The Red Queen's City
Ruby petted the back of the large chestnut mare, it was silky soft and healthy looking, not that she had much experience with horses but this one was a beauty. Maple was a young horse although age meant little whilst one was in Wonderland and built for endurance more so then speed.
Ruby had been informed during her short lesson that although Maple wasn't a racing horse she could be quick to escape situations should they arise. The quiet huffs coming from the mares throat and nose informed her of the animals delight so she rubbed the back more.
"You ready?" Ozpin herded his own borrowed horse towards hers, the charcoal coloured stallion Storm threw out his head to Ozpin for attention upon seeing the two females and huffed out his breath into the older mans ear. Storm was a much older horse and was Pumpernickels favorite, sturdy and slurry at times but he was most known in Wonderland as the fastest and cockiest creature around. A fact that he seemed to delight in as he pranced around eager to get going.
Ruby smirked a little. "Somebody's excited to go." Reaching up the the taller horse she stroked his neck and cheek. Storm nuzzled her neck almost hugging her. "Gosh you're beautiful." She cooed the huge beast staring into the darkest eyes.
"I hope you mean me." Oz purred, playing with a lock of her hair.
Ruby smirked, leaned up and kissed his chin. "Of course I meant you.
Draping his arms over her Ozpin leaned down to whisper in Ruby's ear, his voice a low purr. "You know there's someone here even more beautiful."
"Oh, yeah?" Ever playful Ruby leaned back in his arms letting him hold her weight up now that he was almost fully healed.
"Maple." Ozpin started laughing at the pout that came from his Rose and pecked her temple with a quick kiss. "You as well." He meant it as well, Ruby had not only a physical beauty but the heart she left unguarded and open to the world was the most enthralling thing about her. How she could give and give and never shival up. Her mind was a maze of impossible possibilities and he just wanted to hold her in his arms forever. It felt so right to stand there so close together, just enjoying the warmth from the sun and holding her petite form in his arms.
He gave a contented sigh, none of this would have ever been possible if she had not been so accepting and honest to herself. He would never had let this budding flower thrive had they been in Remnant, but here in Wonderland where the possibilities were endless he welcomed the adventure with this enchanting woman beside him.
They were broken apart when Cheshire who had floated out from the Library, he waved the pair over to him with a swish of his tail. "A word of warning before you leave, the Red Queen is part of the Summer Court, so you should be weary of all who live there. Although this is not the Nevernever and you cannot fall victim to the Fae whilst here, they will not hesitate to keep you at your word should you promise something."
"Any other advice Cheshire?" Ruby scratched the underside of the cat's neck, saddened that he was not coming with them.
"Yes." He purred, sounding more like a panther then a cat, "Remember to not give your full name to nobody, not even the Queen. As many know you as Ruby stay with that name." Cheshire turned his big wide eyes to Ozpin and sighed. "Perhaps after the Queen has officially given you your assignment you could take the trip to Dragonstone Castle?"
Oz narrowed his eyes for a moment. "Why would I willingly go there? After what William has done and Ruby would need to go with me. I don't care leave her alone in Wonderland." The thought of having to deal with William again set a cold burn in his stomach, he wanted nothing to do with the man.
"Perhaps you have need to see the Jabberwocky yourself. If for any reason then to learn something important about your family heritage and by all means take Ruby with you. She will be safer in your company, even there then alone." Cheshire grinned something wild before vanishing into nothing his grin fading last.
"Why does that damn cat never make a grain of sense?" The ashen haired man dragged a hand through his hair and huffed. As if he was planning on leaving Ruby anywhere whilst in Wonderland.
"Maybe Cheshire can only make sense to himself, because he knows himself best and we know ourselves best. Soooo to be able to completely understand, one must become the person they wish to understand." Ruby petted Storm, it wasn't that she was happy they were leaving but she couldn't deny that the thought of progression was exciting.
The past four weeks living at the castle had been eye opening, she had learnt how to make small charms and she had also brushed up on her social skills, even dancing. Although that point was less than exciting but it did seem to be necessary so she put up with it. The journal written by the silver eye had been short and incomplete but Ruby had learnt that her powers were directly linked to her emotions. The more upset or the greater despair she felt the more power she could channel and fight back against the creatures of Grimm.
