This is the third time that woman has been here to watch Ruby spar with Neo. She has yet to approach - Roman has rules about people talking to his pupil without permission - but Ruby can tell she is interested. Why, is the question.
Ruby keeps only half her attention on Neo's signed corrections during their water break, the other half being focused on Roman and the woman.
Roman is tense. He doesn't like whatever the woman is telling him, but there is a kind of helplessness in his eyes that makes Ruby think this is something he doesn't have a say in. The two glance over at Ruby and that makes her realise the woman is trying to recruit her and not only that, but is powerful enough to make Roman agree to it.
Interesting. And a little worrying.
Neo boxes her ear sharply in rebuke for her distraction. Ruby mumbles a quick apology then refocuses. Still, she can't get the woman in red out of her mind.
…
Red.
Ruby glances up from her cool down stretches to look her mentor in the eyes. The crimson woman is standing beside him, her amber eyes glinting with something that sends a chill down Ruby's spine. This close, Ruby can see that she's actually just a girl of about fifteen, tall for her age. It is that height which lets her pass as an adult.
Roman gestures to the girl. This is my new associate, Cinder Fall. Cinder, may I present my protégé, Ruby Rose.
Charmed, says Ms Fall, stretching a hand out to Ruby, who has stood. Ruby takes it and gives it a firm shake, holding Ms Fall's gaze. She shows nothing of her nervousness.
Fall looks mildly impressed.
Roman steps back into the conversation. Cinder has an offer for you, Ruby.
She has to fight not to jolt at the rare use of her given name. Ruby tilts her head in question, playing mute for now while she still can. The hairs on the back of her neck are standing up and everything in her is screaming that this girl is dangerous. Ruby doesn't want anything to do with her but knows she can't escape.
Fall smirks slightly, like she knows what Ruby is thinking. How would you like to train with me? I am an adept Dust user. I could teach many things, Miss Rose.
Ruby's mouth is dry. Training with Dust? That sounds absolutely amazing. To have an actual teacher instead of trying to figure it out herself would be a great boon. Still…
What do I need to do in return for such invaluable services? she asks, careful to keep her voice level.
Fall purses her lips, thinking. Or at least, pretending to think. Finally she says, No return favours for now. Think of it as a trial period. If this doesn't work out after… let's say three months, we'll put this behind us, no strings attached.
Her amber eyes burn into Ruby's. What do you say, Miss Rose?
Ruby forces herself to smile and hold out her hand, trying to ignore the feeling that she's just sold her soul to the Grim. I'm in.
…
I have managed to collect a silver-eyed girl, my Lady. Cinder keeps her head bowed in deference. She can see Salem's shoulders in the base of the Seer Grim but no more. O, how she wishes she could lift her head and ascertain whether or not her mistress is pleased with her, but alas…
Really? How intriguing. One would think Ozpin would have collected her already.
Cinder can divine nothing of Salem's feelings on the matter from any of her response. She forges on, clarifying the circumstances. She is too young for that, my Lady. She is just a girl, about nine years of age and small. Her name is Ruby Rose. Miss Rose is Torchwick's apprentice.
Rose, you say? Cinder nearly looks up at what she thinks might be a sudden sharpness in Salem's voice. Any relation to Ozpin's pawn, the late Summer Rose?
That I do not know, my Lady. I will endeavour to find out more about this girl and tell you of it when we next make contact.
Very well. Do not disappoint me, Cinder.
Of course, my Lady.