Hi folks! I made a chapter!
...
Not much else to say here. Enjoy!
"This is where your uncle lives?"
"Yes. Where he moved to, actually, since taking over as one of the leaders." Blake paused, turning back when she realized Weiss had stopped walking. "Something wrong?"
"Um…"
Was there a tactful way to say someone's neighborhood looked horrid? Probably not, or if there was then it escaped Weiss. For a man at the helm of the Faunus Conglomerate however, someone who commanded enough respect to gain an audience with Ozpin himself, Weiss expected more… Affluence. Maybe not to the extent of a noble but certainly more than she was seeing now.
"It's…" She trailed off, gesturing uselessly at a nearby dilapidated home. Askew, with half shingles and half sheets of wood forming a roughshod coverage over a peeling brown box. "It beats sleeping outside?"
"Hm. I take it you've never been here before" Here specifically, or in this part of the residential district? Either way Weiss shook her head. "Sure, Vale touts that it's more benevolent than other kingdoms when it comes to Faunus, but that doesn't mean much," Blake began to walk again, staring straight ahead while Weiss' eyes wandered. "And in a way we are. We're even allowed in the main city."
"And put aside in hovels."
"It's still better, sorry as that sounds. My uncle's working to change that - him and the others. It's going to take a while, but…"
A while? Judging from the state of the buildings they didn't have 'a while'. Most homes were one story, thrown together with whatever materials had been available at the time, no doubt. Crowded, with not even an alley between most buildings, it was claustrophobia incarnate. That even the bridges spanning the canals - bridges taken by everyone in the city, were allowed to fall into disrepair was telling too.
People just avoided the Faunus' district, circumvented and took longer routes.
"You don't seem pleased by the work they're doing."
"It's a lot better than what the White Fang has turned into," grumbled Blake, running a hand through her hair. "It'll take time, but they'll make progress. They just need a little push, that's all. A little more aggression maybe, but nothing like what Adam's doing."
"Speaking of him…" Weiss paused again and wandered towards the edge of the canal. Dark water snaked its way down cobbled paths, the occasional piece of trash floating along. "Have you heard anything about their activities? About Ilia's warning?"
Blake joined her at the edge and crouched down, frowning as she cast a pebble into the water. "Nothing," she answered with a sigh. "There aren't many in the Conglomerate who can fight by virtue of being a peaceful organization." Well that's a bit daft. "And if the Church knows anything I haven't heard about it."
"Wait… Have you been eavesdropping?"
"Shadow magic is useful for a lot more than just hiding."
"It's a good way to get yourself punished too," Weiss warned.
"By who? I'm listening to clerics and clergy, no one important. I'm not sneaking around following Hunters. And I can't get into Ozpin's office anyways."
Weiss' jaw dropped. "You tried?! Are you mad?"
Blake chuckled as she stood, waving to a group that called to her across the water before glancing at Weiss. "Tried what?"
"You…" Were there words to express what she felt? Imbecile worked. Dunderhead. Reckless fool. "He's the Archbishop! That's probably grounds for dismissal! Gods, you could possibly be jailed for that, Blake!"
"Jailed for what? I didn't do anything." The ravenette smirked, turning away and sauntering down the road. "Come on, Uncle Tukson's expecting us."
Weiss groaned, rubbing her temples before trudging after her friend. Why couldn't she be with Pyrrha right now? At least she was normal! Or Ren, he was perfectly sane. Except where Ren went Nora followed, and Nora was a different kind of headache altogether.
Resigning herself to Blake's request and whatever other surprises she might have in store they continued through the district. Away from the stone, brick, and trimmed wooden buildings of the city it was startling to realize just how pitiful living conditions were. The further in they went the more crowded things became. Groups of people gathered outside of homes, took up seating in the road or sat along the canal itself. Weiss excused herself more than once as she pushed through groups, patience wearing thin whenever Blake paused to speak to someone.
