Chapter ho! Would have been out sooner but work got a little bit busy over the weekend. Better late than never! Not that I have an actual schedule...
I'll fix that someday.
As an aside - or I guess an ACTUAL important notice: I'll be away for a few days visiting my grandparents. I might, and emphasis on might, be able to tidy up Yang's chapter and get it out before then, but no promises. I won't be pushing it out the door before I go unless it's 100% ready.
Without further ado, I present to you the Ice Queen, feat. Ruby Rose (album dropping late 2019!)
Weiss' hands sweat as she stood nervously in the lift. Along with Ruby she would be departing for her first mission within the hour. The rest of her friends - Pyrrha and Jaune, Ren and Nora, had all left earlier that morning. Yesterday morning, actually. Her impromptu breakfast with Ironwood coupled with a brief tour of Vale left their schedule in shambles. Thankfully, there was leeway with when they would depart.
Beside her Goodwitch huffed and Weiss chanced a sidelong glance at the woman. Green eyes set under a thin brow narrowed at Weiss and at once she wished she wasn't trapped in such a small space with her.
The Church gave leeway for their departure, but that didn't mean Goodwitch liked it. The woman was very particular about keeping initiates on task, after all, and had everything scheduled down to the second. To have to move anything out of its preordained time slot must be maddening for the woman; Weiss imagined her task was maddening enough without making accommodations.
Wiping her palms on her trousers as the lift came to a stop Weiss remained where she was, letting the senior Magi leave first. Goodwitch didn't pass her a glance as she went, heeled boots clicking loudly in the silent space. Before them a solitary, empty desk stood at the leftmost wall, stacks of paper adorning it. A bookshelf at its back with volumes thick as Weiss' thigh lined the shelves, their spines devoid of any titles.
Weiss took a deep breath and followed Goodwitch out of the lift. Lattice doors slid closed behind her and she glanced back, silently deliberating going back inside and heading down again.
"Miss Schnee, need I remind you we are on a strict schedule?"
And risk earning even more of Goodwitch's ire? Weiss nodded at once and continued to follow. Wide windows stretching from floor to ceiling covered the entire wall to her, offering an exquisite view of the city below. Roofs of black and red tiles rose and fell like waves, creating a sea of stone and masonry. Further beyond the sea turned brown, wooden buildings replacing stone. That would be the mercantile ward, and further beyond, the industrial and agriculture.
At any other time, Weiss might have stopped to admire the view. Instead she allowed herself a brief appreciation for it - and just how high up they were, before following her instructor. The corridor beyond Goodwitch's desk was long and lined with low-burning candles and little else. A few potted plants added color to the simple space space. Soft beige rugs covered the floor and were cushions under their feet, silencing the loud clicking of Goodwitch's footwear. A fine trim lined the wall along the floor.
"I'd like to remind you to remember your place as we enter the archbishop's study," Goodwitch warned for the dozenth time since entering the lift. Stood before a pair of sturdy doors she gripped the handles, throwing them wide open and strolling inside.
Weiss hesitated at the threshold, as if entering would somehow reduce the sanctity of the space. One stern look from the blonde proctor made her hurry inside. The doors were closed behind her and she became acutely aware of Goodwitch's eyes trained on her back, stiffening on reflex. Putting on a smile to mask her nerves Weiss moved into the room, towards the wide, semi-circular desk at the far end. A leather-bound chair swiveled to face her, revealing the man sat within.
Ozpin smiled, a warmth that made Weiss' own smile come easier. "Weiss, thank you for coming. I understand you're about to depart on your first mission, so I'll try to keep this brief."
Weiss nodded, stood before the desk, hands awkwardly held at her waist. When Ozpin motioned for her to take a seat she did so readily and sank into one of the armchairs. Unexpectedly she sank into the plush furniture, marveling at how soft it was. Goodwitch approached with a tray in hand. She set a mug before Ozpin and another before Weiss. Much to her delight there was freshly brewed coffee inside, the steaming brew a godsend. The sluggishness of waking still hung over her like a stifling cloud.
"Before we get to business though I must ask, how are you faring? I like to speak with our initiates before they leave, especially on their first mission." Ozpin paused for a spell and sipped at his drink. Weiss did the same, relishing as the warmth, and more importantly, the caffeine slid down her throat.
"Just fine, Archbishop. I'm… Nervous," Weiss admitted. She then smiled and shook her head. "Excited, though. It will be nice to finally put all of our training to practice."
Ozpin hummed thoughtfully, smiling as he set his drink down. "Eagerness is good, but don't let it turn to arrogance. Many an initiate have gone into their first mission thinking themselves invincible, only to fail… Or not return at all." Weiss stiffened, and Ozpin shook his head. "I tell you this not to frighten you, but only as a cautionary tale. A Hunter always has more to learn, and our training is never truly over."
"Oh, of course not. I wouldn't dream of doing anything rash."
"We certainly haven't heard that before," Goodwitch said, snorting.
"Glynda…" Ozpin chuckled as his assistant rolled her eyes. "That is good. Confidence is important, as is bravery, but arrogance is often times lethal. I've seen many a good man and woman succumb to their fates as a result."
"But you're not here for lectures, and neither am I a fan of giving them. I'm glad to hear you are well - Ironwood certainly recounted as much." Ozpin smiled when Weiss flushed yet again, suppressing a laugh behind his drink. "So, let us attend to the matter at hand because as I'm sure you're well aware someone would have both of our hides if I were to drag this out."
On cue Goodwitch cleared her throat, folding her arms and lifting her chin, causing her ovular glasses to slide down the bridge of her nose. "Yet you insist on prattling regardless."
"Paperwork prevents me from speaking to anyone. Pray forgive an old man for wanting to chat with his initiates." Weiss barely held back a giggle as Goodwitch grumbled behind her and Ozpin smiled playfully.
