sprinkle on the town. Fortunately for the Beastfallen girl, she wore her black cloak and used it to shield herself from the rain. She held a sack of gold as she made her way towards the marketplace, looking for rations and water pouches for the upcoming journey.
Just as Blake was in sight of the market, a figure fell in front of her- making a groan of pain as she landed on the stone floor.
"And stay out you long eared nonbeliever!" A short dwarf shouted from his establishment, his hands were on his hips as he stared down the person on the floor.
"Up yours, you rancid hairy pig!"
The ebony-haired girl recognized her voice, she was the same hooded girl from earlier- only this time Blake can see her face completely. The hood that covered her head went down as she stood upright, her crimson tipped hair blew in the breeze while the hairroots were black. Her most notable features was her ears, they were pointed at the tips and were longer than the ones she's seen on Wood Elves.
'She's a High Elf?'
"Don't ever show your disgusting face around here again!" The dwarf shouted as he tossed a vase at the young elf, who easily dodged the projectile.
"Wasn't going to if I have to see yours, you Morus." Ruby hissed back as she picked up a random stone on the floor, she pulled back her arm and chucked it right at him. The stone smacked him directly on his forehead, the impact was hard enough to send him flying backwards into his tavern.
"Great, now I have to find another place to stay." The crimsonette muttered to herself, completely unaware of the Beastfallen girl behind her.
"Ahem." Blake cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the hooded elf.
"Oh, uh... you saw all that... um-" Ruby scratched the back of her head as she faced the ebony-haired girl.
"What was that about?" The Beastfallen girl asked.
"Me getting kicked out of the tavern, what does it look like to you?"
"Do you need a place to stay?" Blake asked.
"I'll manage, it's not like I'm staying here or anything."
"And why is that?"
"Do you always asking questions after another?" Ruby questioned.
"Not all the time, but I am curious to know why." The ebony-haired replied.
"I'm traveling somewhere, I'm leaving at first light tomorrow towards Mantle."
"Mantle, what a coincidence. My companions are traveling to Mantle as well."
"Gee, really? Why are you heading up to a desolate town in the middle of nowhere?" The crimsonette said as she narrowed her eyes at Blake.
"My friend and I are gathering clues for a prophecy, pray tell- why are you heading up there?"
"Apparently there's a legendary enchantress up there, I want to get a hold of a couple of scrolls and tomes."
"Interesting, what for?"
"Because I want to, why are you looking for clues in the first place?"
"Because we want to. Look, let's continue our conversation out of the rain."
"I'll pay, if we're eating. Didn't get a chance to cook something before I was evicted." Ruby offered.
"...you know how to cook?" Blake asked.
"Yeah, wait are you asking me to tag along?" The crimsonette said with a brow raised.
"Yes. Would you like to join with us on the journey?"
The rain interrupted the conversation as it began to pour heavier, as larger droplets began to fall from the sky. The red and black duo ran under the nearest roof before the downpour, staying relatively dry. They both stood there for a moment before Ruby resumed the conversation.
"Um- what was your name again?"
"It's Blake, Blake Belladonna." The Beastfallen replied.
"Right... listen, I'm not sure if you would want me to accompany you to Mantle." The elf said before turning away from the ebony-haired girl.
"Why not? Any help is grateful, especially since none of us can actually cook."
"Wait, what have you been living off of when you travel?" Ruby questioned.
"Whatever rations we can get our hands on. So is that a yes or a no?"
The hooded girl shifted her gaze away from Blake's as she began to rub the back of her neck.
"Blake? Your offer is great and all, but I don't think that you'll like someone like me..."
"What do you mean by that? If you think that we'll discriminate you then-"
"No- no, it's not that." The crimsonette raised both of her hands up in defense, "It's... do you remember what that dwarf said as he kicked me out?"
"He called you a racial slur and a nonbeliever, but I don't know what that has to do with-" Blake took a moment to realize what she said, "If you think we're the kind of people that would belittle you because you worship another god-"
"I don't worship any god!" Ruby's voice came out louder than she intended, causing the Beastfallen girl to take a step back from the sudden outburst.
"You don't... worship any of the gods?" The ebony-haired girl asked hesitantly.
The elf said nothing in response as she turned her head away from her. Blake bit her lip, this wasn't something she expected- everyone she knew worshiped one of the many gods either one of the popular ones or the lesser known ones. Worshiping a god came with many benefits that outweigh the negatives, the person would receive a blessing that enhances their physique or skills- the only drawback are the rivals that oppose your chosen god or goddess.
To simple refuse this kind of power is practically unheard of, until now. Blake wanted to ask more questions about why, but she held her tongue- she probably had many reasons not to worship. The ebony-haired girl cleared her throat to get the crimsonette's attention before she continued.
