He'd brought her inside, only to have her take a seat with him at a table. A warm plate of biscuits sat there. She was glad to be able to rest, having been tired from the tour she was giving to her newest acquaintance. Well that, and after unknowingly agreeing to help Kali with her cooking.

Speaking of, said acquaintance of hers had taken a seat as well. He was still wearing that stupid look.

Laugh it up why don't you. As annoying as it was, she couldn't help but think of ways to get back at him. However she found herself lacking in anything to taunt him with.

She didn't know much about him now that she thought of it, having only caught his name before getting 'Kali'd'.

"How are you doing my dear? What have you been up to as of late?" He asked, sitting across from her with his cane leaning against the table.

"I'm doing well recently, just..." She answered, wondering what to say next.

Sienna had known him since she was a kid, yet she hadn't gotten to spend much time to see him as she grew older. Back when Ghira was leader of the Fang she'd made a point to visit him every so often, much like the other children and young adults. With him being the town grandpa, almost everybody had grown to know him. Often they'd stop in to have a chat, to catch up after one of his many stories, much like she is now.

Of course that was a long while ago. After having taken the role of leader when Ghira stepped down, she hadn't had much of a chance to see him. She'd spent most of her time dealing with the various responsibilities of running the group. At the time she had been rather arrogant, thinking she'd just be able to dish out missions without too much hassle. She'd got a rather rude awakening from that, especially from all the paperwork that came with it.

Embarrassingly enough, she'd had to go back to Ghira. Minus the short chuckle he'd had at her expense, he was more than happy to show her the ropes for the first week, just until she understood how to handle it on her own. Sienna had kept the organization peaceful during this time until Ghira had finished with teaching her, at which point she had put her plan in motion.

Yet... how could she tell grandpa Quartz that? How could you tell someone who had such a large impact on your childhood, someone who'd picked you up whenever you were down, that you were a murderer?

"Just, showing my new colleague around! He's new to Menagerie... so I'm taking him to see the sights!" She couldn't, maybe she was a coward for it but she just couldn't. It would break his heart.

"Ahh, I see." The elder chuckled, turning towards the source of their conversation.

"So it's you who she's been spending the day with. And how has your time been so far?" He asked.

"My time so far has been rather enjoyable. The people are lively and the sights are beautiful."

"That's good to hear. Tea?" Mr. Quartz asked, standing to take the whistling kettle.

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Vermillion had answered as the older man turned to Sienna.

"And how about you hmm?"

"I don't see the harm in it. Sure, I'll have some as well thank you." She answered, watching as he set a cup before her.

"Lovely, it's nice to know the youth of today is still able to enjoy some tea every know and then." He spoke as he sat down with his own cup.

She wouldn't go so far as to say that. She was the leader of a terrorist organization so she was used to acting formal at times, and Vermillion was just... odd, so he doesn't count. The guy spoke like he was in an interview every time he met someone new. He'd toned it down with her during the day, but she was pretty sure that was just because he was getting used to her.

Sienna decided she would just enjoy her time and rest while she could. Today had been good for her, finally being able to relax without the constant worries and responsibilities of the Fang had done much to clear her head. She was finally able to think straight.

.

.

I was feeling rather calm at the moment. I had been curious at first, this man has silver eyes. Even now I can still see them, the light reflecting off as he turned his sight from his tea back to me.

"If I may, who is it that Sienna has found herself accompanying this fine afternoon?" He asked, as in my amusement at my companion's embarrassment I had yet to introduce myself.

"Apologies, I was caught up in all the excitement so far. My name is Vermillion Rose, pleasure to meet you." I'd answered as I extended my hand out.

I had left out the part of my clan this time, a habit I would have to break as I was dealing with common folk and not nobles. I felt his grip as he took my hand, a firm shake for our greeting. I watched as a hint of surprise crossed his face, only to be gone a moment later as his gentle smile returned.

"Well then, it's good to meet you Mr. Rose. If you would, could you excuse me for just a moment? There's something I wish to show you." He spoke as I watched him stand and make his way through an open doorway.

