Author's Notes
Please don't skip reading this. Please.
Hello everyone, it's been a while. First things first: an apology for the incredibly rude and ungrateful attitude I displayed in the last chapter's AN. While I was enduring many hardships at that time, and still am, it in no way excused the way I treated my readers. Many of you expressed your honest opinions about my attitude through reviews and private messages, which thankfully made me realize how much of a brat I was acting. Thank you for doing that.
While I state in the AN of every chapter that I deeply appreciate reviews, it is something that I cannot demand nor guilt-trip readers into doing. If you have the time to leave a review, please do so. Encouragement and feedback are two huge driving forces of motivation for me when it comes to writing, other than my own desire to write because I enjoy doing so. If you don't leave a review, that's your decision and yours alone. I just hope you're enjoying the story!
September 15th was The White Rose of Vermilion's fourth-year-anniversary. Another day that I dedicate to remembering Monty and Nancy. Rest in Peace.
Please leave a review. Your feedback is both greatly appreciated and crucial; anything and everything can help!
Another friendly reminder that if you wish to support me in creating more content, I have a (P)atreon with the same username as this FF account: Kuribayashi
Merry Christmas everyone! And for those who don't celebrate, Happy Holidays. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Now without further ado, please sit back, relax, and enjoy your reading of The White Rose of Vermilion Arc II, Chapter Twenty-Four.
The Southern Fortress
The time before the completion of her basic training, a mere two weeks, passed in what seemed like an instant. News of Ruby's 'promotion' spread quickly throughout the company, and many of the others were quick to adjust their attitudes towards her once again. As if purposefully slacking off during shared shifts, or hitting her with what seemed like the intent to kill during training exercises remotely impacted the fact that she had been hand-selected to accompany the newly coronated Heiress of Weischandel on a military-political expedition.
Nothing would change that, not even her own word, as she had already promptly given Captain Arturias her answer the following morning of the offer. Although, a part of her was glad—proud even—that she had been chosen for the task, just so she could spite those who were clearly jealous of her selection or looked down on her simply because she was a girl.
That pride only swelled when on the morning of the 9th Seeker Company's graduation, Ruby looked on with gritted teeth as those she knew who were well beneath her in skill, leadership capability, and basic character were promoted. While she didn't care at all for the increase of prestige and authority, she would have been lying if she said she didn't desire the increase in pay that came with the promotion. Keeping a steady head and Yang's many lessons about staying humble close in mind, she, a new seeker, would have to make do with her preexisting salary: a modest twenty Lien a day.
At least her evenings during those two weeks were kinder to her. While a part of Ruby's desire to complete her basic training before venturing beyond Vermilion's walls came from the need to be as prepared as she could, a larger part of her was the selfish desire to spend just a few days more with those closest to her. Evening gatherings among her circle of close friends, which normally occurred at a different person's home each time one or two times a month, became an everyday occurrence. Her home being the largest and most comfortable, Nora happily volunteered her place for the entirety of the two weeks.
In her words: "anything for our little seeker."
Unfortunately, it was impossible to reach the same level of bliss as they had so easily done in the past. In the absence of Yang's superior storytelling abilities and her rambunctious, yet hilarious, drinking competitions with Cardin, a noticeable silence made itself known. Even when her military colors and weaponry were left at the door, hidden away in a closet, or even left altogether back at Ember Celica, Ruby noticed the way the others acted around her. Deep down, she knew herself to be the same person. But on the outside, she accepted the fact that she had taken the form of something else. It was strange and shocking that Pyrrha was the Commander of the Vermilion Garrison, but regarding her origin and status as a female warrior, it was normal because of the simple fact that women in her native Kingdom of Mistral were common.
But to see a Valean in the same role was unheard of.
Even so, those two weeks were as happy as the situation allowed. Continuing to make strides in mending their strained relationship, Nora and Ren came together to create the most succulent meals Ruby had in months. Night after night, Nora brewed pots of loaded stews that soothed away winter chills and aches, while Ren roasted skewers and dumplings that left their stomachs filled. As they ate, rich smells of expensive firewood filled the house, courtesy of Blake.
Sometimes, Pyrrha would visit to say hello and to drop off a wrapped appetizer or desert. Her visits never long nor consistent, she'd mention occasionally how she continued to try and persuade Jaune to visit as well. He never did.