Hurry my foot. She's making conversation with everyone! Although she supposed that wasn't the worst thing in the world. People shared their concerns with Blake and she listened, promising to bring them to her uncle's attention. It must be exhausting though, Weiss mused as she watched Blake comfort a fitful woman. Why aren't the nobility offering a helping hand? Surely it wouldn't cost them much!
Without the Church and her life as a Hunter she'd probably be in a similar situation. No family in Vale, nowhere to go beyond service. How were any of these people meant to live a better life when she'd had to resort to such extremes for hers?
"Weiss?" Blake's voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she hurried after the Meera. They passed by a group of children sat in the road, wearing clothing with more holes than a cheese grater, filthy and drenched. Despite their pitiful look they sat in a puddle and played, laughing and smiling.
They don't know how unfortunate they are. How long, I wonder, until they're as jaded as the adults? People her age and older sat around, dabbling in games of dice or cards or simply conversing. Depressing. The entire district was just depressing.
As it turned out Tukson's home was nicer than the rest. It had four solid walls, windows that weren't broken in, and a roof that appeared leak-free. Beyond that, with lichen growing up the walls, barrels and crates piled up outside, and a chimney boarded up, it wasn't noteworthy. A king among paupers. Weiss kept back as Blake knocked on the door, tapping her foot silently on the cobbled road.
Tukson answered the door shortly thereafter and Weiss' eyes widened seeing the man. They'd met before, briefly, and she'd already forgotten just how large he was. Easily Commander Rainart's size, although the dirtied doublet with holes and coated in ash paled in comparison to Hazel's glistening armor.
"Blake, I was wondering when you'd get back." He smiled, shared a hug with his niece, then noticed Weiss standing aside. "Weiss, it's good to see you again." He stepped forward and extended a hand, one which could probably clamp over her entire head.
"L-Likewise, sir," she said as her hand was swallowed up, chin tilted up to meet Tukson's smile with her own.
"Under much better circumstances too. I'd like to apologize for our last meeting."
Weiss almost asked what he was referring to until it came to her. By declaring their selection of Hunters unjust - not a Faunus among them, Tukson had effectively brought their graduation to an unceremonious halt. Not only that but she'd received no small amount of grief from him too. He explicitly called me out for being a Schnee. How quaint. Original too.
"It's fine," she maintained her smile for her own sake as much as Tukson's. Anger wasn't going to get her anywhere, especially not when he was still clutching her hand. "Water under the bridge. I'd forgotten about it honestly."
"Well I haven't. I had come from a stressful meeting and wasn't in my right mind, but that's no excuse for my behavior. I sincerely hope you'll forgive me."
At risk of upsetting the behemoth of a man Weiss nodded, breathing a not so discreet sigh of relief when her hand was released. Taking a glance at Blake and raising an eyebrow she nodded towards the building. They'd come here for something hadn't they?
"Ah… Uncle, she's still here right?" She? Hadn't Blake said she had something to pick up? Weiss narrowed her eyes accusingly. Blake paid her no mind, smiling when Tukson nodded in affirmation. "Great, can you go get her? We'll wait right here."
Right here? Says who? Weiss bid her time until Tukson went inside before grabbing a handful of Blake's sleeve. "What do you think you're doing? I thought you said you had something to pick up!"
"No, I said I needed to stop by my uncle's house. You assumed that meant picking something up."
"I… What… You could have said we were bringing someone with us! I wasn't expecting company!"
"No one's coming with us, Weiss. Relax."
"Then what are we doing here?"
The door swung open again and Tukson rejoined them. Spotting a tuft of brown hair behind the crook of his arm Weiss raised an eyebrow, leaning to her right to try and peer around the man. Whoever was behind him hid again and she raised an eyebrow hearing a faint whimper. "Um…?"
"Come now. You know she won't hurt you," Tukson urged gently, reaching behind himself. After another faint whimper he coerced his companion out, hands on her narrow shoulders, head hung and hair masking her face. Weiss stared at the drooping rabbit ears longer than was polite. "Apologies for having you come out here, Weiss, but Blake and I agreed to help the young lady with her request."
