She'd only caught his name before being dragged off by Kali for what she always called a 'quick chat'. It was never quick, oh how she hoped it was. Usually she does this when she has something to propose or when she wants to gossip. Kali always had something to share.
Sometimes it was new ideas, such as the time she decided to 'spice up' one of the main walls of the White Fang building. They could only watch, none having the heart to dampen her mood, as she went to work with the brush. She even managed to pull a few along into her little task. Now, just in past the door and before the main hall, a solid fluorescent yellow wall shines brightly to the left. Just... yellow, not quite gold but bright as all dust anyway. She was pretty sure it gave Adam a headache.
Heh... Adam gets a headache. The thought made Sienna herself grin.
Of course Kali might just have wanted to talk. Sienna wasn't the only one wrapped into her little antics. There were plenty of others who often found themselves caught in the gliding current that was Kali Belladonna. This had been the first time in a while that Sienna herself was alone for one of these.
Usually there were more of them, huddled to the side of the paths next to one of the main shops. People would often glance over from the main market, wondering just what mischief they were up to. Every once in a while they would rope some poor young sod into helping with whatever it was they were at. Almost always it was some boy trying to be 'a man' as it were. He just wanted to look tough, they could all see that. It would always end with him doing some small task. He'd receive some praise from them, along with a healthy dose of embarrassment on his part as they would always make it just a little louder than it needed to be, drawing the eyes of others to him.
Although that was some time ago. With her being the leader of the White Fang and all, she hasn't had what she would call a 'Belladonna' adventure since Ghira was leader years ago. Back then she had much less to worry about and was able to spend more time out and about.
She missed it somewhat, if she was being honest with herself. It couldn't be helped, things were getting hectic and she needed to be able to focus if she ever wanted any hope of coming out on top.
Still... maybe I could drop by every so often. Some time off wouldn't hurt. The Albain brothers could take care of things from time to time. They were some of the few that, pardon her language, weren't fucking idiots. The Fang tended to do it's recruiting from the main kingdoms, not wanting to drag Menagerie's peaceful inhabitants into the fray.
The kingdoms had plenty of those who would do just about anything to get higher than where they were in life, even if it was just an inch. Especially in Atlas, where the SDC mines were usually a half and half as to wither you'd live to see the end of the day. Ironically they were the only ones in Atlas to openly allow faunus workers aside from the military, leaving many with no other choice than to walk into those death traps.
To these, the White Fang was seen as a second chance of sorts, a chance to right the wrongs that others had bestowed upon them.
It didn't help that the only ones they managed to recruit recently so far had been the fanatical ones. They were, as known by many outside their continent, a terrorist organization and known to use extreme levels of violence during their attacks. It only made sense that the newest members were on par with that sentiment.
"So what do you think?!" Kali asked, a small glint in her eyes.
"Yea, great sure". Sienna herself answered, almost dismissively.
"Wonderful! Then lets start!"
With a small bounce in her step Kali grabbed her arm and began pulling her along.
Wait! What did I just agree to!?
"There we go. That's the last of it". I called over to Ghira, having just finished putting away the last loaf of bread.
He looked over to me with a nod as he continued with the various types of meat, beef at the moment from the looks of it.
"Thank you. Sorry about her, she wanted to pick up a few things for later. I would have went with her but I had some things to deal with so she went on ahead". He spoke, storing the last of it into that odd cold box.
It was strange really. I've heard of some using ice dust to keep their food free from spoil, but that was only temporary as the dust would often lose it's power, so a constant supply was needed. I had however witnessed the process before.
I'd been on a hunting trip for some of the local butchers. My queen having tasked me with aiding some of the local businesses in the lower sections of the capital city where the castle stood. I was to ensure the people of our commitment to them by aiding some of the common folk. I went along with a single hunter to catch a couple deer as they were running low.
I had been told I was to use any method I desired, so long as the animal wasn't torn apart as we needed the meat intact. I'd went with a simple bow, while not my best trait I did manage to strike it in the side, to which it had fled. We had stumbled across its carcass some time later, having give chase. Afterwards we continued our hunt. Some time, as well as many missed arrows later we had finished up and had proceeded to prepare for the trip back.
I had watched as the hunter sprinkled what appeared to be ice dust shavings across the two carcasses. His hands glowing with aura while doing this, seemingly activating the dormant energy within the crystal shards. I had felt a cool sensation radiating from it as he later instructed me to cover it with the tarp we had brought. I was told the ice dust would keep it cold for the few hours trip back, until the dust lost its power.
The butchers had classed themselves for their quality and would want the meat as fresh as possible, even for simply bringing it to them. Said butchers would then sell what they could that day before salting the rest to preserve for later, as to not waste any dust.