On the very last day before her deployment, Cardin revealed that he had smuggled a few handfuls of combustible elements out of the mines, and in the safety of the fireplace, put on small displays of 'fireworks.' Her initial anger towards Cardin for threatening his employment melted away as soon as she watched sparks dance up and down from the ignited elements. According to a few stories he overheard from his fellow miners, it was but a tiny sample of what high nobles apparently enjoyed in the capital. When the sparks died, a fun discussion of what actual 'fireworks' looked like, and what kind of sounds they made, were led by Cardin and Nora. With a few cups of ale in her by then, the baker went on to act out the explosions with an overabundance of arm movements and sounds, leaving a sober Cardin howling with laughter, totally unaware in the past of how silly the intoxicated Valkyrie was, due to his own drunkenness.
Later, Blake read aloud to the group a selection from a book of fairy-tales as they huddled around the dying fire. A melancholic story about a man whose two souls fought the other to assert control over his body, it was wonderfully narrated by Blake, whose solemn voice and sustained pace led Ruby to believe that she had read it many times before.
With the warmth of the fire diminishing and the cold inching closer, she sensed her friends' growing grief, despite how hard they tried to mask it from her: Nora's trembling hands as she brushed Ruby's hair, Ren's uneven breathing, Cardin's constant wiping of his eyes when he thought no one was looking, Blake quickly averting her eyes away whenever she looked up from the book for emphasis.
With so much damage done to their family, could they risk losing one more? It was a question that Ruby knew was in everyone's minds. But having endured all the trials she had been put through for the last several months, she couldn't give up now. Not ever.
Upon opening her eyes, Ruby slowly sat up and looked at the nearest window. It was still dark. Good, that meant that she hadn't overslept. Purposefully sleeping in her armor to ensure she'd awaken much earlier than normal from the uncomfortable pressure it placed on her body, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead."
Startled, she quickly turned her head and saw everyone slouched across the couch opposite her. In the middle of the exhausted group sat Nora, who looked the most miserable. "You didn't think you could just slip away without us noticing, did you?" she said groggily.
Moving her feet to the floor, Ruby frowned. "How did you know?"
His eyes barely open, Ren raised an eyebrow. "Who by choice sleeps in their armor?" Cardin, resting his head in the palm of his hand, let out a snicker that became a yawn.
"None of you slept?" Ruby asked as she became more aware, "At all?"
Blake, who sat next to him, shook her head. "We didn't want to risk it."
A moment of silence filled the room as Ruby looked down at her feet. Conflicting feelings of disappointment and gratitude clashed in her heart until two obnoxious groans of pleasure rang out, followed by two groans of disgust.
Looking up, Ruby saw Cardin and Nora up on their feet, their backs pressed together. Taking turns, they lifted the other off the ground as they stretched loudly—too loudly.
"My eyes," said Ren in a monotone voice, "I've been blinded."
"My ears. I really didn't need to hear that," Blake added.
Caught completely off guard, Ruby couldn't help but burst into laughter so uncontrollable, she could feel her chest hurt with each sharp breath she took. To this, Cardin and Nora grinned at each other. "Niiice," they purred in unison.
Doing the same, but with frowns, Ren gestured towards Blake. "Say, why don't we just divide breakfast among the two of us, and Ruby?"
"That sounds fair and just. "
"Come on Ruby," said Ren as he gestured with his hand, "you can apologize to us over breakfast." They then promptly stood up and walked towards the kitchen.
"Wait, you're not serious, are you?" Cardin called out as he ran after them.
Her laughter spiking one last time before finally dissipating, Ruby stood up and smiled as Nora extended a hand to her.
"Come on little seeker," she sang, "Ren made pancakes!"
When breakfast concluded, the wheel of fate resumed.
Upon arriving at the Northern Gate, Ruby saw that a few dozen soldiers were already there. Divided into individual circles, they conversed quietly with those who came to see them off. Through the soft gusts of wind, sounds of muffled crying and small talk were punctuated by the occasional exhale of a horse.
As expected, the sight of her red hooded cape did not go unnoticed. Paying it no attention, she calmly picked a spot that was further away from the rest of her comrades. While she had grown somewhat used to it, her friends did not. It bothered Cardin the most, who stared straight back with unblinking eyes.
Ruby nervously tugged at his coat. "Cardin please."
Giving a final stern look at one group before turning around, Cardin scoffed. "Bastards should keep their eyes to themselves. Even I know staring is rude."
Blake swatted him. "Lower your voice. They'll hear you."