"Uh…"
"I could have told you but I assumed you'd say no," Blake explained with a shrug.
Why would she say no? Besides being put on the spot and faced with a girl she vaguely recognized this was wonderful. Weiss waited for the Kanin to speak and waited some more. A seagull soared overhead and squawked loudly, making the brunette jump and clutch her hands to her chest in fright.
"Do I… Know you…?"
"Y-Yes…"
Okay? Are you going to elaborate, or shall I stare at you more? The girl didn't lift her head nor say another word. Stare. Got it.
Blake exchanged a look with her uncle before stepping forward, touching the girl's arm and smiling. "Velvet, it's okay. Weiss isn't going to hurt you or anything."
"I know, I j-just…"
Weiss had been about to tell the girl to speak up when she bolted from Tukson's grasp and slammed into her for a hug. Reflexes kicked in and she grabbed for her rapier, fingers wrapping around the grip just as the girl stepped back, wringing her hands nervously. Baffled, Weiss let go of her weapon and exhaled.
"Blake said your name was Velvet, is that correct?" The Kanin nodded her head, silent otherwise. Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose and looked at the girl, furrowing her brow. Giving her warmest smile she clasped her hands together and took one step forward. "You wanted to speak to me?"
Velvet nodded, peeking through her bangs before finally lifting her head. It took Weiss a second to recognize the face. It didn't help that the girl now wore a green tunic that, despite its cleanliness, did little to hide her anemic figure. The black leggings she wore didn't help matters either, and Weiss couldn't make heads or tails of the boots she wore, two belts around each to keep them on.
"You're that girl from before..."
"Y-Yes…" Velvet's lips quivered, and she clutched her hands to her chest again. "I… You… Um… Y-You… Saved me."
"I suppose I did?"
"It's not uncommon for people to look down on Faunus. It's also not uncommon for them to beat us if they think they can get away with it." Blake bared her teeth, lip curling. "Nobles are particularly guilty of it. They even travel through our district and treat us like we don't belong here."
'Our'. 'Us'. Blake was counting herself among them now? Don't be ridiculous, she's always been one of them. She's just never had the misfortune of witnessing this firsthand.
Of course Blake had. If she thought that things were bad in the city then they had to be worse in smaller, more remote settlements. Weiss had always assumed survival and cooperation trumped bigotry. She certainly hadn't seen much discrimination. But then why would she have? Most settlements she'd visited were primarily Muran or ravaged by strife and far past the point of caring about race.
"Not all nobles are guilty, Blake," Tukson said, gentle in his tone despite a firm stare. "Just as not all Faunus are innocent. We can only do our part in showing that we are not the same as those who would do harm." He turned to Weiss with a warm smile. "Just as you've shown we have allies in the Church. You, and Ozpin as well."
"Th-thanks to you, um… I had the c-courage to… To seek help. I f-found people here and…" Velvet paused, covering her mouth as she broke into a coughing fit. Tukson rubbed her back as she doubled over, frowning when she shrugged him off, settling down with a raspy wheeze.
"Now I can thank you for h-helping me. I… I wanted to find you, b-but I wasn't sure how. The guards won't l-let me anywhere near the Cathedral, a-and I don't know where else to look, s-so…"
"She came to us and asked how to meet you." Blake smiled and shook her head. "I'll admit that I was skeptical when she showed up. But after hearing her story we couldn't say no. Uncle has been helping nurse her back to health and I agreed to try to bring you along to meet her."
Velvet's face burned brilliant red and Weiss smiled at the meek girl. "Well this is… Unexpected. You hardly need to thank me though. Anyone would have done what I did."
"Were that the case she'd not be asking to meet you," Tukson reminded her. "From her telling of it the market was full that day and yet no one else lifted a finger. No one besides you."
"Although after learning who was responsible, I wonder if it was entirely altruistic?"