I turned to Sienna with a look of confusion, only to be met with the same from her. What had this man wanted to show me. Speaking of, what was that look on his face as well, he looked like he'd realized something. But I had only just met him, what was it about me that got this response?

I didn't have to wait long as only a minute later he had returned, a small box in his hands. He took his seat before turning it to me, opening it up to reveal what was inside. There, sat on top of a white cushion, was a single ring. As I sat there, trying to process what I was seeing Sienna had asked the question we both held at that moment.

"Umm... What's this?" I'd seen her turn to him, before I took back to the ring.

"This has been in my family for generations. When I was a child my great grandmother had given it to me for safe keeping. She had told me that it was hundreds of years old. I was told that the only thing our family had remembered about it was that it was a gift. It was given to us for helping someone long, long ago. Nobody, not even grandma at the time knew what it was our family had done, but we did know one thing, one thing we seemingly refused to forget. The one we had helped, the one who gifted us this ring, held the surname of Rose."

At the moment I had found myself taking hold of the ring examining it closer. It was of a solid gold in color, with a crimson rose adorning the top. The rose itself seemed to be carved from a gem, although I was unable to make out what one. No, what had caught my attention were the black engravings along the outer side.

"It's beautiful." I'd heard Sienna speak, I'd found myself agreeing with her.

Not a single flaw was present. It glistened as the light made contact.

"But what do those markings say?" I heard her ask.

"That I don't know my dear. It's so old that I believe the language that it was written in has been lost. When I was younger I had traveled about. Here and there before coming to make my home in Menagerie. I'd once brought it to the huntsmen academies before, but they couldn't tell me."

"A false life. Purified by darkness."

Looking up I saw them both staring at me. It was Sienna who first found her voice.

"What... what did you just say?" She'd spoken, a look of shock towards me.

"That's what it says. 'A false life. Purified by darkness'." I answered her.

I was confused by what they had spoken earlier. The writing on said ring was the common language written throughout the kingdom. I'd highly doubt that it would be 'lost' any time soon.

I watched as the older man walked around and sat next to me.

"Then I believe it's time that the ring was finally returned." he said, looking me in the eyes.

"W-wait, hold on for just a second! I can't take this! It's yours, you can't just give it to me when we've only just met!" I hastily replied, only to be stopped as he cupped his hands over mine.

"Throughout my entire life for over eighty years, not one person over all my travels through the different kingdoms had an answer. Of all the different people and friends I've met, not one of them have been able to tell me what was written on that ring. I spent a good chunk of my early life trying to unravel the mystery. Even the human friends that I had managed to make were unable to tell me what was written on that ring. Yet you, someone who just arrived to my home and just stopped in for tea. After only an introduction you have managed to solve a life long question that's held me since childhood." I was starting to feel a little weird as he let go.

"Sorry about that. It's just that I thought I would never get an answer. The last person I had shown the ring to was chief Ghira. When he couldn't answer me, that's when I had decided to accept that it would remain a mystery. Coincidentally, that's the time I first met my soon to be wife. She was one of the maids there and well... let's just say she ended up being all the answers I'd ever wanted." He finished with a light sigh. The older man looked much more at ease now.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked, still unsure of how to feel.

"I'd always felt that one day the ring would end up back with it's original owners. I'd just never thought I would live to see it. Yet here I am, witnessing it with my own eyes." He spoke, taking the empty box from the table, closing it shut.

"I want you to wear that ring as your own. I believe it was meant for you, having been the only one to understand it." I watched as he got up, walking over to place the box down in a nearby cupboard.

He had taken a seat one again as he stared at his closed hands. I remained silent throughout this, Sienna having done the same, as he continued.

"It's funny, I've spent plenty of times wishing for miracles. For the well being of my friends who I've lost touch, for my wife even after her passing, and even for all the children as I watched them grow. Yet I've never got to see if it worked, I've never got to see if those I wish for are well, if their lives are going alright. But I've always wished the best, even if I'm left unanswered because it's all I could do."

I remained still, the ring now a gift laying in my hand, as he looked up at me. Newfound hope radiating from his bright silver eyes, seeming to gently shine, though I believe that a trick of the light.