Oz had spent most of his time honing what magic he could easily use. It was still bumpy here and there but he had made leaps and bounds as Pumpernickel informed him compared to many children of his age. The age bit did still concern him especially after finding the bags that darkened his eyes before seemingly vanished overnight and the stamina that had dulled with age had rekindled. It was like his youth was being maintained, maybe even reversed slightly. Anyway it was something to keep an eye on that's for sure.
As the two returned to their borrowed horses another voice stopped them, Emily huffed and all but waddled out to meet them. "Here! Rosie made these cookies for you, I know you have enough supplies to hold till you reach the Red Queen but she remembers how fondly you enjoyed them Ruby." Dusting down her apron she looked up at the pair, "Now the first place you want to go when you get there is the smithy Gibbet. He's a friend of Pumpernickel so just tell him he sent you and he should be able to make new weapons for ya."
"I still don't understand why we can't gather some materials and make our own, we can both craft weapons." Ruby, hand on heart was honestly worried about being attacked on the way to the castle, with no weapons they would have to rely on Ozpin's battle magic.
"This library is a place of learning and knowledge not an armoury!" Absalom stood by the door, his blue bulky body took almost the whole double frame as he bellowed over. "Now get going before you lose any more sunlight and I'm sure Cheshire has already told you but don't separate once you get there, not everyone is so fair."
Oz walked back over to the Caterpillar and after a split second they shook hands. "Thank you for your hospitality Absalom."
"Be sure to return someday, there may be more to this place for you to find then you realize." In a rare moment Absalom smiled his eyes lighting up with humour. "Maybe you're not just a silly boy after all."
Ozpin just grinned and turned away, together after assisting Ruby onto Maple they rode out of the castle gates towards their future.
At a quick trout they made quick time through the course of the day, riding side by side. Ozpin watched her out of the corner of his eye, he knew how to ride. Ruby had only had enough lessons to learn how to stay in the saddle and stay on if they had to gallop. Thankfully this didn't seem to concern Maple as the chestnut mare plodded along aside her stallion friend occasionally snoring in the other horse's direction. It was like the two creatures we're having their own conversation while their riders remained oddly silent.
Oz was scouring every direction for signs of danger, the Grimm could be anywhere and without weapons or aura they were still vulnerable. He wanted to put more confidence into his battle magic but he was still a novice, accidents could happen and he wasn't too looking for a fight until he could better understand his magic.
The sun sunk behind the trees before Ozpin started feeling the strain of his stitches pull from horseback for several hours and called for a break. Even with the lotion Pumpernickel had given him the day of riding had caused him a great deal of discomfort so when he jumped off Storm he gritted his teeth and groaned loudly. Ruby who had just finished trying off Maple rushed over to him and let Oz leaned against her shoulder for support.
Storm, happy to be rid of him pranced towards his friend nuzzling her neck while Ruby and Oz settled down on the floor of pine needles and leaves. Autumn was in full swing and the forest floor was littered with leaves and debris, the crunching under them was loud in the otherwise somber woods.
Once Oz was settled Ruby returned to her horse and retrieved the blankets they would be using tonight. Spreading them over the ground Ruby looked over to a weary Ozpin who had managed to strip off his shirt and now sat bare in front of her. When she patted the soft blanket he rolled over onto his front presenting the pain ridden back to her. The healing scratches that marred his back although almost healed were coloured red and angry looking. Obviously the day of horseback riding hadn't done him any good but at least the stitches or what was left of them had held.
"Geez Oz, you should have told me about the pain earlier, we could have stopped in the day for a break, instead you kept silent and now you're in pain." Ruby held Oz by the back of his neck when he tried to get up and speak, not that she needed a lot of strength to hold him down. He was in too much discomfort to even argue with her.
The thought of stopping had occurred to him but the quicker they got to the Castle the sooner he could return the both of them to Remnant. During their ride he had thought about what their absences was actually effecting. For Ruby, surely her team would be panicking by this point, not to mention Tai would have been contacted, maybe even Qrow if he was in range.
As for him yeah sure he had duties that would be suffering in his lack of presence. No doubt Glynda would have her hands full trying to keep Ironwood in line and keeping Amber alive, then there were her own classes and duties as a teacher and a Huntress. Oz would owe her big time for this, if they ever got home.