The Archbishop of Vale was, to most, enigmatic. He rarely left his tower and many people assumed it was because he was too busy. That, or he was simply too good to be seen among the masses. Weiss eyed the towering stack of folders, books and envelopes pushed off to one side of the desk, teetering precariously. She'd decided it was the former: Ozpin's workload made Goodwitch's seem slim by comparison. Comes with the job, I suppose.
"At any rate, I've called you here to make you an offer. You see, the kingdoms are enjoying an unparalleled period of peace. We owe much of this, naturally, to the undying efforts of Hunters. The Church might orchestrate our efforts, but without our recruits, people such as yourself who wish to see Remnant remain so, we'd be powerless. I think it goes without saying that we owe our Hunters a good deal of thanks, don't you?"
Weiss' heart swelled, and she nodded, smiling. She wasn't really a Hunter - not yet but hearing that one of the Archbishops thought so highly of them was heartening. Their efforts didn't go unnoticed, and at least behind closed doors, even those at the top acknowledged who was really to thank for Remnant's current state.
"Now, as you're well aware, a Hunter's main task is to help control Grimm incursions. This can range from preventing attacks, if we have reasonable evidence to suggest one might occur or helping to protect or reclaim lost territory. There is, however, yet another job a Hunter might be assigned." Ozpin smiled playfully while Weiss leaned in, clearly anticipating whatever he had to say. "Tell me, Weiss, you understand how the wards operate, correct?"
"Yes sir!"
"Care to elaborate?" Ozpin chuckled, leaning back in his chair and waving a hand, leaving the air open for Weiss.
"Of course. Every major city and settlement has a ward, placed and maintained by the Church. These wards serve as a primary defense against Grimm." Weiss couldn't help but sit a bit taller as she confidently recited knowledge from memory. It was commonly held knowledge, but she felt she had a better grasp on it than most. "The wards act as a barrier, concealing negative emotions from the Grimm and protecting anyone inside its radius."
"That's the gist of it, yes. As much as we might encourage positivity, realistically we cannot stamp out negative emotions. They are every bit as natural as our need to breathe, after all. In lieu of that, a pioneering young Magi, centuries ago, developed a means of protecting large settlements from Grimm." Ozpin paused to sip at his drink, adjusting the green scarf wrapped around his neck. "These are the wards. And tell me, do you know precisely how they're established? What kind of magic creates them?"
Weiss tried not to answer too readily. "Rune magic, sir," she answered. Pride swelled in her chest and she smiled broadly. "Rune users establish the wards and Hunters use their magic to maintain them."
"Any Magi can maintain them, given the training to do so, but yes. Generally speaking Hunters are tasked with lending their strength to reinforce barriers." Ozpin stood from his seat and circled around the desk. Even if Weiss had been standing she was certain he'd tower over her regardless. Not wanting to be rude she stood as well, and sure enough the man loomed over her.
"While any Magi can assist in maintaining them, only those who are familiar with Runes can actually create them," Ozpin said. "And Rune wielders, as you're well aware, are far and few between."
"Vale typically has about two dozen at any given time," Glynda said. The stiff-postured woman adjusted her glasses and frowned. "We've lost two in recent weeks to Grimm attacks, and another is nearing retirement. To get to the point, because some people seem content to talk all day," she shot a meaningful glance at Ozpin. "We would like to offer you the chance to learn the art of creating wards."
Weiss blinked, glancing between the two adults. Her, creating wards? It was within her ability, at least she assumed so; with the right combination of Runes Weiss could create the barriers. "That's… An incredible honor, sir. I'm flattered that you'd even consider me for the position."
"You've shown great promise as a Hunter, Weiss. We would not be asking if you hadn't." Ozpin smiled as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "And though I know your displeasure at it, you are a Schnee. And while I would not exercise your name to influence you, it does carry some weight with. If anyone is capable of this I should think it would be you."
It took a concerted effort to hide the displeasure on her features. She was a Schnee, though in the loosest sense of the word. Weiss forced a smile to the surface and nodded. "It would be my pleasure, though…" She chewed on the inside of her cheek, fingers drumming against her stomach. "What would become of my being a Hunter? My other duties…?"
"You would conduct missions as per usual, only called upon to assist with a ward when necessary." Goodwitch answered. "Your particular specialization of magic may be few in number, but you are rarely called upon. We have so many simply because of the importance of your art. One which, I should think, would be trained more if someone introduced it into the curriculum."
Ozpin's smile wavered a touch under Goodwitch's glare and the man held his hands up in surrender. "Not everyone is capable of performing the spells, otherwise I would have. Not to mention the time it would take familiarize everyone with the Runic system and learn the combinations." He shook his head and looked back at Weiss warmly. "You have an aptitude for Runes, both by virtue of your heritage, and your natural inclination for them. It makes you an ideal candidate."
Funny thing, that. Ozpin had just warned her not to think too highly of herself and yet Weiss couldn't help but do so. She was already among a select few users of Runes and now she was being bestowed a high honor. If they wanted to humble her then they were doing a poor job of it. Not that Weiss Schnee would ever have an ego.
Flattered as she was Weiss still hesitated. She glanced out of the wide window behind Ozpin's desk, semi-circular much like the furniture itself. The entire study was a peculiarly shaped room, a complete circle, with furniture designed to match. If Goodwitch's view beyond the corridor was awestricking then Ozpin's was breathtaking. The sun rose high over Forever Fall to the north, its golden rays spilling over the mountains and setting the brightly colored trees aflame. Every morning he would see the day start this way. What a beautiful scene wake to.
"May I have time to consider the offer…?" Weiss asked. "Not that I don't intend to accept, it's just… Well, I've got a lot on my mind as it is. I feel like I should think on it before deciding."
"Naturally. I didn't expect a decision immediately, nor would I ask for one. And do not feel pressured to accept either," Ozpin assured her. "Yes, we are now without a few, but we still have many more besides. It's merely a habit to have so many trained in the event something unforeseen happens."
"We would, however, like an answer before long. Within the next week or so if possible," Goodwitch added. "While we can make due without your help it would make matters inconvenient. As it is now, there is a lot of territory for so few to manage. To ask so few to do so much is challenging. And while a single addition won't change much, it would nonetheless be appreciated."