Weiss glared at Blake, crossing her arms and scoffing. Did it matter? She'd helped, hadn't she? "Regardless, I only did what was right. I'm glad I was able to help you, Velvet. No one deserves to be treated like that." She reached out to pat Velvet's shoulder only to yelp when her hand was grabbed. "Uh, Velvet…?"
"P-Please, you don't understand! N-No one has ever s-s-stood up for me before! I didn't have a-anything, and n-now… Now they're giving me a place to stay, a-and food, and I even have clothes!" Pools of brown began to water as tears welled up and Velvet shook her head fitfully. "He might have k-killed me if… If you…"
"R-Really, it wasn't that big of a deal!" Weiss took a step back and cringed when Velvet let out a whine and stepped in after her. "I promise it wasn't!"
Could she get out of this situation yet? Gods, now snot was running down her lip! Grimacing as the brunette sniffled and wiped her face, only to grab her hand again, Weiss wondered how deep the canals were. That, and how sanitary swimming in the water might be.
"You have to l-let me repay you!"
"That's really not -"
"Let me be your retainer! I… I can h-help carry your things! Or I can look after your home! I'll… I'll learn to cook, or sew, or whatever you need me to do!"
Weiss blanched. Blake looked away when she turned to her friend for help, traitor, and Tukson coughed into his fist and found a fascinating strand on his tunic to busy himself with. Had they known she'd ask about this? Next time they dined together she was spiking Blake's meal with obscene amounts of pepper!
Edos preserve her, Velvet was still staring at her awaiting an answer! Giving her hand a useless tug to break free Weiss' lips curled upward, pushing against the bubbling panic in her chest.
"I… Really don't have need of a retainer. I'm sorry."
"B-But you saved me… I… I don't h-have anywhere else to go! Please, let me help you!"
"I doubt you're without a home, Velvet." Weiss grabbed Blake's sleeve and pulled the Meera to her side. "Blake and her uncle won't throw you out on the streets. I think you're perfectly fine where you are."
"I… I suppose, but how can I help you if I'm here?"
"Perhaps there's a way," Tukson said, earning Weiss' everlasting praise as he eased Velvet away from her. "It's true, I won't put you back on the street, but it also appears Weiss has no need of a retainer's services. Why not stay here and help us with the Conglomerate?"
Picking up on her uncle's train of thought Blake nodded encouragingly. "My uncle can teach you everything you'd need to know. And I'll offer what I can when I'm around."
"But Weiss…"
"I think you helping your fellow Faunus would be the best way to spend your time," Weiss insisted, beaming both in relief and to encourage the Kanin. "Velvet, I'm honored you want to repay me, truly, but I can't take on someone like that." Honestly, she didn't want someone like that. Having a servant just felt improper. "You can do a lot of good here though. If you insist on repaying me then… Pay it forward."
Or take up a craft, travel the four kingdoms on a spiritual journey. Anything besides groveling at my feet, please! How would she even explain that to the others? Hunters didn't have retainers! At least she didn't think most did. What would her friends think if they saw Velvet coming and going from her room at the Cathedral, following her everywhere and waiting on her hand and foot?
She could imagine what Yang would say. Nothing she could repeat. Ever.
"But… A-Are you sure? I could help you…"
"I'm certain! Positive!" Was she being too enthusiastic? Seeing Velvet look down and sigh she clasped her hands together again. "Velvet, please? Nothing would make me happier than knowing that you're helping to change this," she gestured to the rundown buildings around them. "You can do a lot better helping them than you will helping me."
"I guess…"
"And if Weiss ever does need help, she'll know where to find you."
Could you not? Weiss narrowed her eyes at Blake accusingly, then yelped when Velvet hugged her again. First Blake dragged her here and now she was leaving her at the mercy of an emotional girl? Fan-tastic. Awkwardly patting Velvet's back, she pried the girl from her, stepping back and clearing her throat.
"Y-Yes, I'll know where to find you…" And where to go to complain about this. "It's best for everyone involved, I think. Assuming you don't mind of course."