I watched as Ghira closed the cold box before turning to me.
"All right, now that that's settled away why don't we take a moment and relax. Kali's probably got a head start on the cooking". He spoke to me, leading me out to the porch.
It was bright out as the sun was shining down, comforting all in a warm blanket of ease. I watched as the people below went about their daily lives, some looking up and offering slight waves of the hand, to which Ghira would do the same. The people respected him, and he respected them as well. I had read stories of how kingdoms had fallen at the hands of tyrannical rulers, of how they cared not for any but their own selves. Yet here the people seemed at ease. That was a good sign, at least in my own humble opinion.
Thinking about it now, I was able to draw a few parallels between him and my own king. Both had this calm, yet powerful air about them, that they held genuine care for their subjects. Well... people in Ghira's case, but the point still stands.
"Kali does the cooking? I thought the servants would handle that?"
"They do, sometimes, but my wife likes to add a more 'personal' touch to them. She likes to be able to add her own flair to it. Her own 'work of art' as she calls it".
Work of art... hmm. That was the same sentiment that most of the chefs held in the castle. Their own works of art, to be appreciated by the royalty and noblemen alike. I was never much one for art personally. Not that I didn't appreciate it, no I certainly did, but I had never been skilled as an artist.
"I'm going to head on in, I have some things I need to clear away before dinner. I'll send someone to get you when everything's ready". Ghira relayed while making his way inside. Leaving me on my own to enjoy the view, to which I did.
Dinner had been nice. One of the servants had brought me in about an hour later. I'd still been enjoying the morning air at the time. The people down below having gone about the day, some taking looks towards me every now and then, but most having grown used to me from the morning earlier.
I was brought to a large table, the Belladonna's having already taken a seat, seemingly waiting for me as I done the same. I had chosen the spot next to the only other at the table, the same woman I had yet to acquire the name of. The same woman from when I'd first returned with Kali and her groceries. I remembered her asking my name to which I gave it, only for her to be dragged off before she could return the favor.
"Quite the lively house, are they not Ms...?"
"Sienna, Sienna Khan, and yes... they are". She answered, both of us watching as Kali spoke with her husband, quite lively too it seemed.
Gesturing here and there, not overly wild but still up and about. I could see that Ghira was the calm to Kali's storm. Her sunny, warm, blossom filled storm. It was endearing in a way, she talked so freely, so excitedly towards her husband and not at all worried he might think her too rambunctious.
And poor, poor Ghira, the man just sat there. Smiling and nodding to whatever it was she was saying. I doubt even he could make out what it was, or maybe he could. Maybe it was just a couples thing that I couldn't understand.
Regardless it didn't last long as the servants made their presence known, pushing along a cart. They went about filling the bowls and placing them before us.
"Thank you dear, but you know I could have done this myself. You didn't have to trouble yourselves". Kali said as a bowl was placed down for her.
"Certainly you could, but then what would be left for us to do?" The servant had asked.
"I suppose you're right then" She answered with a slight laugh to herself.
We went about the meal, light discussion amongst the others. I had remained silent throughout, thinking to myself.
They had been going through many different topics, most having been none of my business. Instead I had found my mind wandering back to the supposed festival. I had been told it was quite large, gaining support from multiple kingdoms. Yet I had never once heard of it before, not until coming here.
Why? Why have I not heard of this before? With it supposedly being so large then why had our kingdom not have gotten word of it? Now that I think of it, what of these other kingdoms, the ones that host it? Much like the festival itself I am unable to recognize even them. Had we yet to just cross paths with them? Were they new and we'd just not heard of them?
No, that's not right. The festival rotates, they would need to have been around for several years at the very least.
"Mr. Rose, are you feeling alright?"
Looking up I'd seen it was Kali who had asked. The others were looking my way as well. During my time thinking I'd yet to touch my stew.
"It's nothing, I was just lost in thought, Thinking of how to spend the rest of the day. Everything's fine, trust me". I had answered as I took towards my bowl.
"Here, would you like some bread?" She asked, moving a nearby plate of sliced loafs towards me. The servants having brought it along with the stew.
"Thank you". I'd said as I took a slice, holding it over my bowl as I spooned the contents on it.
The atmosphere around the table had this... homely feel to it. Similar to that of the inns I've stayed at during my training sessions, shortly after my rise in rank. Much different than that of my own household.
We would finish up shortly after, to which the servants would collect our bowls. All of us made our way to the central living room, the one where I had been first introduced. We'd all taken a rest at the moment, the other three chatting with each other as I tried to take my mind off all the questions for the moment.
"So Sienna, I was thinking... since you're taking the day off and all. Why not take Mr. Rose here with you? Show him the sights and all that. You could use the company, well... company that you're not always dealing with anyway". Kali said, motioning towards me. Sienna looked to be thinking it over, turning to glance at me before facing back.