"But… As I said, there is no rush. Take time to complete your mission with Miss Rose, then relax and come to us when you've had ample time to weigh your options." Ozpin smiled and folded his hands behind him.
"I will, sir. Thank you." Weiss smiled hesitantly at Goodwitch, nodding back when the woman did so. "Not to sound rude, but… If that's all, may I go? Ruby is waiting for me at the stables and I'd rather not keep her waiting much longer."
Ozpin gave her leave and Goodwitch opened the doors for Weiss. The woman didn't join her this time and Weiss was left on her own as she rode the lift back down. A smile fell on her face and made her cheeks ache, a nervous excitement not only returning but growing.
They want me to work on the wards! I must tell Ironwood and the others! Her hands shook, and Weiss clutched them to her chest, closing her eyes and taking breaths to steady her racing heart. The door to the lift opened and she exited the small chamber, walking through the main hall filled with pews, an empty lectern at the head of the space. Too early for services, though before long its seats would be filled with the devout.
She could do wonders as a Hunter, save people from Grimm. As someone who maintained the wards? Who could create them? Weiss could prevent so many attacks with the barriers. If that didn't earn her some kind of acclaim, some recognition, well, then people were blind.
Weiss hurried to the stables with a vigor that felt out of place given the earliness of the hour. The caffeine helped a little though most of her pep came from excitement. Would she brag to the others later? Probably, after all it wasn't every day an initiate was given such an offer. With a smile firmly stuck on her face she hurried along, eventually taking to jogging slowly to hasten the process.
By the time she arrived at the main gatehouse Ruby was nowhere to be seen. Weiss could spot their horses easily enough: Ruby's scythe was fastened to the poor animal's back and rose up like the mast of a ship. Thankfully Ruby hadn't packed anything besides her weapon, otherwise the saddlebags on the horses would be cluttered messes; Weiss had seen to the other provisions herself.
Weiss went to her own horse - a mare with a snow-white hide and black splotches, stroking its mane when she drew near. It stomped its hooves in protest, settling down quickly when she offered a carrot from a nearby bin.
Where had that dolt gotten off to? Nearby a few stablehands tended to other steeds. A carriage came in and its inhabitants piled out, handing off Lien while workers went about unlatching the horses and guiding them into pens. Weiss waited with growing impatience - ironic since she was the cause of their delay, for Ruby to return.
Eventually she did, smiling broadly while brandishing a pair of still-steaming buns. She offered one to Weiss who accepted despite her annoyance, the gnawing in her stomach a greater force. "About time you got back!" Ruby chimed, grinning as she tore into her snack. "I was wondering if you got lost!"
"I've been here for…" Weiss paused. "Fifteen minutes at least. Why did you wander off?" Ruby waved her bread in the Schnee's face and giggled. Weiss rolled her eyes and wondered why she even bothered to ask. Keeping her bread wrapped for now she climbed onto her horse with the help of a stablehand: Ruby managed to mount of her own accord.
With their belongings prepared and a destination set there was little else to keep them in Vale. Weiss took one last brief moment to double-check they had all their supplies on hand. Deciding they were prepared, she ushered her horse towards the gates with Ruby immediately behind her. The guards manning the station nodded, waving them through without a second glance. A few merchants and travelers recognized them for what they were and offered encouragement to the young initiates. One or two glared at Weiss, scorning her with their gazes and biting their tongues.
Ruby hummed merrily, tearing into her bread like a starved animal even as steam poured off it. "Yummy! Sweet bread is the best!" Of course it was sweet. Was anything Ruby ate ever not? "So… What did Ozpin want to talk about? Anything important?"
No, you dolt, he wanted to discuss the weather. "He offered to have me trained in creating wards. He thinks I'd do well," Weiss answered instead, smiling as she peeled back paper. "That, and he wished us luck."
"Ooooh, you'd be a Warden! That would be awesome!" Ruby beamed, then tilted her head and adopted a thoughtful expression. "Though… Would that mean we wouldn't be partners anymore? What happens then?"
"I'd still be a Hunter, obviously. Ozpin assured me I can continue my regular duties, only to be called upon when necessary." Weiss smiled and picked at her bread. She sampled it, humming thoughtfully at the flavor.
"And do you plan on taking him up on it?"
"I intend to consider it very carefully. I haven't made a decision yet." Weiss raised an eyebrow as Ruby worked her horse up alongside her. She glanced at the extended fist, raising her own and bumping her knuckles against the brunette's. "Copying Nora now, are we?"
"I'll come up with a handshake for us sometime!" She really didn't need to. Ruby's cheeks puffed, and she tore into her snack, smiling once more. "If you go through with it though then I'll support you! I think you'd be awesome at it!"
Weiss smirked, shrugging as her horse trotted along and caused her to bounce. Thank goodness they'd had the foresight to opt for padded saddles; two days on horseback would leave them badly chafed without some kind of buffer. It probably still would.
She would be good at it, wouldn't she? Ozpin had praised her on more than one occasion and she was second only to Pyrrha in ability. Weiss allowed herself a small taste of the arrogance the archbishop warned of, if only to see how it felt. She knew she had talents and they were being recognized at last. Being a Hunter is always going to be my primary focus, of course," she mused, biting into her bread in earnest. "But… Perhaps being a Warden wouldn't be so bad."
Ruby nodded emphatically. She kicked her legs, a bit overexcited, and spurned her horse into a gallop, gasping and dropping her bread into her lap as she clutched her reins in desperation. Weiss scoffed, shaking her head and sending her horse after her partner.
Life as a Warden would be interesting, if largely the same as a Hunter. She could wait for the extra duties for now though. They had their first mission to worry about, and as Ruby finally managed to slow her horse, giggling as the flustered animal shook its head, Weiss rolled her eyes. Someone had to keep Ruby out of trouble in the meantime, and that in of itself was a full-time duty.