"I have nowhere else to go, and…" Velvet shrugged, a tiny smile making its way to her gaunt face. "I could help people like this. That would be nice…"
It would be, and better still? Weiss wouldn't feel like she'd conscripted someone into servitude.
Could they get going now? Would it be rude to go? They didn't have much they needed to do but Weiss wouldn't mind moving on, preferably before Velvet tried to embrace her again.
Hopefully Ruby and Yang were having a better time of things.
/+/+/+/+/+/
"Ah, Yang, wait!"
"Wait? Come on, sis! There's no time like the present!"
"I know, but…" Ruby yelped, grabbing onto reins as she teetered in place. "The horse is a little big for me!"
Beside them the farmhand laughed, face becoming flushed when both girls turned towards him. "First time riding a horse…?"
"N-No, but usually they're not so large…"
The steed she found herself on now was more fit to support a man like Hazel, or someone like her father, not a growing young woman! Ruby had needed a hand even mounting the saddle and her feet could barely reach the stirrups, toeing the grip. Thank goodness for her flexibility or otherwise sitting on the beast's wide back would have been a nightmare.
Somehow, despite Yang being a full head taller than her, she got the smaller horse! All because hers - Maple, oddly enough, was ornery and wouldn't let just anyone ride him. While she was flattered the animal took a liking to her it was daunting.
At least we won't be going very far, or fast. Ruby squeaked when her saddle shifted, hands clenching the pommel instead as her seat was adjusted. How am I going to get down?!
Gravity, most likely.
Yang flashed her an easygoing smile and flipped her hair at the farmhand, snickering as he hurried off. It was nice that she felt good enough to tease someone again; the walk from Monty's Corner to the gates had been spent in silence, and not for lack of Ruby trying to start a conversation. The way her sister had been tensed up made her worry Yang would snap at the slightest provocation. But she hadn't, and now that they were here, outside the walls and on horseback, her sister was back to her usual self.
She'd admit her own spirits were considerably higher too being outside. With blue skies overhead and hardly a cloud anywhere, a gentle, cool breeze washing over their backs and friendly faces aplenty Ruby felt giddy. Now they got to ride horses for fun too, without the threat of Grimm coming stalking out of the forests.
On a reflex she looked around just in case. No trees for miles, just tilled farmland. Patches of cabbage, radishes, carrots, cauliflower and other vegetables interspersed between stalks of wheat and corn. Cattle and other livestock roamed nearby, corralled in their pens, with each farm and every animal separated by dirt paths.
It was nice. Peaceful. After everything they'd gone through and their unexpected invitations into a hornet's nest it was exactly what they needed.
"Alright, ladies, all settled in?"
"Sure are! Thanks again for letting us come out here, Wyatt!"
"Aw, think nothin' of it!" Wyatt grinned, eyes crinkling as he tipped back his straw hat. "After your pa helped out my girls it's the least I can do! Yer friends of the family now!"
Ruby smiled at the farmer, opening her mouth to ask what exactly Tai had done. Yang nudged her foot and she took the hint, giggling and rubbing the back of her neck as she scrambled for a different topic. "Uh… Horses are nice! Maple's uh… Big?"
Laughing, the farmer walked over and pat the animals head. "He is, ain't he? Took a liking to you right away! Surprising, since he usually don't like no one much."
"He tried to bite my hair…" Yang grumbled, settling into a staring contest with Maple. It lasted for all of two seconds when he snorted and looked away, stomping impatiently. Yang stuck her tongue out and stroked her own mount's neck. "Whatever, I like Vermillion anyways! Way prettier!"
"Careful though, she's got a bad habit of stopping to snack when you're ridin' her." The farmer paused then added. "Which means she'll be wantin' to stop to relieve herself too. Fair warning'."
"You're telling me that now!?"
Ruby clamped a hand over her mouth to deafen her giggles, snorting despite herself. Maple whinnied and tossed his head as if to join in, earning both of them a dirty look from Yang. What, it was funny!
"Why don'tcha girls go on and get? I'll be out by the pond if you need anything, ya hear?"