"Sure, why not? He seems sensible enough, at least more so than what I usually put up with. Fine, I'll show him around then".
I'd found myself walking amongst the evening streets, being given a pseudo tour by Sienna.
"You don't have to do this if you don't want to. We're out of earshot, you could just ask me to leave you be". I told her, not wanting to burden her anymore than she already seemed to be.
"It's fine, I don't mind. If we're being honest here I'd have probably ended up having to deal with something later anyway. At least with you I won't be the only one suffering". She'd assured me, a bit of playfulness in her tone.
"That bad huh?"
"I guess you could say".
We'd spent most of the remaining day walking about, seeing the sights. It must have been pretty bad for her, preferring to spend time with someone she only met as to going on her own. I had wondered what could she be dealing with, only to shake off those thoughts. It was none of my concern, if she needed something she would most likely go to the Belladonna's. They seemed friendly with each other, they'd be able to help with whatever she'd been dealing with. It wasn't my place to say.
Speaking of, she'd brought me to one of Menagerie's oddest attractions.
"And this here is Remnant's largest yarn ball" She waved her hand forward, giving a slight bow as if introducing me to an acquaintance of high stature. Her little act had only added to the ridiculousness of it all.
I'd tried, honestly I did. But I couldn't help but to let a small smile creep its way onto my face, if her own was anything to go off of.
I'm not one for stereotypes, but it was just too much. I couldn't help but to think of the Belladonna's in this moment, and Sienna herself as well. So far the only faunus I had gotten to know over the past day had been cat-like in some way, barring the worker at the inn. Although with her I don't know.
"Trust me, I know exactly what you're thinking. It's pure coincidence I assure you". Sienna told me as I took hold of myself.
"So... Is there any story behind this?". I'd asked, interested in how this... thing came to be.
"Yep, and he's right over there". She told while pointing to an older looking gentlemen in the distance.
The man was siting on what looked like a stool, a group of children sat before him, with his cane across his lap. I could see him adjusting his seating as he appeared to be talking to the children.
"That's Quartz, or as everybody calls him, grandpa Quartz. Probably the oldest of anybody here, including chief Ghira. He's always telling stories to anybody willing to listen". Sienna said, looking over to him.
At the moment he was gently waving his hands about, likely adding emphasis to the story he was telling. The children seemed to love it though.
"When I was little I'd go to him for stories like the other children. He told us of how his wife loved to knit, but would always run out of yarn. So one day he started getting extras so they wouldn't run out. He'd roll it all up into one ball so she'd always have some. One winter however, she had caught an illness, one that she would never recover from".
I could see where this was going, turning towards the man I listened to the rest of the tale.
"It hurt him, badly. He told us of how he felt lost without her, of how tired he had been. He'd done the only thing that made sense to him at the time, he kept adding to the ball. He would offer some yarn to any who would walk by, yet no one would take any. Over the years he would move past her loss and take a new outlook. Instead of letting this ball be a reminder of her death, he'd use it as a way to remember who she was to him. To remind him of the countless years of joy she brought to his life".
I turned back to her as she gazed upon the massive monument of fabric.
"Eventually it turned into a sort of tradition. People started bringing yarn to add, they started working together to form this sort of community project. Everyone was free to add what they had left over, and to take what they needed. It became a sort of symbol, a symbol of the things we could do if we worked together. The strength of cooperation".
I'd come to find myself holding a higher opinion of this ball of fluff. No longer did it seem as silly as I had thought it just moments ago. I still thought the coincidence humorous though as I followed Sienna, walking toward the man.
The children seemed to disperse as he no doubt had finished his tale. I watched as he glanced up to us, his eyes adjusting to us as a soft look of joy warmed his face.
"Sienna my dear! Oh how lovely it is to see you, how have you been?" The older man said, taking hold of her hand.
I watched with a teasing smirk as she shook hands, embarrassment across her face.
"Would you be so inclined as to drop in for a visit? I've got some biscuits, fresh from the oven inside. They should be cool by now". He spoke as he lead her inside, to which I followed behind. Sienna casting me an apologetic look before we got inside.
I had no issue, an if I'm being honest, this was rather enjoyable. Getting to see the sights, learning about the Menagerie and it's inhabitants. I was having a swell time. Yet... something had caught my eye. I'd noticed it as Mr. Quartz took her hand, as he gazed at her.
This man... he has silver eyes.
Author's Note
...
I know, I know... update schedule and all that. But I've had a lot of time lately. Sure I could wait to post it but... it's done. Maybe I'll learn and wait next time, but until then... See ya! (Maybe I'll find a better way to cut each scene without line thing. But until then... line thing away!)