/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/+/
For better or worse the trip to the Mount Glenn region had largely been uneventful. Three days of traveling by horseback left Weiss and Ruby sore. The weather, mercifully, had remained clear and spared them the torrential downpours that periodically tore across Vale's countryside. Nights were spent in separate tents, and mornings together before a makeshift fire, dining on rations prepared days in advanced. Easygoing yet mundane, their journey to town had been as simple as one could have hoped.
Weiss felt bored. Ruby decided to give that boredom a voice by constantly chatting or trying to play a game. On the first day Weiss had entertained the idea and gone along with whatever games Ruby could come up with. 'I Spy' dominated most of their afternoon, and by the first evening Weiss had grown dreadfully wary of it; one could only point out leaves so many times before it became tiresome.
Their map told them the general area of the town. Many small settlements had sprouted up around the mountain in recent years despite concerns of heavy Grimm presence. There were rumored to be mines with valuable ores within the mountain and despite the dangers plenty of perspective merchants, craftsmen and workers alike had traveled out to forge a new destiny for themselves. Towns had come naturally, as Weiss understood, and before long simple camps had turned into proper settlements and villages.
Holbrook was one such town. They saw Mount Glenn long before they ever encountered the settlement itself. Two days before arriving they could make out the shape on the horizon, imposing even so far away. One day from their destination and Mount Glenn rose obstinately against the clear blue sky. Tall enough to split the heavens themselves, the gray behemoth of a landmass served as a wonderfully convenient guide on their journey; the occasional road sign and traveler served to ensure they were heading in the right direction.
Weiss slowed her horse to a stop and looked out across the open field. Over patches of corn and wheat were the walls of Holbrook. Massive sheared timbers were stuck into the ground and towered over the sparse fields beyond them. On either side of the gate into town were two guard towers, their flat roofs holding flags that bore Vale's insignia upon them. Weiss could make out figures inside, standing dully at attention. When she and Ruby drew closer one of the men called down to them, forcing them to stop.
"We're Hunters, sent from the Church to help!" Ruby smiled as she waved to the perplexed guards. "We've got our orders from the Cathedral, if it helps! Can we come in?"
Weiss would think there was little cause for concern seeing two young women arrive at the gates. She pursed her lips and tapped a finger impatiently on her thigh as the men spoke between themselves. After a lingering silence the guards in the tower signaled to someone down below. Weiss' ears picked up the sound of a heavy wooden beam moving, and with a loud groan the gate swung open. Three armed guards stepped outside.
The foremost guard stopped before them and raised an eyebrow. "You're Hunters, then? Prove it."
From her saddlebag Weiss produced a rolled-up parchment, complete with a wax seal from Ozpin's office. She relinquished it readily, smiling as the man inspected its contents. Glancing up from the paper he nodded once, waving for his men inside. "About time you showed up. We were beginning to wonder if they'd bother sending anyone at all."
Weiss' rolled her tongue in her mouth before deciding against insulting the man. His outfit wasn't impressive - with simple chain and a dark red quilted tunic over it, an aged sword at his hip, he was slightly better equipped than the others who wore leather, but not by much. "I assume I'm speaking with the captain of Holbrook's guard?"
The man nodded his bald head lazily. "Aye. Captain Laurel Pine. And I'm assuming you're…" Laurel narrowed his eyes, studying Weiss. "Weiss Schnee, which makes the other one Ruby Rose."
"Nice to meet you!" Ruby smiled nervously and waved.
Laurel sniffed, unamused, before waving his men off. "The stables are right inside. Have your horses put up, then come meet me in the barracks. Back of the town"
Weiss frowned as the captain turned and vanished back inside the gates without another word. That was it? That was their greeting? She hadn't expected a celebration or a parade, but at least they could be given a blasted smile? A 'thank you for coming', if nothing else. The man seemed downright annoyed by their presence.
Pettiness made her want to turn around and leave. Thankfully common sense was louder, and Weiss huffed, ushering her horse inside. The guards ushered them in without a word before promptly sealing the door behind them once more. They were directed towards the stables and Weiss managed an air of politeness, thanking the man with a terse smile. Not that they needed directions to the stables themselves, not when they were visible as soon as they passed through the walls.
Their horses wouldn't have the best accomodations. Where Vale's stables - by virtue of the city's affluence and size, were lavish and spacious, Holbrook's were more like a repurposed shed. Weiss could even see where a wall had been knocked out for space, the floor stripped to give the animals inside more comfortable footing. Bales of hay were set out and Weiss relinquished her mount, waiting expectantly for someone to help remove the saddlebags. No one did, and with no small degree of annoyance she heaved her belongings off her steed.
"They certainly know how to make us feel welcome," Weiss grumbled. The straps of her bags dug into her shoulder and she teetered for a moment before correcting herself.
"Well… They're giving us a place to put the horses at least! And they're being fed!"
A small consolation made smaller still immediately when one of the workers held a hand out. They expected to be paid for that? Naturally it made sense, but Weiss was so disgruntled by their lack of a warm welcome that she almost refused. With an indignant huff she dug Lien from her pocket and placed it in the man's hand, wiping grime on her trousers when he left.
With the matter behind them Weiss and Ruby made their way through the town proper. "You would think they'd be happier to receive Hunters…" the Ydran girl grumbled.
Residents were out and about, milling idly or busy at work. Despite the presence of two Hunters in their midst the duo went largely ignored. A few even gave the girls resentful glares that Weiss had to fight not to return. What was with these people? They'd hardly been in town ten minutes and she already found them insufferable.
"They are a little… Off," Ruby agreed. They passed by a man hauling logs and she squeaked as his shoulder bumped into hers, making her stumble and grab Weiss for support. A little? They were being rude and unwelcoming. Blatantly so.
"Let's just get this over with. Whatever these people are upset about isn't our concern."
Weiss didn't know how wrong that statement was, otherwise she'd never have made it.