"Yet here I am, watching as one of my oldest wishes occurs before my very eyes." He'd finished off, an aura of joy, of hope burning about him like the flame of a bonfire, warming all those around it.

I looked down to the ring again. Had it really been that important to him, had the words of this little piece of jewelry been so strong as to grip him all his life? Or was there something more, something that I'm oblivious too?

"Thank you and all that, but I'm afraid it's getting late. Vermillion and I need to get going, we've got things we need to attend to." Sienna said, knocking me out of my stupor.

I gently slid the ring on my left hand, watching as the evening light flowed off of it.

"Yes it would seem so. If you ever have need of anything, know that I'm always here." Mr. Quartz said as we all left our chairs, making our way just outside.

The sun was beginning to set, the horizon melting the light of the sky away. We had both begun to say our farewells for the day. Both of us receiving a handshake before we went on our way.

"Thank you both, you've made this old man's day brighter than you could ever know."

With that we had taken our leave.

.

.

The dust was that?! Sienna thought to herself.

Her day was going so well, her head having finally seemed to clear of all her worries. Yet now, during the last few moments, she was met with new questions.

Speaking of, the source of her questions was currently staring down at his newest accessory, like it would run away the moment he took his eyes off it.

First off, how did he know what the ring said? If nobody was able to understand it then how the dust did he? She certainly couldn't recognize the writing, yet he got it without so much as a second glance. Did he have access to some way of translation where he was from. Was he taught how to understand old writing like that, was he a scholar? No that couldn't be it, he looked more like a fighter.

Secondly what of his surname? That was the first time she ever heard of it from anybody before of him. Even during her talk with Kali when she was roped into cooking the days dinner with her, she had asked how they met. Kali said she had found him drunk in the fog, she said he had introduced himself as a member of the Rose clan, a name and clan that she and Ghira never recognized. Yet gramps had, not only that but to have something from them too. It practically screamed suspicious.

Maybe Ghira himself had the answers. She would need to drop by tomorrow, gramps said that he had shown the ring to him so he might know at least something about the connection between it and Vermillion. With their new 'friend' being able to read it, Ghira might be able to shed some light about how... hopefully. It was a long shot bit it's all she had, the chief had to know at least something about it, even if he couldn't read it. Being the head of Menagerie meant he had access to literal tons of information. Surely there was something?

Sienna let out a sigh. Looks like I'll be spending the day out again tomorrow.

"It's getting late, lets go our separate ways for tonight. But meet me at the Belladonna's again tomorrow. I've got something I need your help with, alright?" She asked as he finally let his hand down to look at her.

"Sure, I can do that." He'd answered as they began to head their separate ways for the night.

Sienna had began to make her way back to the base, hoping that they hadn't done anything too crazy in their absence. Only to stop, having caught the sounds of light footsteps behind her, too light to be Vermillion.

"I know you're there, no need to hide." She said, turning around to watch as the one following seemed to change color right before her.

The girl's brown hair and freckled face being the obvious giveaway as to her identity.

"Was I really that obvious?" The girl asked, making her way to walk beside Sienna.

"To most no, but I'm not most, am I Ilia?" She said as the girl now dubbed Ilia let out a small huff.

"Yea, but you're not usually out and about. Especially before dark." Ilia answered, a tiny smirk at the corner of her mouth.

Ilia was one of the few that Sienna had managed to get comfortable around. Having been in the fang since it's creation, she had gotten to know her along with Blake. While she had known Blake because of her being the chief's daughter, she had gotten to know Ilia because she was Blake's best friend, at least in Ilia's words anyway.

"True, usually I'm yelling at the others to get their heads out of their asses. Today however, I wanted to take a bit of a breather, clear my head before I go back to screaming." She answered, waving her hand dismissively as Ilia rolled her eyes.

"Come on, it can't be that bad." Ilia spoke

"Really? Well just last week some dumbass managed to lose their inn token. I had to tell the others to get him a second." Sienna spoke, giving Ilia a flat stare.

"Oh... you mean last week when your guards were holding you back. Where you said, and I quote "let me rip his fucking head off"." Ilia said with a teasing look towards her as Sienna cleared her throat.