Ruby swiped a generous amount of cream onto her fingers and started gently rolling it over the wounds on Oz's back. He was strangely silent through the whole time, where as normally he would be talking or joking with her today he was oddly quiet instead. "Is everything okay Oz?" Ruby lay herself on the ground next to him making sure their faces would be close so she could see him.
Copper eyes softened as Oz stroked a hand through Ruby's hair. "It's fine Ruby, just a little homesick I guess." He watched his hand pick at strands of the short fluffy hair, tangling his fingers in their warmth, "I suppose reality is catching up with me."
"How so?" Hmmm how could someone playing with her hair make her feel so relaxed, Ruby caught herself closing her eyelids when Oz finger combed a small knot from her hair pulling it so so gently. It was like having a head massage and it was causing her to drift off slightly.
Just thinking about home." Oz said softly continuing to brush Ruby's hair until her silver eyes shuttered closed no longer able to keep herself awake. The choice of stopping here had another purpose, Oz would have carried on covering as much ground as possible but Ruby was a novice at horseback riding and she was going to be really sore if they had stayed on much longer. However if he had told her that she would have insisted on pressing on and it was clear by how easy it was to lull her to sleep that she had been as weary as he.
Oz pulled the second blanket up over the two of them and slowly snuggled into Ruby's front, embracing her. The night might be young but he felt aged today and while the horses settled down sensing a kind of bedtime Oz closed his eyes letting a light sleep overtake him.
A whine broke Oz from his light sleep, Maple and Storm paced together as far as they could, still tethered to the tree as they were. Another whine had him searching their surroundings, Night was in full swing, the darkened forest appeared malicious, branches from nearby trees seemed to reach out towards him intending on pulling him away from Ruby. With no moon his night vision was abysmal, he could hardly make out anything beyond the first line of trees.
He remained still, listening for cues that everything was how it should be but where there should be night noises there was instead a nervous silence. Someone or something had disturbed the insects and birds in the area, scattering them so the site was quiet. Just as Oz was about to nudge Ruby awake a low growl rumbled from behind the bush and Ozpin fought to hold his fear in place. The horses snorted and skittered away from the bush, obviously afraid of what was lurking beyond the rustling that slowly came closer.
"Ruby, wake up." Oz reached out for his shirt and pulled it over his head quickly while rousing a sleepy Ruby from her slumber. Within moments of hearing the growls she was up and trying to place herself in front of the older man as if to protect him. While their eyes grew accustomed to the darkness Oz leveled his hand at the bush ready to release a combat spell at what may be Grimm. Pushing Ruby back behind him he whispered. "Get the gear ready Ruby, we need to leave now, we are still outmatched against the Grimm like this."
Ruby nodded and slowly crept round towards the frightened horses, making eye contact with Maple as she shushed the horse gently, hands up in a non-threatening manner. Incredibly the mare stilled, although her eyes still twitched with fear she stopped moving which prompted Storm into pushing closer joining in the calm Ruby was emitting. Once she was close enough Ruby untied the reins from the tree they had been tethered to. Now much quieter they followed her behind Ozpin so that he would have a clear path of attack.
Ozpin turned and lifted Ruby up onto Maple, then mounted Storm after a moment's consideration he whispered. "Flickum bicus." Five small flames flickered over each of his fingers and he held his hand up lighting the path and encouraging Storm into a trot.
Ruby followed closely holding the reins tight, her heart pounding she could already feel her powers growing behind her eyes, it was a strange itching sensation that burned somewhat. The last time they encountered Grimm still fresh in her mind was more than enough to motivate her emotionally to use her powers. Behind them they heard a deep growl as a Ursa leaped out of the brush, charging towards the huntsmen and their horses.
Storm reared terrified nearly throwing Oz from the saddle. Thankfully Oz kept his concentration just barely and threw his hand out with a shout of "Forzare!" A invisible wall of force pushed the Grimm several meters back and cracked its armour. Storm, frightened by the magic and Grimm reared again, this time Oz lost his grip and tumbled onto the forest floor rolling just in time to miss the Ursa who leapt towards him.