Holbrook was, by all standards, unremarkable. Simple wooden homes, few commodities, and so dreadfully mundane and plain that Weiss wondered how people didn't go mad. She hadn't expected the colorful variety of Vale - no simple settlement would match it, but the incessant, droll color palette of the town, brown upon brown, made her wish for some variety.
"Maybe this is why people here are so miserable…" Weiss muttered thoughtfully. "Their town is abysmal." If one could even call it that.
"Weiss be nice! I'm sure there's a reason they're so… Not happy. Maybe they're upset with us?"
Weiss scoffed. "How? We've only just arrived! What possible reason could they have for being angry?"
"Well… The captain did make it sound like they've been waiting for Hunters for a while. Who knows how long ago they sent their request." Ruby smiled uncertainly, pressing her index fingers together as they walked. "I mean… You'd be pretty cross too if you had to wait forever for something."
Weiss folded her arms only to drop them to her sides when her saddlebag dug into her chest as a result. "I suppose. Still, it's not our fault. We only go where the Church sends us, and they know we're coming from the capital. They could at least pretend to be happy we're here."
Ruby offered a small smile and shrugged. "Maybe. But we don't know what's happened since they asked for us. Maybe things have gotten worse…?"
Perhaps. Weiss thought about the assignment, recalling Goodwitch's words as she'd spoken them. Recent Grimm activity had increased in the area and the town, rightfully concerned, had requested Hunters be sent. They hadn't been told when the request had been made, that wasn't for them to know. Given how large Vale was, though, and its number of towns, it wasn't unreasonable to think it had been made some time ago.
Maybe the residents were justified then in their sour attitudes. It would explain why Holbrook was all but silent, save for the occasional strike of a blacksmith's hammer or random shout. Still, Weiss couldn't help but feel annoyed. We're here to help these people! It's not our fault they've had to wait. It's not like we purposefully avoided coming out.
Weiss sighed and shook her head. If the town was miserable then her grumpiness wasn't going to help anything, and the last thing anyone wanted was to give Grimm more reason to appear. Instead she forced a smile to match Ruby's and focused on finding the barracks instead.
Much like the rest of the town, the barracks were hardly impressive. With Holbrook settled at the base of Mount Glenn the rear of the town was carved directly into the rockface. Here the barracks stood, half wooden, half carved stone. It was clear that the residents had used whatever resources they had on hand to construct it as wooden beams sat exposed to the elements, and in place of glass windows were hanging cloth and shutters that creaked whenever a breeze caught them. The front of the building was made entirely of lumber, stacked so unevenly the roof slanted to the right.
An overhang outside covered barrels filled with spears, relatively few of which seemed in any decent state. A lone man in leather armor sat outside the barracks, fast asleep with a spent mug dangling from his fingers. His snores drowned out their footsteps as they approached and Weiss, against her wishes, reached out and nudged the man's shoulder. He stirred for a brief second before falling back asleep, swatting blindly at the air.
Weiss walked past the maladroit guardsman, grabbing the barracks door and throwing it wide open. Her patience fled as cool air flushed from the interior of the building. Light flooded from half a dozen windows, and combined with a large fireplace, illuminated the room.
Five men gathered around a table nearby looked up from their card game. Three were in leather armor, two in chain; none seemed pleased to see her or Ruby.
Captain Pine approached, one hand resting upon the hilt of his sword. "You found the place. Seems you're at least somewhat capable."
Venom hung on her lips and Weiss drew them back, exhaling through her nostrils. Ruby grabbed her hand and smiled, though silver eyes were strained and flashed a warning: don't antagonize them. Heeding her partner's sensibilities Weiss nodded. "We did. It wasn't difficult, given your directions." Which were about as vague as could be, she might add. "Am I to assume we'll be discussing our purpose here, now?"
The captain nodded, waving the girls over as he turned away. Weiss blew heated air through her lips and sniffed, lifting her head as she followed. The five men watched as they went, and she could feel their eyes on her, boring through her. Neither she nor Ruby looked the part of a Hunter: she was too dainty, Ruby too childlike.
And if they knew what Weiss was: a bastard, disowned and outcast. A halfling.
Laurel's quarters didn't instil any more awe than the main barracks themselves. Cut into the mountain itself, with a stone ceiling and walls made of carefully cut timbers, the space had obviously been fashioned as an afterthought. It was certainly decorated as such, with a few animal pelts hung on one of the walls, dyed in random colors.
"Sit and show me your missive again."
Weiss did as she was told, settling into a worn, wobbly chair. After handing over the parchment she frowned, watching the captain's expression turn from disgruntled to blatant spite. He scoffed and rolled the paper back, setting it on his desk. "You've come to wipe out the Grimm in the area, is that it?"
"That's what our mission statement said, yes."
"Well, then you're wasting your time. There are no Grimm, at least not near Holbrook."
What? Their information couldn't have been that old. If someone else had come to the town and cleared out the Grimm then the Church would have been informed, right? Weiss took her paper and packed it away.
"But sir, the Archbishop himself gave Weiss that scroll! He'd know if your town was safe or not. Are you sure that there are no Grimm?"
Laurel's frown deepened, and he leaned across the test, elbows on the table to pull himself closer. "Child, do you mean to imply I don't know what happens around my own town…?"
"N-No! I just… How would the Grimm have been killed? Holbrook doesn't have any Magi, right? N-Not that regular people can't kill a Grimm, just…" Ruby's voice faltered and she shifted nervously under the captain's gaze.
"Killing Grimm without magic is very difficult, even for trained soldiers," Weiss finished. "It isn't that we think you or your men incompetent, but it does warrant the question of how they were killed."
"Tell me. What would you suppose the population of Holbrook is? How many people live within our walls?" Weiss quirked her lips and tilted her head thoughtfully. "One hundred and fourteen," Laurel answered immediately, the question rhetorical. "And for that many people we have a measly force of ten. Nine really, given one of ours tends to be hopelessly drunk most days."