"Gotcha. Thanks again, Wyatt!"
"Thanks, Mr. Cress!"
Giving her steed a gentle kick, she yelped when it lunged forward with a single step, falling back and catching herself with the reins. Once they were moving it wasn't so bad. Her saddle was padded, and despite the fact he could easily buck her off Maple was content to let her ride along, making no issues about being steered anyway she wanted to go. Since the land was fenced in there wasn't much in the way of exploration to be had but Ruby was still intent on seeing everything there was to see.
Which amounted to a lot of farms, grass, and everything that came with it. Trailing along the fence they greeted a small group of guards on their way home, chatting with them for a spell before continuing on. A small convoy of carts on their way out of the city passed by and Yang made a point to stop and wish them well. Ruby did too, albeit far less bombastically than her sister, and partially hidden in her cloak.
Where trees were absent guard towers cropped up in their place. Not enough to make a forest - Ruby wasn't sure if they could even fit that many, and nowhere near as beautiful. Tall, unyielding structures of wood and stone they stretched out along the roads, looming over even the tallest barns. The nearest one, wider at the top than the base with arching supports holding it up, housed at least half a dozen guards by Ruby's count.
In place of Hunters the people beyond the walls relied on quantity over quality. Some would be Magi, no doubt, but the Church couldn't afford to keep Hunters on the farms. It struck her as odd: food was important and yet the Church couldn't provide people to keep it safe?
It's the royal family's job to protect farmers, not the Church's, her father's voice reminded her. We fight Grimm or provide services. The guards and military handle the rest.
It seemed counterintuitive then and it still did now. Why not have Hunters - Magi actually trained to fight Grimm, protect farms? Was it because Hunters were so far and few between? Or was it because, like Raven had suggested, they were creating an artificial need for them?
Ruby slouched in her seat, doubt pulling at her thoughts as she absently brushed her hand along Maple's mane.
She hated questioning the Church so much, but Raven had raised some fair points. And what about magic? Why keep that secret?
Her steed whinnied and shook her from her thoughts, literally. Ruby clung on to keep her balance and was about to chastise Maple when she noticed him staring at her. Smiling instead she reached down and rubbed his muzzle, kissing the back of his head. "You're right, I shouldn't be feeling blue. I'm here to have fun!"
Feeling eyes on her she turned and waved to Yang, giggling as her sister waved back. "Watcha thinking about, Rubes?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, nothing."
"Nothing, huh? So, you're just looking glum for no reason?"
"I… Was it that obvious?" Abashed, Ruby hung her head before sighing. "Can we wait to talk about it? I just want to have some fun right now! I promise we can talk after we get home."
"So long as you keep that promise. You know you can't hide stuff from me!"
"Did you ever find your favorite blouse, by the way?" Ruby asked, lips quivering when Yang sputtered.
"Okay, you can't hide most things from me!" Her sister huffed while she broke into a fit of giggles. "I do still want that back, by the way. Even if it doesn't fit me anymore."
Oh gods, like she remembered where she'd hidden it now. How long ago had that been? Seven years? Eight? Long enough that moths or something probably got to the article and ate it. Hehe, saved by moths!
The enclosure led them around the family's farm, a single-story house with a wide front porch and flowerbeds burning brilliantly, filled with vivacious purples and reds of lilacs and roses, yellow sunflowers that gleamed like the sun they were named for, and others Ruby couldn't even begin to guess the names of.
Oh, and there were roses. She knew those!
Behind the Cress family farm stretched a field of wheat, golden stalks towering over even her on horseback. How much bread came from that? How hard was it to grow so much? Ruby slowed Maple to a standstill and peered into the fields, watching as workers busied themselves with cutting down plants and piling them into carts.
Meera, Canis, Kanin. 'Faunus' as Blake had taken to calling them all, a term Ruby didn't fully understand but was making a conscious effort to use all the same. Not a single Muran in sight besides the pair shouting at the workers. Beside her Yang grumbled, saying a few words she wouldn't dare speak aloud before ushering her horse forward.