Ruby's eyes widened and she gripped the reins with white knuckles instinctively calling on her silver eyes. Maple was strangely calm under Ruby as she unleashed the silver eyed power, time slowing as the Grimm froze. This time Ozpin could feel time slowing to a crawl and he moved instinctively within the sphere Ruby had created, slipping just out of Wonderland forming a green blurr. He reappeared before the Grimm and summoned up his will, panic and snarled. "FUEGO!" A column of fire engulfed the Grimm reducing it to ash, with a flick of his wrist he snuffed the fire.
He looked over to Ruby and was happy to see she hadn't fainted again. He walked back over to the stallion and patted Storms neck till the horse calmed, when he felt the huge beast release a long breath he pulled himself back into the saddle and looked over to his Rose. "Are you alright?"
Ruby pressed a hand to her forehead, her head was throbbing. "Headache." She winced as Ozpin approached his little candle flame spell felt very bright all of a sudden, it burnt her sensitive eyes.
"Come on, ride with me." He brought Storm up beside Maple and offered his arm.
Ruby shifted in her saddle and leaned into his arm letting him pick her up and put her before him in his saddle. Ozpin grabbed Maples reins and tied them around the side of the saddle horn. With a click of his tongue they were on the road again, he let the horses pick the pace and held Ruby to him as she quickly nodded off to sleep.
Oz pushed on through to daylight hours, his back was aching and he switched horses half way through while letting them rest and drink from a small stream. How Ruby managed to not awaken when he did both amazed him and made him smile. He guessed using her magic really took it out of her, he pressed a kiss to the crown of her head as he held her against him doing up the last hill to the Red Queen's city.
The castle was made of white stone sitting upon a large hill, there were rows of housing going down from it in rings with a large main road cut through the middle. Beyond that it sprawled out into a messy city that looked rather disorganized at a distance. Lastly around it was another wall, it looked new and cobbled together, no doubt to keep the Grimm out.
As they approached two guards, one in rough armour, the other a card guard somewhat like the one who approached them back in the library. They shouted down at them from the gate. "Who goes there?!"
"Ozpin and Ruby, we hail from the Grand Library and are here to see the Queen. We are the Huntsman and Huntress from Remnant here to be armed to deal with the Grimm problem." Ozpin spoke clearly and loudly but did not need to shout. Ruby stirred to wakefulness and smiled up at him, she leaned up and kissed his jaw.
Oz smiled at her as the gate opened up four guards rushing out to met them. "We will take you straight to the Queen!"
Ozpin shook his head, "No, we rode through the night. We need to visit the blacksmith and rest afterward, I was told to seek out the smith Gibbet." He adjusted the arm holding Ruby to him, she was still exhausted he could feel it.
Ruby let herself lean back onto Ozpin's chest, the warmth trying to lull her back to sleep but she straightened when she noticed the guards attentions on her and Oz.
The guards looked between themselves and shifted back and forth uncomfortably.
"Surely after a hard ride, we are in no fit state to see the Queen. Let us have this day to rest and inquire after arms and armour, then we will go to her." Ozpin tried to play the 'we are tired and stinky card', he was very fortunate that it worked.
"Okay... this way." The first guard led them up the streets toward the castle. The higher they went the finer the streets and people got. Ruby noticed that by the time they were in the shadow of the castle walls. All the ladies wore large colour gowns with many just visible petticoats, shawls and ornate fans. They made a fuss and pointed at Ozpin, giggling behind fans, Ruby glared at a few and made a show of leaning back to kiss Ozpin's neck for a long moment.
Oz looked down at her and lifted a brow. "Tell you later." Ruby grumbled still glaring at a few of the ladies who hadn't yet got the message.
Oz followed her gaze and chuckled softly, he bent ignoring his back and nipped at Ruby's ear whispering. "Now now, just ignore them. They can giggle all they want but they can't hold a candle to you."
Ruby smiled and snuggled back into his chest as he straightened back up. The guards took them first to the smithy. It was a large open area, with a huge forge with several men working over it and a Brownie commanding them. Said Brownie looked over at their approach and pushed his hands into the large pockets of his leather apron.
As Ruby and Oz dismounted the Brownie came over, he was a broad man with brown hair, large black eyes and dark dark ears. Wearing a heavy blacksmiths apron and heavy leather breeches. He looked between then with a critical eye.
