Hello! This is my first try at a fic here! I also intend for this to be the first fic of what will (hopefully) be a series. Constructive critique is definitely welcome, and I hope you'll enjoy! Rated T for violence, language, and non-sexual nudity.

Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth. I do not claim ownership to any of its content or characters.

Prologue

The moon shone in the inky darkness of the late night sky. Only a few were beholding its serene countenance, as most of the city was fast asleep in that twilight hour. Among these few was a woman alone in an expansive, sumptuous bedroom lit only by several candles and the moonlight. The elaborate golden desk where the figure was seated stood beside a tall, open window that allowed the moon's glow to pour into the room. The woman, having just finished writing pristinely on a paper and delicately placing it into an envelope, was now at peace as she basked in the light and gazed up to the sky.

She knew this was her last chance to take in this sight alive.

The silk curtains beside the window swayed slowly as a chilling breeze crept into the room. There was a brief shakiness in the lonely occupant's voice as she let out a sigh, keeping her lavender eyes fixed on the tranquil scene outside the reinforced stronghold. She had decided to make the most of these final moments, knowing full well that there was no way to avoid what she expected would come through the door in little time.

As if on cue, knocking was heard from beyond the wooden entry. This wasn't it. It was nothing more than a couple of soft, courteous knocks. This was the one she had called for earlier.

"Come in," the woman said, her voice quiet.

She slowly rose from her seat at the desk and turned to see another woman, one marginally younger in age, step into the room. She wore the traditional black and white attire of a maid, and she appeared to be showing a great deal of restraint as she now stood before her superior. Her stained cheeks, glistening in the candlelight, revealed that she had been crying prior to her arrival.

"Thank you for seeing me one final time, Audra," the lady said to her greatly distressed attendant.

Quickly giving in to the urge she was struggling so hard against, Audra ran forward and held her mistress in a tight embrace. This was the first time the lady ever saw her break the calm, professional demeanor she always bore while carrying out her duties.

"I'm so sorry, milady!" she sobbed. "I… I…"

"Please, calm yourself," the woman spoke with sympathy and reassurance. "I insist."

Finally releasing the mistress from her arms, the maid took a couple steps back on the marble floor.

"Forgive me, milady," Audra said amidst her sniffling. "I just… I would do anything to help you escape all of this."

"I know you would. You've been the most loyal servant I ever could've hoped for, and I know you're especially scared for me now. I am scared too, but…"

The lady paused to blink away some forming tears before continuing.

"If there's one future I fear more than the one awaiting me now, it's a life of misery knowing I left them behind, within these walls. This is if I even manage to miraculously escape, and any less luck would bring you into danger that is meant for me alone."

"I understand, milady."

The two in the room wished they could share plenty more words with each other at the very least, but the painful reality wouldn't allow it. It truly saddened them that their years together would end in such a way as this. The time was growing short, so the lady turned to her desk, grabbed the sealed envelope, and extended it toward Audra.

"I do have one final task to assign to you as my maid. Please, take this letter. You know where to bring it, and please ensure it is found by someone you know both you and I can trust."

The attendant gave a single nod before gently taking the envelope. Her mistress had quivering lips as she looked down at the letter, then raised her eyes to the one she entrusted to fulfill her final request. It was her turn to nod her head once, and Audra knew now that the rest was up to her.

The maid bowed her head as a couple of drops fell to the marble from her closed eyes. She then hesitantly made her way to the door, but not before looking back at the lady while her hand rested on the doorknob.

"Farewell, milady."

The other tried her best to give a reassuring smile. "Farewell, Audra. Thank you… for everything."

Once Audra had left the bedroom with letter in hand, closing the door softly behind her, her mistress was alone once again. The woman slowly turned back to the open window, taking small comfort in the single breeze blowing by her. The moon still stood atop the night sky, and it did so for the next ten minutes.

The woman then heard the group of footsteps quickly advancing toward the room.

Illuminated in the moonlight, she stood her ground and closed her eyes expectantly. The door burst open from behind her, but she never turned to face those approaching. She instead awaited them with a calm, silent acceptance.

Her hope rested on what was enclosed within the envelope, and that it would be able to save Remnant.