"My offer still stands, if you want to join along with us you can." The Beastfallen said, her voice unwavering.
Ruby's head whipped back to face Blake's, her eyes widened in surprise as her mouth hung open. "Are you sure?"
The elf's question was answered with a nod.
"Then I accept your offer, if you don't mind me asking but... where's your companions?"
"The white-haired mage is staying with me in a tavern, as for the blonde dwarf-"
"Wait, she's a dwarf?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, she is."
"But she's so tall!"
"That was Weiss' same reaction. I'm not sure where she went, probably staying at another tavern or an inn."
"Damn, alright- I guess that means less food to make then."
Blake's brow rose as she looked at the crimsonette in confusion.
"I was uh- wondering if I could dinner for you guys or something. As appreciation for letting me tag along." Ruby muttered as she rubbed her arm.
"Sure, Weiss and I are bunking at the Crow's Nest. If you need us just knock on the first door on the left."
"Okay, see you later then." The elf said as she turned towards the marketplace.
Just as the ebony-haired girl turned towards the direction of her tavern, she remembered why she was out here in the first place. She quickly turned around and ran into the marketplace, buying the needed supplies for the trip.
Weiss was helping Blake with the supplies that she bought, organizing them into three groups until she saw Blake take some from each pile and placed them into a another pile.
"Blake, what are you doing?" The mage asked as she placed down a water pouch.
"I'm organizing the essentials for the four of us." The Beastfallen replied.
"Four? Is that why you took so long earlier? You recruited someone else?"
"Yes, I'm sure you'll like them."
"I'll be the judge of that." Weiss said before the knocking at their door drew both of their attention.
"Hey Blake! Are you in here?" A familiar voice was heard behind the door, Blake immediately made her way towards the door and opened it.
"Hello Ruby, are you already finished?" The ebony-haired girl asked.
"Yeah, I forgot to ask if any of you guys had allergies so I made a lot of dishes for you to choose from."
"Wait, did she say dishes?" The white-haired girl asked from across the room.
"Yep. Come on, I also found your other companion. She's waiting down here too." Ruby said as she walked down the flight of stairs.
The mage stared at the Beastfallen girl in confusion while Blake had a smug grin on her face, "Let's not keep them waiting."
"Blake Belladonna, explain to me how you managed to find someone like her?"
"Later, hurry up. The food is probably getting cold."
A moment later, both the white and black duo made their way towards the dining room- spotting Ruby and Yang towards the corner of the room. The elf was talking to the chef of the establishment while Yang was eyeing the food, with drool hanging from her mouth. The two quickly made their way past the other patrons who were either eating their own meals or staring at the various dishes that were laid out on the single table.
There were four dishes on the table along with four tankards of water, one was a roasted duck with herbs resting on top of it. Two of the dishes were platters of various foods, from meats and seasoned potatoes with the last dish being a vegetable stew, the broth was lightly brown.
"Looks like someone's hungry." Blake said as she took a seat across from Yang.
"Can't you blame me? I was very skeptical of her being a cook when she said so at the marketplace but now?" The dwarf gestured towards the food before her, "I have no complaints!"
Weiss took her seat next to Blake while Ruby sat next to Yang.
"Sorry about that, the chef here wanted to know how I prepared the duck." Ruby apologized while passing out plates to everyone.
"No worries, although I'm somewhat confused to why the chef would let you use their kitchen." Weiss said.
"Call it a bargain. I teach them a few tricks about cooking, they let me use their equipment." The elf answered.
"Can we please get started? My stomach is dying to try out all this food." Yang whined.
Blake rolled her eyes and she clasped her hands together, Weiss and Yang both followed suit while Ruby just watched.
"Thank you for blessing us with this meal, oh divine one." The three said in chorus.
Just as they finished their prayers, Yang began to stack her plate with as much food as possible. Weiss and Blake soon followed suit while Ruby laughed at their antics.
"This tastes so good." The dwarf said while stuffing her mouth.
"Don't talk with your mouth open, brute." Weiss warned before she began to eat, she let out a sequel of delight as she bit into the Blake and Ruby chuckled at her, which earned them an embarrassed look from the mage.
Ruby stayed quiet most of the dinner, laughing when Yang did something ridiculous or when Weiss actually slapped some sense into Yang afterward. Oh how she missed this when she was cast out. She shook her head of these thoughts before she began to doubt herself.
'I got to enjoy this while I can, who knows when this will go away' The elf thought before she took a sip of water from her tankard.
Had some free time to myself, so I wrote another chapter for this story. To those who are wondering, Ruby is speaking Latin. Have a great day/evening.