Weiss nodded as she counted off in her mind. There had been the two in the towers, then three that greeted them at the gates, including the captain. One outside the barracks - the drunkard, and five more men inside. "Ten…? Unless I'm mistaken, I counted eleven men in armor."
Laurel regarded her with a puzzled expression before sighing. "Ah, you mean the men in leather? They aren't guards, far from it. Those are civilians who are volunteering to help us."
"You're enlisting civilians?" Weiss repeated, bewildered. "But why? I'll grant you that a contingent of ten men is hardly fit to guard a settlement, but is asking untrained citizens to fight the solution?"
"When half of your force was wiped out, yes, I think it's a solution."
"Are you asking civilians to fight Grimm?!" Weiss balked at the very idea of it. Even soldiers trembled before the beasts. How as the common man expected to do any better?
The captain scoffed and waved his hand dismissively. "Don't be ridiculous, they're just here to keep order in town. My men and I know we're hardly a match for Grimm either. I'm not about to ask the plainclothes to do something my men or I can't."
"How did you get rid of the Grimm then…?" Ruby asked, bewildered. Weiss leaned slightly on her seat and stared at Laurel for answers.
"Isn't it obvious? The Church couldn't be bothered to send help, not until we were wiped out, apparently, so I did the only thing I could: I sought the help of mercenaries."
Weiss stood from her seat, nearly knocking it over as she kicked it back. "Let me see if I understand this correctly," she began, leaning forward and placing her hands on the table. "Rather than go through the proper channels, or seek another town's aide, you hired criminals to fight for you?"
"Should I have waited instead for the Grimm to tear down Holbrook's walls? To let the beasts ravage my people, or to have women and children torn to pieces by soulless monsters?" Laurel remained seated, leaning back and folding his hands. "Don't lecture me on what's right and wrong. You live behind Vale's towering, impenetrable walls. You don't know what it's like to lie in bed at night, sleepless, while Grimm howl and claw at your meager defenses."
She didn't know what that was like. In Atlas she'd been, however briefly, within Schnee manor, within a city more protected than any other. Even when she'd been exiled from her own home and ended up in Vale she was still leagues safer than any minor settlement or town could ever dream of.
And like that Weiss felt her fire turn to cinders, her anger a smoldering shadow. Averting her gaze, she returned to her seat, hanging her head and closing her eyes. "I… Spoke out of turn, and I apologize. I… Suppose I should have considered your situation more carefully."
"That you should have. But I suppose I can't blame you entirely. It's clear the Church wasn't as forthcoming about your mission. That…" Laurel shrugged. "Or they're actually as incompetent as I think and never received our second notice."
"Second notice…?" repeated Ruby.
"Aye. And considering the parchment your… Boss, whatever, gave you, it seems they didn't. The Grimm aren't a threat now, that much is true. We had asked for Hunters to help us recover some of our men instead."
"The missing guards?" The captain nodded, and Weiss leaned back in her seat, studying the man carefully. He seemed concerned, and rightfully so: half of his force was missing. "How long as it been since they went missing?"
"A little over a week."
They're likely dead. For obvious reasons Weiss kept that comment to herself. Nodding, she rubbed the back of her hand and glanced at Ruby. "And these mercenaries you mentioned… Do you believe they might be somehow connected?"
"That's a bit of a stretch… But you're not wrong. Yes, I believe they're the reason for the disappearances. In fact, I'm positive they are. Tell me… Can you spot the difference between a wound made by a blade, and one made by Grimm?"
"A blade, unless terribly dulled, often creates a clean cut. Opposite that, a Grimm's fangs and claws often shred flesh like a jagged knife. So… Yes, I believe I'm aware of the difference." It had been part of their training, as strange as it had seemed at the time. Oobleck had spared no expense in making certain his students could tell the difference between the two.
"We found two of the men recently in a nearby pass. Slain, and from the wounds they sported, not by Grimm. Now, it could be bandits, but we've never had any in the area before, and there's little of value outside the mines, which are still littered with Grimm themselves. No, I think it was those men we hired."
"But what reason would they have to attack you like that? You hired them for a job and you paid them, so everyone should have been happy." Laurel frowned and glanced away, jaw tightening.
Weiss' eyebrows rose, and she leaned closer once more. "You did pay them… Right?"
"Holbrook isn't exactly well-to-do. We offered to pay them, and they accepted the terms. When it came time to pay them, however, they suddenly decided it wasn't enough and they wanted more Lien. We didn't have more, and so they stormed off, taking what we'd given them." Laurel rubbed at his face, then ran a hand through his hair with a long-winded sigh. "I expected them to retaliate somehow, sure, but not by kidnapping half of our guards."
This wasn't at all what they had expected. Weiss had anticipated Grimm, not bitter mercenaries trying to squeeze every last Lien out of a homely settlement. It would be easy to blame Laurel for the town's misgivings, for hiring the men in the first place when there was no guarantee they could afford it. Easy, and Weiss recognized, wrong. The mercenaries had clearly no intention of letting the town get off easily, perhaps even using extortion as an excuse to seek a blood price instead.
"If I am to understand correctly, and please, do feel free to stop me if I'm wrong," Weiss began. "You're asking us to try and locate these people, find your men, beat these mercenaries and return your people to you. Does that seem to be the gist of things?"
Laurel gave a stiff nod and said little more. "Sir… It's not that we don't sympathize with you, but…"
"I'll give you whatever you want from the town. We all want those men back, so whatever you want: Lien, goods… We can even secure ore from the mine if you'd like."
Weiss held up a hand to stop the captain from going further. "The price isn't the issue, sir. Killing Grimm is one thing, we're trained for that. And… I suppose, if I'm being frank, we're trained for… Killing people as well." Weiss paled and clenched her hands in her lap. "It's just... "
"We didn't want to ever have to do it," Ruby said. "Especially not on our first mission…"
For the first time since their arrival Laurel did something besides scowl. He offered a small nod and smile. "It's… Not something that any man should relish doing, and any who do are more beast than man. I still grow ill whenever I'm forced to turn my blade on someone else, but sometimes it's necessary."