"Yeah, you big dummy," whispered Nora. Exchanging solemn looks with others, Ruby blinked surprise as everyone reached into their coats and pulled out small wrapped gifts.
Ruby's free hand darted to her pouch before realizing she had nothing. "I-"
"-Ruby, as it's no surprise to you, we had to celebrate the Autumn Festival without you." Her eyes cast downwards, Nora's staggered breaths in the frigid air betrayed her attempted calm. Her hands began to tremble—violently. "After seeing you and Yang taken away like that, we could have sworn that was the last time any of us would ever see you two." Inhaling deeply, she let out a pained cry. "It was so hard! And then a miracle finally happened, and you came back to us. And now…now you're leaving." Nora shook her head, eyes welling up with tears. "But we're not upset with you. We could never be. You must do what you feel is right, and if it means that there's a chance you can bring Yang back to you, to us?" Mustering a firm smile, she said, "Then I pray to God that he be with you every step of the way," before breaking into a loud sob.
Feeling her war-scythe gently tugged away from her grasp, Ruby looked at Cardin to see him gesture towards Nora with his head. So, she did the only reasonable thing to do and pulled her good friend into the tightest embrace possible. When they parted, the baker laughed nervously as she wiped her tears away, and lifted her gift up for Ruby to see.
"Since it's unlikely you'll be back before the new year, we made our gifts for you in advance. I made you some of my dried potato stew. Just add hot water!" Bouncing the small wrapped jar in her hands, she frowned. "I wish I could give you something more meaningful than just food, but Ren told me that anything else might weigh you down too much."
Grinning, Ruby took the jar and held it to her chest. "When I'm ready to surrender to the enemy because I can't take any more of the slop I'm served, I'll be sure to eat this."
Nora covered her mouth with both hands, before cautiously looking around to see if anyone overheard. "Ruby!"
"It's true! If they hired you as a cook, morale would shoot right up."
The two girls giggled, and hugged once more before Ruby tucked the jar into her satchel. "Thank you, Nora."
"I suppose it's my turn," said Ren as he stepped forward and took Nora's place. With both hands, he extended a small pouch and held it up to her nose.
Ruby's eyes lit up from the smoky aroma. "Jerky!?"
"Two pieces of your favorite flavors. Cut and smoked them myself." Before Ruby could grab hold of the bag, he pulled it out of her grasp. "Pace yourself, or you'll run out."
"I'll do my best?"
"Ruby…"
"Okay, okay! I promise."
Ren smiled brightly and dropped the bag into her hands. "It's for your own good."
Seeing him smile the way he did tugged at Ruby's heart. Like everyone else, he had come a long way from his grief. She hugged him tightly.
When they parted, she caught sight of Cardin flipping his gift up into the air so that when it landed back into his hand, its handle pointed towards her. "The garrison might have given you fangs, but one more wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Ruby raised her eyebrows and snorted. "Who says I didn't have any before the garrison?"
"My God," said Cardin as his eyes went unfocused and he leaned his forehead against the handle of her war-scythe, "how could I have been so blind?" To this, everyone laughed.
Still giggling, she took the gift from him and pulled the handle outwards, revealing a gleaming dagger. Smaller than most, it was expertly crafted nonetheless. "Cardin, how much did this cost?" she asked after her laughter subsided.
The miner physically waved the question off. "That's not important. What's important is you being able to defend yourself at all times." His fingers tightened around the war-scythe to the point where his knuckled cracked. "If you're in danger, I want you to stick that into the heart of anything or anyone too stupid to realize they've fucked with the wrong girl."
Taking one last look at the weapon before sheathing it, she slowly held it against her own heart. "I hope I won't ever have to use it."
"As do I," choked Cardin, visibly fighting back tears.
Hastily tucking the dagger away, she threw her arms around him and squeezed tightly. To her surprise and joy, he picked her up with his free arm and twirled her around—something Yang had always done with her. So strong!
"Cardin has the right idea. If you were a faunus, I could see you as a dog."
Tugging downwards on Cardin's coat to signal him to let her down, Ruby turned to face Blake, whose calm posture and friendly eyes didn't match the words she spoke at all. "Because I'm a military type now, right?" she quickly responded, a sharp pinch of anger in her voice. Closing her eyes for a moment, Ruby bit down on her lip. Before the others even had the chance to react, she knew that Blake didn't mean it that way.
It was also wasn't the time or place.