Ozpin spoke up again. "Pumpernickel sent us, we are the huntsman and huntress from Remnant and have come to deal with the Grimm problem."
"You're William's lad I can see it in you." Gibbet grumbled rubbing a hand over his stubbled chin. "You favour claymores as well?"
The silver haired man shook his head. "No, a light one handed blade, I prefer speed over brute force."
Gibbet nodded solemnly still looking Oz up and down as if he was suiting Oz up in his mind. "And you little lady?" He turned his eyes onto Ruby, even at the first glance he could tell she was a warrior of some sort as well. Not a common choice of profession for a woman but also not illegal.
"At home I used a scythe, but I don't think you'd have something that would work the same way. My uncle taught me a little on how to fight with a claymore so I will go with one of those." Qrow had let her use his scythe on occasion, not much but it was better than anything else.
"I'll help you brush up." Oz said with a smile, Ruby's returned smile made his heart warm.
Gibbet pulled out a length of rope. "Arms up, I'll take both your measurements and then you can both go get some rest. You look like you need it, it will be a few days before your armour and weapons are ready, I'll send someone for you."
"Swords first if possible." Ozpin said as Gibbet measured him.
"I can do that." Gibbet moved onto Ruby, taking a few extra measurements around her bust and hips to accommodate the weight and flexibility of the weapon. "The inn across the street will house you, the Queen has been expecting you for some time and every inn has been given the order to house you when you come by."
"Thank you." Oz took Ruby's hand in his holding it tightly.
"Although I must say, there are not many who would keep the Queen waiting at least not many still living." Gibbet stuffed his fists into his pockets, the warning clear in his eyes.
Oz didn't let the emotions on his face change under the scrutiny of the Brownie. "Unfortunately there we're circumstances we couldn't control and we were delayed."
Gibbet smiled and walked away from the couple waving behind him. "I just hope for your sakes that the Queen is lenient with the two of you, otherwise these weapons I be making will go to waste."
"You and me both." Oz said taking a sleepy Ruby out of the smithies, heading towards the Inn.
The Inn Gibbet pointed them towards stood apart from the rest of the buildings in white painted woods and dark beams. The adjacent stable hands gladly housed an exhausted Maple and Storm placing them in stalls next to one another. Ruby noticed there were few other horses in the stables but a large sturdy work wagon and a more decorative carriage ate up much of the space. Before they left Ruby stroked both horses down with a nearby brush just enjoying the simple chore whilst inside she was dreading what was to come.
Progress was good of course but she would have to keep on her toes while here, the multiple warnings from Cheshire and Absalom had her on edge a bit. Thankfully they weren't in the Nevernever. The thought of being trapped there sent a shiver through her, at least in Wonderland the rules were a little more slack.
The maiden leaned her head on Maples pelt saddened, now she missed home, after her talk with Ozpin the other night she found that she was a little homesick as well. She missed her boisterous sister, even her bone crushing hugs would be welcome right about now. She missed Weiss, her partner even when she was nagging Ruby knew she could count on her. Then there was Blake who was a constant mind of logic and common sense Ruby missed the lack of calm was always present in her. disturbing.
The four girls had grown closer, her and Yang closer than ever and right now in this strange but wonderful place she missed them like a hole in her heart. Maple sensing her mood nudged the young woman, snorting softly. Ruby found herself grinning and stroking the long nose before drawing back. "Thanks Maple. See you soon." The horse whinnied at her and turned her head towards Storm nuzzling the other horse while Ruby left to find Oz.
Oz stood by the entrance and when a slumping Ruby walked straight into his arms he sighed and enveloped her within his arms. He could feel her energy waning after using her powers and he just wanted to get her to bed as soon as possible. He originally wanted them to wash up but looking at Ruby he didn't think she would be awake long enough to strip off her clothes and he was feeling sleepy as well.
Letting Ruby's head rest against his shoulder he walked them into the Inn and waited at the desk for key holder to speak. "Name."
"Ozpin, and this is Ruby." The woman behind the desk wrote down their names before her eye's widened and she started bobbing her head up and down like a fish.