Perhaps, though Weiss didn't like the idea any more than before hearing it. "We could… Perhaps we could broker a trade with the mercenaries? Something in exchange for your men's lives? If they're after Lien then… We could try and gather some, somehow. Perhaps a traveling merchant?"
"Oh! The others are in nearby towns, we could always ask them to pitch in!" Ruby exclaimed. She smiled broadly and clasped her hands together. "Between all of us we might have enough money to pay off the ransom."
At the far end of the desk Laurel began to laugh. He continued even as the young Hunters exchanged puzzled looks, holding up a hand as he wiped his eyes. "Were you not just a moment ago condemning me for paying these people?"
"This is different; they have hostages. This isn't pay for services due, this is a ransom." And short of killing the group Weiss wasn't entirely certain how else they could free the hostages. Unless… She looked down at her palm and smiled, bringing to life a single rune. With two bent lines on the outside, a vertical one in a middle, and a flat line horizontally beneath all three acting as a base, it was the rune for 'fire'.
"We don't have to kill them, far from it. I have magic that can subdue people. Well… Restrain, really. We can just best them in combat, tire them out, and once they're beaten, you and your men can arrest them." Weiss smiled at the captain. "Provided we can get knowledge of their magic beforehand, and a general idea of where their camp might be… We could feasibly pull this off."
It was a risky suggestion, and everyone present knew it. If successful they would recover the remaining guards, bring in some dangerous people, and potentially prevent further Grimm spawning via whatever misery might be created by the mercenaries. Should it run afoul, however… Well, executing prisoners wasn't something mercenaries were probably above.
"It's… Possible. I'll discuss it with the others, see if we don't have any other options."
"That's all we can ask. I do need to point out, however: Hunters don't typically handle missing persons cases. Though…" Weiss tapped her finger on her knee thoughtfully. "I'm sure that changes if a few vagabond Magi are involved, and it's safe to assume they do have Magi, yes?"
"Of course, it's how they were able to handle the Grimm so easily."
"Well… Rescuing your men or not, we can't let a group of roaming Magi terrorize towns, can we Ruby?" Weiss asked with a smile.
"Nope! It's our duty to make sure they don't do… Well, that!" Ruby snickered. "Well, that, and to kick Grimm butt!"
Not as eloquently put as Weiss would have phrased it but close enough. Rising from her seat she offered the captain a hand, shaking it and smiling. "Please, take the evening to consider my plan, or come up with a new one entirely. We are here to help, after all. Just because the nature of our mission hasn't changed doesn't mean we can't still lend our aid."
Laurel finally gave an earnest smile, releasing Weiss' hand only to shake Ruby's vigorously. "I'll send word as soon as we've made a decision. Until then, and I'm afraid it might not be much, but we do have housing arranged for you two."
"About that… I hadn't seen an inn anywhere in town earlier. Did we… Miss it?" Weiss asked.
"Unfortunately, no. Holbrook doesn't get nearly enough traffic to justify an inn. No, one of our residents has agreed to provide lodging for the Hunters who arrived. I should warn you, however." Laurel itched at his bare scalp. "He's not overly fond of the idea. In all honesty he drew the short straw when deciding, so don't expect the warmest of welcomes."
Because the one you gave us was oh so friendly. "I'm sure it won't be terrible. And besides, anything is preferable to sleeping outside in a tent."
"If you say so…" Laurel muttered.
With that vote of confidence Weiss and Ruby left the barracks, making their way to their temporary housing. The captain had provided directions clear enough to find the home, yet Weiss still found herself double-guessing. Holbrook wasn't large by any stretch of the imagination. From the center of town, one could see the outer walls with ease, just barely taller than the single-story buildings within.
Due to the lack of resources, or rather, a variety of resources, every building looked the same. Shops had signs and storehouses lacked windows but otherwise every building was made of timbers and little else. Sturdy, easily replaceable, given enough wood - of which Holbrook had plenty nearby. Weiss found the town to be horribly bland in appearance, especially compared to the ornate, sometimes ostentatious buildings found in Vale.
The home they would be staying at was one of the very few two-story structures. The bottom floor served as a shop, a dusty, worn sign out front designating it as a carpenter's. Sawdust and metal shavings littered the front yard, a workbench left unkempt with several piles of nails and a hammer left laying idly: no one was going to steal from a carpenter, not when they were the ones who maintained your home.
Weiss had the mind to go directly to the front door and knock until her ears caught wind of a low grinding sound. She frowned, circling around the house, ducking under a low branch that hung out from a nearby birch. The noise grew louder, and she realized it was the sound of a saw cutting through wood, its teeth chewing away at pulp and fiber greedily. The back of the house was open and even more disorganized than the front had been. Half-finished furniture stood in random clumps, with chairs missing backs, a table leaning precariously on two legs, and a cabinet without doors. They were fine pieces, Weiss assumed, though clearly unfinished.
Sawdust kicked up as she walked through the yard, clinging to her shoes and the bottoms of her trousers. A man was leaned over a low table, oblivious as they approached, diligently cutting into a long plank. Weiss stopped short and cleared her throat loudly, meaningfully. When the man didn't notice she did it again, smiling politely as he finally acknowledged them.
He didn't look pleased to have company. Maybe it was because his work had been interrupted, or maybe because he knew who it was. Either way he frowned, setting down his saw and removing thick leather gloves. "You must be the Hunters…?"
"Yes sir, we were told to come see you about housing?" Weiss said, asked really. She glanced at the man's house and wondered if it was in the same disorderly state as his yard.
With a small huff the carpenter nodded. "Aye. Well, let's get you in, then. Sooner you're put away the sooner I can get back to work."
Sawdust fell away as the carpenter dusted himself down, though plenty more remained clung to his black tunic and arms. In the shadow of several trees they moved through the cluttered yard and to the back door. Hinges creaked as it opened, and Weiss winced, raising a hand to cover one of her ears. Stepping inside, she carefully knocked her shoes against the floor by the door to rid them of litter: it wouldn't be polite to track a mess into the home.