"Look Ilia, you have it good. You're always on field duty. You don't have to put up with the shit they throw at me. They only come to me when they fuck up." Ilia had to hold her laughter as Sienna continued her rant.

"They never come to me with good news, oh no! It's always "Sienna we lost the hostage" and "Sienna we missed the weapons shipment"! Never "Sienna we finished the raid" or "Sienna it's all going smoothly"! They only come to me if they need something, they never seem to think before they do anything. Did you know just last month when Perry was here he got his arm stuck in the floor vent eight times, Eight! How the fuck do you even do that!"

At this point Sienna had to calm herself, Ilia had already broke down laughing.

"Ok, ok I get it. You deal with a lot alright." Ilia spoke, both continuing the walk and having calmed down.

"So... who was that guy you were with?"

"Somebody new here, the Belladonna's asked me to show him around." Sienna answered, the rage she built up having dissipated.

"Really? Weird, I've never seen him on the last ship. Only now when I found you, when you split off from him." Ilia admitted, looking towards Sienna with curiosity.

"You and me both. I'd only met him earlier today at the Belladonna's, from what I'd seen it looked like Kali suckered him into helping with her groceries. Yet she told me as we were making dinner that they only just met last night." Sienna answered, Ilia cringing at understanding the pain of carrying all those bags, having done so before.

"Yea, that is strange, it's like he just appeared out of nowhere." Ilia said only for a look of surprise to reach her face as she turned to Sienna.

"Wait... did you just say you were cooking?" She asked.

"Yes, what of it?" Sienna answered, only for Ilia to keep staring.

"You, cooking... really?"

"Yes...?" Sienna answered again, watching as Ilia's look of surprise turned to doubt.

"Sienna, high leader, I've been with both you and Blake on field missions back before you were in charge. You can't cook." Ilia spoke, crossing her arms as Sienna began to stutter.

"W-what do you mean?! You both ate it from what I remember!" Sienna let out, a look of betrayal on her face.

"It was either that or the dirt. Although looking at it now... Maybe we should have went with the dirt, could have helped with the sickness the next day." Ilia added, a mischievous look on her face.

"W-well Kali was with me! And it turned out fine!" Sienna spoke, struggling to defend herself. They had been sick then, but she had thought it was just a bug they caught from being outdoors.

Ilia nodded, eyes closed. "Hmm, makes sense. Kali wouldn't let you mess it up that bad."

They both continued like this for the rest of the night, all the way until they made it back to base.

.

.

Waking from my slumber I had went about my morning. I'd gotten my breakfast again and had a small chat with the night shift lady just before she got off.

"An the whole thing's supposed to be about peace, equality, getting along and all that. Fat lot that's done huh, still treated like garbage from what I heard."

"Really, sounds like quite the predicament." I spoke of a more savvy tone.

I went about asking her of the Vytal Festival, wanting to get as much information as I could. My curiosity still peaked from yesterday. From what she told me it boiled down to a show of companionship. Some festivities here and about, the common things such as food, drink, and dance as well as some other activities thrown about. However something had caught my ear. A publicly spectated combat tournament.

Normally this wouldn't have interested me, as displays of combat prowess were rather common. However most kingdoms, as well as several notable villages would rather keep the skills of their top warriors hidden. This was done in case of times of conflict or outright warfare. Letting your enemies know of your skills also lets them discover and plan for your weaknesses.

"Yea, it is. But what are ya gonna do? Folks hate change, it's just how it is. They pretend to care until the show's over, then go back to their usual ways. Sure not everyone's like that, but a good chunk are. And some of the elders just can't let go of the old ways." She told me as I was leaning on the counter top.

"Quite, we as people are creatures of habit. Change inspires worry, which in turn inspires fear. We assume if things change that there is coming strife, and just so often enough this is true." I'd answered

"Guess it's true, old habits die hard. Anyway, word of mouth has it you were spending the evening with Ms. Khan yesterday, that true?" She asked, giving me a curious look.

"I was. She was taking the evening off to relax, stress you know." I said, taking myself off of the counter.