Blake's smile faded slightly before regaining its composure. "No. Because you're loyal. For Yang, you'd do anything. When she needed you the most, you didn't run away…you stood your ground at her side." Peeling aside her gift's paper wrapping enough to show that it was a miniature leather book, the bookbinder handed it over. "Which is way I've made you this. It's a small collection of poems that I've written for you. May they strengthen you and light your path in times of darkness."
Ruby nodded and accepted the gift. "Thank you. Blake." Breathing in through her nose as quietly as possible, she forced herself to embrace the bookbinder. Her own grasp light and impatient, it only made her even more aware of Blake's own light hug, except for the light squeeze at the very last second.
As they pulled apart, she took a step back smiled. "Perhaps you'd even be a wolf."
Feeling it in her heart that now was the appropriate to bring things to a close and join the ranks of her comrades, Ruby faced Cardin and reached out to him. Still holding her war-scythe, he looked up at the blade before returning looking back at her.
"A fine weapon. It'll serve you well," he said as he passed it back to her.
As she grabbed hold of it, she noticed that Cardin—the others as well—were looking behind her. Upon slowly turning around, she let out a gasp.
Several paces away from her stood Commander Nikos.
And Jaune Arc.
A wave of sickness rushed to the seeker's gut. It had been months since she last saw him at Yang's attempted execution. Except that she didn't just see him there. She nearly killed him. Relieved as she was to learn of his recovery from Cassius, it was regret that followed when she realized that he was purposefully avoiding her. Not when it was revealed that she was alive, not when she had been conscripted as a seeker, not even when she had been chosen to escort their Heiress on an incredibly dangerous mission. Deep down, she knew Pyrrha told all these things to Jaune. But it didn't matter, as she had betrayed one of her closest friends.
Why are you here?
What used to be a friendly aura was now one of distrust. Noticing his trembling chest and visibly uneven breath, she could tell he was still very frightened at the very sight of her.
"Ruby," he said low, dry voice.
"Jaune."
Giving a short nod at those behind her, Ruby watched as he then straightened his posture. "I've been told that you're leaving Vermilion today."
"I am."
The guardsman shook his head while letting out a sigh. "I didn't want to come today. I just wanted to do my patrols. It's important to me that you understand this."
Ruby bit down on her lip while nodding. "I understand."
"A small scar like yours heals quickly I imagine." He looked down at his stomach and grimaced as he slowly traced a finger over where she had slashed him. "But not something like this. The wound's closed, but the pain lingers." Letting out a louder exhale, he let his right-hand fall to his side as his left gripped the handle of his sword tightly. "I know why you did what you did. It's just unfortunate that I had to be one of the souls in your path."
"Jaune, I'm so sorry what I did to you." When he didn't respond, Ruby found herself to be the one trembling. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" she pleaded.
Jaune nodded to himself, as if he were expecting for her to ask that. "Right now, no. But in the time it takes for you to come back, hopefully I'll have come to peace with it."
"If I come back."
"When you come back," Jaune fired back. "We're part of something larger now, you and I." He tugged lightly at his sword while casting a look at her war-scythe. "We can't go back to the way things used to be—as a sentry…as a huntress." He looked her in the eyes. "But maybe we can go back to how things really were."
"I'll take those words with me. I swear."
Up until now, Pyrrha's wistful expression remained unchanged, but her eyes lightened in surprise when Jaune suddenly walked forwards. Eyes darting back and forth between the two of them, Ruby eventually found herself looking up at Jaune. With him so close, she could see just how terrified he was of her, and the burning desire to run away.
Why are you here?
When he suddenly lifted his hand, Ruby instinctively closed her eyes and braced herself. Instead, she felt a metal glove gently ruffle her hair. Feeling a stinging sensation in her eyes, she looked up and gasped to see a smile before her. She couldn't believe her eyes.
"For old time's sake." Giving her one final pat, she watched as he walked past her greeted the others.
"I'm as surprised as you are." Turning around, Ruby flinched to see Pyrrha right in front of her, eyes trained on Jaune.
Following Pyrrha's gaze to Jaune, who was getting 'bullied' by Cardin. "That he came up to me like that?" she asked.
"Yes. But what I'm really talking about is the fact that he came at all. It's no lie when I say that I tried to convince him every day for the last two weeks to visit you at least once before your departure. I must confess that I began to think that the idea that you two would ever talk again was impossible. But seeing as how our Heiress chose someone you to be part of her personal guard, I suppose anything's possible."