The carpenter didn't bother, throwing his gloves onto a nearby table and running his hands over his stubbled face. "Oi, Lauren! Hunters are here!" he shouted, glancing back at Weiss and Ruby with a frown. "They're a couple of little girls. Told you they'd sent runts."
Why the nerve of… She should teach that oaf some manners! Weiss grit her teeth, but it was Ruby who spoke first. "I'm not little! I drink milk!" Not the time for that argument, you dolt. Undeterred, the brunette smiled and pointed at Weiss. "She's short, but she's older than me! So… Neither of us are little!"
Scratch that, now she wanted to reprimand Ruby instead. Overhead footsteps struck the floor, muted by carpet; the footsteps grew louder when Lauren came down the stairs, holding up the skirt of a long red dress. "Oh, they're here already? I haven't finished setting up the rooms." The woman paused when she reached the bottom step, her young face twisting into a furious scowl. "Riole, I told you not to bring that mess inside! Now I'll have to clean again!"
Riole grumbled unintelligibly, waving a hand as he turned back for the door. "Aye, aye. I got work to finish. See they're put up, won't you?"
Ruby shifted awkwardly on Weiss' right and visibly strained to maintain a smile. For her part Weiss rolled her eyes, wondering why in the world the universe decided this was to be their first mission. Not that the universe decided, obviously - Ozpin was powerful and influential but he was, very clearly, not something so grand. Why did he see fit to send them to somewhere so clearly unwelcoming?
Probably to show us our jobs won't always be easy. Unlike her abrasive husband Lauren offered a small smile and waved the girls along. "It's not much," she explained as she started up the steps again, "But we've got just enough room for you both. I hope it's to your liking."
Glad for the civility at long last Weiss managed a smile and followed the woman upstairs. There wasn't much to see, really. A narrow hall with four doors made up the entirety of the second floor, with faded paintings hanging from the walls. Two of the doors were open, one on each side, and Lauren stopped between them. "These were our children's rooms. They're a bit small, and I couldn't really get new bedding in time so…"
"Whatever you've provided is sure to be enough, thank you."
Making way for them Lauren stepped back, allowing Ruby and Weiss to inspect their rooms. Bland, just like everything else in Holbrook so far. A graying carpet covered part of the floor, a dresser to the left, tucked in a corner, and a bed opposite that. It was the entire room, those three pieces, and a lone window between the dresser and bed to allow light in. A cursory glance across the hall told Weiss that Ruby's room was much in the same.
Their hostess looked concerned and Weiss assuaged her worry with a smile. "It's more than enough, thank you," she said. Lauren visibly relaxed and nodded. Sparse, sure, but preferable to spending another evening in a tent and on the hard ground.
"I'm glad. Dinner will be ready in an hour, please feel free to relax until then." Lauren gestured towards the door beyond Ruby's, the last before the one at the end of the hall. "There's a washroom there if you need to freshen up. I'll get you two when it's done."
Riole might be abrasive but at least his wife was making efforts to be accommodating. Maybe Holbrook wasn't without manners after all. As their hostess excused herself and disappeared back down the stairs Weiss considered what she should do next. A bath sounded lovely, but with no change of clothing it would be ultimately moot. Then again, after three days traveling without any refreshment, maybe she should do it for virtue of feeling clean alone. Did Ruby want to go as well? She thought to offer first, turning her eyes from the stairs to her partner. "Would you care to wash yourself first? I can wait a bit longer if you'd like…"
"Nah! I might before bed, but I'm in no hurry! Besides, I don't smell that bad!" Ruby tried to prove a point by sniffing herself only to wrinkle her nose and turn away. "A-Anyways, I want to take a nap! My butt's sore from riding and I'm pretty beat. So…" She stretched her arms and groaned as she popped her back. "All yours, Weiss!"
Tempting though it may be Weiss shook her head. There was something else she wanted to do first. "Go take a nap, I'll see you at dinner, okay?" Ruby tilted her head quizzically before smiling and nodding. Giving Weiss a hug, much to her chagrin, the silver-eyed girl skipped into her room, waving exaggeratedly before closing the door.
Gods above she did smell. Curious, Weiss grabbed her own shirt and took a whiff, wrinkling her nose. She'd have to ask about washing their clothes too. Maybe they had a basin outside, or if nothing else, perhaps a pond nearby.
Weiss didn't think she'd ever put anything above cleanliness, and under normal circumstances she wouldn't. Something had been agitating her since she'd arrived in Holbrook. The town was unwelcoming, yes, but given the tardiness of their apparent arrival - something not of their own doing, she might add, it was understandable.
Weiss crept down the stairs, pausing at the bottom to look for Lauren. The woman was in the kitchen just off the living room, cutting up vegetables for supper. Weiss frowned and snuck out of the house, careful to close the door behind her without a sound. What she didn't understand was if other towns were nearby why Holbrook had to resort to mercenaries to protect itself.
Settlements often helped each other in times of need. It wasn't altruistic, Weiss wasn't so naive to assume that. Another town nearby meant more people capable of fending off Grimm, or bandits, or whatever threatened your home. And, in a more cynical way of thinking, more towns meant more targets for would-be aggressors. Letting Holbrook fall wouldn't make sense.
Not unless other towns wanted Holbrook to disappear. It was a stretch and an idea brought on by a sudden whim, but it was too nagging, too prevalent in Weiss' thoughts to ignore. Perhaps a little bit of snooping around would provide some answers, or if nothing else, dismiss her concerns outright.
The people here in Holbrook were bitter. Angry at Hunters, Weiss had assumed, a notion corroborated by their cold reception. But what if there was another reason for their distant disregard?
So much for a straightforward first mission.
I promise you that Laurel having "Pine" isn't at all foreshadowing about anything. Nope. Tooooottally irrelevant.
Thanks for reading, ya'll! Hope you have a wonderful week, and as always, any and all feedback is appreciated. Stay awesome!