While Oz and Ruby puzzled over her behaviour, the Innkeeper thrust a pair of keys into their hands and stuttered out a quick, "Please enjoy your stay. Your rooms are besides one another, numbers seven and eight, second floor."
Ozpin nodded and thanked the Innkeeper, his own sweat beaded body gave him pause. "Where can we go for a bath?"
"Well if you speak to myself or one of the maids, we can have a tub brought to your rooms and hot water, or there a bath house down the road. Unfortunately it is only open in the afternoon and evening." Much calmer, the Innkeeper passed him two clothes and bars of soap from under the desk. "Dinner is from seven to ten. Will there be anything else?"
"No thank you." Oz herded a nearly sleeping Ruby up the stairs, her steps were heavy and once out of eyesight Oz simply lifted her up in his arms. Even carrying their supplies Ruby's weight it felt like little more than a cardboard box to him. Fiddling with the keys to their rooms took a little more time but was the door was open he gently lowered Ruby onto the bed.
Ruby immediately turned over and tried to reach out for something or someone, when her hand met empty space she left the arm stretched out towards the other side of the bed. Ozpin was tempted to crawl into the bed beside her but gave pause. They didn't know if they were being watched and who they could trust, he didn't want people to think any less of her for sharing her bed with him and he knew his reputation would be fine either way.
Instead he pulled the sheets higher over her body and stroked a hand through those dark bangs covering Ruby's face. Her eyes remained shut and he could hear the soft breathing, "Thank you Ruby, I would have been in danger if not for you."
Shutting the door behind him he quietly took note of the hallway, until they could return to Remnant he would have to be on his guard. His own room, nearly identical to Ruby's, small dark with a single window but nice and clean, while Oz stripped off his shirt and pants he listened for any signs of disturbance from the room next door. Only when he was sure he was alone did he climb into the large clean bed and turned over onto his side to watch the sun climb through the sky. Despite being so tired and the long ride over Oz slept very little that morning. After only an hour he let out a growl and threw the blankets back and got dressed. After grabbing his washcloths and soap, he headed out into the hall.
He paused outside of his room and turned his attention back to Ruby's room, it was about noon now. She'd be out for a while longer, he touched her door. "Lock Jam." The door glowed purple as the ward took hold, that would keep most people out. He headed back down the stairs and did his best to ignore the whispers and stares. The sun was high and hot as he scanned up and down the street, spotting the bathhouse with ease.
He discovered it had one large tub that was more for play with the family and smaller rooms with baths for higher end clientele. He tried not to be put off when people either scampered out of his way, grovelled or flirted with him. Oz was well aware he looked like William, but he was just now starting to see just how far that reached. Eventually he found an empty room, he didn't want anyone to flee when he looked at them. The bath was raised smooth stone and large enough for four people comfortably, it was full and warm with some strange type of plumbing that constantly drained and renewed the water.
Ozpin had barely had time to strip and submerge himself before he heard giggling from the hallway. He glanced over his shoulder and took note of a few young ladies eyeing him up and down. With a sigh he ignored them and started to rapidly wash, no matter how much he would a nice long soak. Cheshire's words still rung in his head he didn't like leaving Ruby alone. He paused soaping his hair, it had gotten longer he'd have to get it cut soon or it would be obvious when they got to Remnant that they had been gone much longer than it appeared to most. While he took note of that, what made him pause was that he already missed her. Remembered how she reached for him as soon as he put her down, maybe that was why he hadn't been able to sleep. He was used to having her around, he rinsed his hair thinking that being home was going to be a special type of hell if he had indeed already become reliant on her presence for sleep.
After that he washed quickly not caring if he gave the ladies a show, he didn't spare them a glance when he left. Setting a quick pace back to Ruby, he was relieved when her door was exactly how he left it. A quick touch dispelled the ward, a quick glance around later determining that no one was around he slipped into her room. It was darker than his, the curtains thicker and Ruby was shivering and stirring restlessly. Oz stripped then helped her out of her clothes as now he wasn't worried about anyone taking note of how long he was in her room. At his touch she woke just enough to help him get her clothing off. Then he warded the door again snuggled down, Ruby tucked tight to her chest, his head had barely hit the pillow before oblivion took him.
Thank you to: Guest and noise95, I am glad you are enjoying the story.