"I'm so sorry."
Out of the corner of her eye, Ruby saw Pyrrha lower her head and sigh. "I know you are. And I forgive you." She then faced Ruby and waited for her to do the same. "But betray Weischandel again and you'll be remembered by the north very clearly. Do I make myself understood?"
Ruby gulped. "Yes, Commander Nikos."
"Good," Pyrrha said as she motioned behind them, "Because here she comes."
A hundred yards or so down the nearest main road marched the rest of the escort. With sentinels in the front and various cavalry riders in the back, they surrounded the warden and heiress who rode on horseback. Ruby could hear the soldiers around her begin to end their conversations while others made their way into formation.
Wearing a flowing white cape with a red interior that matched her father's, Weiss also wore a sharp white military uniform. It was absent of any medals or sashes however, with only a small black-outlined Schnee family insignia patch sewn over her left breast and a pair of red ornamental shoulder pieces. Even though she rode elegantly, stoically even, there wasn't a trace of the overconfidence and sadistic delight in the eyes of the girl who arrested her and publicly humiliated her.
As Weiss approached them, Ruby noticed her looking in her direction. She instinctively lowered her head and took a step back, assuming that it was Pyrrha that she was looking for. When she sensed no movement from the commander, she looked back up only to find that it was clear that heiress' eyes were on her—only her.
As their eyes locked, everything else seemed to fade away until it was just the two of them in the snow. With her so close, Ruby could see that Weiss had her bangs pulled back, leaving her forehead completely bare. It was strange, as she had never seen her wear her hair like that. Regardless, she still looked nothing short of proper and intimidating.
With no hat or hood, snowflakes simply disappeared as they fell onto her hair, which was tied in place with her standard tiara. Now no further than a few paces from her, her blue flashed at her as she nodded. And before she knew it, their moment came to an end. Dazed at what had just happened, Ruby found herself staring at Weiss' ponytail as it swayed to the left and right from the uneven movements of her horse.
"Off you go," said Pyrrha as she patted Ruby on the back, "The sentinels are assigning formation positions."
"Yes, Commander!"
Lifting her war-scythe, Ruby jogged into formation. Joining three of her fellow seekers, all the same rank as hers, they were quickly assigned to different flanks of the formation with Ruby at the rear and the other three to the left, right, and front. The smallest group of a specific unit next to the rangers, their mounted counterparts, she scanned the different components of the escort that Weiss had assembled while she waited for further instruction.
Surrounding the supply wagons and the immediate area to its front where Weiss would ride seemed to be a shield wall of heavy cavalry and infantry: lancers and sentinels. Positioned further out were flexible flanks of standard troops: dragoons, guardsmen, and rangers. And acting first line of defense, and skirmishers if need be, were the sentries and seekers. Unable to do a direct headcount, it seemed like a small force of about sixty.
Formation organization was completed shortly after, and the sentinels themselves returned to position. Eyes forward, the entire escort waited patiently for the heiress and the warden, who had dismounted their horses, to finish their private conversation. While the distance was too great to make out what they were discussing, the warden seemed to be doing most of the talking, with Weiss nodding in agreement every few seconds. Just like her farewells to her own friends, it had to come to an end, which was the father pulling his daughter into an embrace while patting her reassuringly on the back. Walking her back to her horse, he helped her mount and motioned for the formation to give her their full attention.
"Weischandelians!" she called out, "Today we embark on a mission to ensure that our borders are secure, and fit to repel any of those who may seek to harm us. I cannot say how long it will take, or what perils might await us. But you have my solemn swear that on this day, and the days to come until this mission is accomplished, that you will be remembered! The North Remembers!"
"The North Remembers!" the formation replied in unison.
Words Ruby took truly to heart for the first time as she waved goodbye to her friends.
While there was no set date for which Weiss was to arrive at her destination, she made it known that time was of the essence. Having mapped out their route carefully before their departure with the escort's quartermasters and specialists, they concluded that they would have to march a total of ten miles a day, for twelve days. Ruby initially paid it no mind, confident that her previous experience as a huntress who trekked a total of eight miles a day daily to and from Forever Fall, as well as her basic training, over-prepared her.
She certainly felt that way, until the first night when camp had been set up, and she discovered all the blisters developing on her feet. What she hadn't considered was marching with weapons and armor, in the snow, at a pace much faster than she was used to. Furthermore, the winter season drastically shortened hours of daylight, which meant that ground had to be covered at an even faster pace so that an hour or two of remaining daylight could be used for setting up camp.