"Ah, makes sense. Running the Fang must finally be taking it's toll" She replied as I began to make my way out.

I had somewhere to be, as well as a new development. Sienna Khan was head of the White Fang, this was new. She never mentioned it on our walk yesterday, she never had reason and I never asked, hadn't even thought of it. I knew the White Fang was a faunus rights group, meaning they must have had transport to the main lands. Perhaps I could have a way back after all.

I would have to halt my thoughts for now, I was coming upon my destination.

Giving a couple knocks I was greeted not by the servant from before, but by Sienna herself. She must have arrived earlier and has been waiting for me.

"You're here. Good, come in." She said, allowing me entry.

Making our way inside I was met by both Kali and Ghira.

"Alright Sienna dear, we're all here so what is it you have for us?" Kali asked, giving me a slight wave of greeting. I returned the gesture.

"Show em." Sienna said, facing me.

I could only presume she meant the ring that lay snug to my left hand. I held it out as both leaned in to gaze upon it.

"This is Mr. Quartz ring, yes?" Kali asked, looking first to me and then back to it.

"I would assume he has given it to you for some reason." Ghira deducted as I gave a nod.

"Good, Now tell them what's written." Sienna continued, gaining odd looks from both.

"A false life. Purified by darkness." I let out, receiving quick looks of surprise before more curious faces took hold.

"So you can read it then." Ghira was the first to speak, looking as though the cogs began to turn.

"Mr. Quartz must have been happy at that. He's wanted to know what it said since coming here." Kali replied, a bit of cheer in her voice.

"Yes, it was... odd? He was rather emotional for the ring." I'd said glancing to Sienna, only to receive a flat stare.

"Really? That's what you took from it." She said as I stood confused.

"...What? What is it?" I asked. I was met with only a shake of her head.

"Never mind, clueless." She spoke, straitening up again.

What was I missing? I could only wonder as Kali's smile seemed to grow.

"You two are getting along well. Nice to see Sienna finally making some friends." She said, a hint of amusement throughout her voice.

I watched as Sienna sputtered out. "W-what, I have friends!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... minions don't count dear." Kali teased through her smirk, not helping in the situation.

Before it could go any further we heard a door shut. Turning we say Ghira approach with something in his hands, I never even noticed he left. He spread something across the coffee table. It appeared to be a map.

"Here." He said, pointing to one spot somewhat above the coast.

"That's just north of here, at the ruins of KiaŹ»i o Nalo." Sienna spoke.

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's a failed settlement, just north of here. Back when we tried to branch out into the desert. It's about a few hours trip from here." Ghira told me.

"What does it have to do with the ring?" Sienna asked giving a questioning look to Ghira.

"Back when Quartz first showed me the ring, the place was still in operation. We had found a single stone obelisk. Solid black and holding carvings similar to that of the ring. The town was built around it, the stone acting as a symbol of our steadfast will against the waves of grim. We believed they may of had similar origins at the time, but nothing came of it." Ghira told, looking my way.

"If you were able to read what was on the ring, then maybe you could understand the message on the stone. You might be able to decipher what is said and see if there really is a connection." He finished, Sienna leaning down to get a closer look.

She let out a huff as she made for the door. "Fine, I'll go and get some things packed. We'll leave after lunch."

"You're coming with me?" I asked watching as she turned to look back at me.

"Of course I'm coming with you. You don't know the way, and I'd highly doubt you can make it on your own. This might be something big, I wanna be there to witness it in person." She said upon leaving, having seemed more excited than before.

Just what is going on?

Author's Note

...

Finally, an on schedule upload this time! Still gonna be wonky I'm telling you. Regardless it seems I'm finally getting the plot started, granted we're still in the 'Intro' as I like to call it but whatever. We're finally getting started... kinda. Forgive the name of the place if it seems wrong, I'm going off my faith in google translate here. It's supposed to be in Hawaiian, but I have no idea how accurate it is.

As you can see I've given Sienna a bit of a personality. The main series never gave us anything other than 'grrr' and *dies*, so I'm kind of taking a shot in the dark here.

Anyway let me know what you think.