Even then, that wasn't the least of her troubles. To ensure that their current food supply would last as long as possible if a hypothetical blizzard happened upon them, the seekers were assigned hunting duty at night. During the first few times she came back empty-handed, Ruby felt her blood boil when she was the center of ridicule. On occasion, Weiss was present to overhear and even walk in on such happenings, but she never said a word. But Ruby understood why, as much as she hated to admit it. Her very presence in the escort put a strain on the other soldiers' relationship with their heiress, seeing as she essentially uplifted a criminal to their level.
Whether it was because of that or because they knew that she was a huntress in the past, or both, Ruby retaliated in the only way she could. By simply outhunting her fellow seekers, no matter how long it took, and making sure that her kills were absolutely flawless. A silent form of revenge, it brought her peace of mind to notice the insults melt away.
But unfortunately, not enough when it came to sleep. Given a small one-person tent, she often stayed up much later than she wanted to, utterly unnerved of the idea of sleeping among a group of men who were older than her. For desired protection, she once tried to set her tent up next to Weiss', but was immediately repelled by none other than Cassius and Brutus who even went on to pressure her into making it a habit of setting up at the outer fringes of camp, where it was the coldest and most dangerous.
Only a handful of days into her current mission, Ruby already longed for the day when she didn't have to sleep with Cardin's dagger underneath her pillow and keep her pouch tucked tightly in between her arms.
On the twelfth day, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly. After enduring heavy snowfall and freezing rain for the past two days and nights, the change of weather improved morale considerably. Light conversations between small groups soon involved the entire unit, with Weiss at its center. Even for her, who had displayed a rather high tolerance to the cold, was visibly in a better mood, shown by her laughter and willingness to set a slightly slower pace. Looking forward to the cot or at least pile of hay that awaited her sometime later in the day, Ruby walked a bit to the left in order to see and hear a particular story that was drawing out howls of laughter.
Walking backwards, while speaking to Weiss, was a sentinel who was pointing an accusatory finger to a nearby lancer. "And so that's how I came to distrust the cavalry types," he joked, "they think they're all high and mighty!"
"Did a sentinel just accuse us of being proud?" the lancer asked to his fellow riders, "Or perhaps I heard wrong and the height between us is to blame."
The quip drew guffaws from the cavalry and loud cries of disbelief from the infantry. "My point exactly!" the sentinel declared.
As they bickered, Ruby looked on as Weiss laughed along at the rapidly expanding play fight. If she hadn't known that the heiress had only assumed command of this small unit less than two weeks ago, she would have guessed that they've loyally served her for years. What little but undeniable tension there was to begin with seemed to disappear overnight.
But why?
Ruby couldn't figure it out. She listened closely in on as many conversations that Weiss had with the others whenever she could. Perhaps it was the bitter grudge she still held against her, but she couldn't understand why the other soldiers liked her so much. Obeying was one thing, but treating her with such kindness and affection was another.
She pondered this question over and over until an alarmed voice from the front rang out.
"There it is!"
As the line completely passed over the last hill it was on, an enormous military stronghold came fully into view. Seated in the middle of a valley between two domineering mountains, Ruby's jaw dropped at the sight of three defensive walls. It was hard to tell since it was so far away, but she was willing to bet that they were the same height as Vermilion's—maybe taller. Looking further, she could make out dozens of elevated platforms along the first wall with large wooden contraptions on them that couldn't be anything but catapults and ballistae.
After letting the guards at the first and second walls know that Weiss Schnee, Heiress of Weischandel had arrived from Vermilion, they were led through the front gate and into a setting similar to the garrison back at home. But this was different. As Vermilion was both a city for its garrison and its civilian population, the location they were in was built entirely for its military population. As Weiss dismounted her horse, she was approached by an officer who greeted her with a bow.
"Heiress Schnee, I'm Lieutenant Wilhelm Peters. I'm happy to see that you've arrived safely. How were your travels?"
"Seeing it as how it was the first time I've left my father's manor in over a decade, quite indescribable. Before we address what my father sent me here to discuss, I'm looking forward to giving my soldiers a hot meal and a good night's rest.
"Certainly. I've planned an evening of celebration for this specific occasion. Welcome to Eisenstark, The Southern Fortress!"