Not that the Cress family was much better, although to their credit they were working beside their… Helpers? Servants? What did farmers call their help? Ruby had no idea!
Mr. Cress himself was helping to pull in nets from their pond and gather fish they dredged up. Mrs. Cress sat at the rear of the house with a group of women, busying themselves with shucking ears of corn and piling them into baskets. Their children were… Somewhere. With all the fields around them Ruby wouldn't even begin to know where to look.
Rounding towards the front of the property again Ruby smiled as she watched a group of children run beneath the shadow of an oak tree. They were playing 'Hunters and Grimm', adorably, with one boy and girl chasing the others with sticks. Despite how inaccurate it was - Grimm didn't run, she couldn't help but feel fixated on it. When the Grimm were 'slain' and the Hunters broke into dance she laughed, clapping along to their jigs. Yang joined in with her and the children gasped seeing them, eyes wide with awe. Looking prepared to rush over they instead gathered their impromptu weapons when called, looking back and waving to them.
"They're cute!"
"Reminds me of when a certain someone was a pipsqueak too. Well, more of a pipsqueak," Yang teased.
"Yaaang! I'm not little anymore!"
"You're still my little sister though, so yes you are! And you always will be!" Ruby batted at Yang's hand when her cheek was pinched, leaning away and huffing. "Besides, it was cute when you'd play Hunter! Running around saving me and dad from all the scary stuff!"
"Yang!" Burying her burning face in her hands Ruby leaned forward with a whine. Despite herself however she smiled, lifting her head a second later to laugh. "I was pretty awesome, huh?"
"Still are, sis," the blonde said, reaching over and ruffling her hair. "Still are."
Ruby bat at Yang's hands again, smiling all the while she smoothed out her hopelessly messy hair. That had been fun growing up; she and Yang would play pretend just like the kids had. After all, Hunters were the coolest thing ever! Fearless warriors who fought the Grimm and protected everyone. Their mom had been one of Vale's best and their dad, while not a Hunter technically, was no pushover either. With super parents like theirs it was inevitable she'd be drawn to them!
While nostalgia washed over her Ruby sent her horse along again, staring at Vale's imposing walls in the distance. Monumental slabs of grey that hid the city's beauty, and more poignantly, separated the lucky few inside from those who had to brave the elements without.
Hunters were the stuff of legends. She'd always aspired to be one and when the day finally came, even after Yang had gone missing, and Summer had passed, she still clung to that dream. If for no other reason than to ensure no child had to suffer the way she had she'd become a Hunter. That still held true even if her sister had come back into her life, and even if there was some chance her mom was out there somewhere. She'd stay a Hunter to make sure the kids here on the farm could keep playing and being kids.
Those had been such fun days. Now that Yang was back, she'd make sure to double down, no, triple down on fun! Life might be hectic for them, but she'd find every opportunity to let them be absolute dorks again. And sure, maybe ignoring the whole 'You were gone for years and presumed dead' thing was unhealthy, but Yang didn't seem to mind. If anything, her sister seemed happier to not be addressing it.
If it made Yang happy then it made Ruby happy, or at least content enough to leave it be.
"We should probably go find Mr. Cress, huh?" Ruby rounded Maple back towards Yang, laughing when he snorted at her sister. "Aw, it's okay, Maple! Yang doesn't bite!"
"Yeah? Well I just might if he tries biting me again!"
"She doesn't mean that!" Ruby cooed, petting her not-at-all scary steed. He was nice once you got past how imposing he was! Sort of like Ozpin! Heh, maybe she could nickname Maple that.
Except that would mean…
On second thought Maple was a fine name.
It had been brief but there was more for them to do! Ruby had a place by the river she was dying to show Yang, and then a sweets shop in the city they just had to visit. They had dinner with everyone to look forward to as well. They'd finally get a proper introduction to her sister!
"Huh…" Yang leaned off her saddle and frowned, prompting Ruby to turn around in hers. "Wonder what that's about…"
A small squad of guards on horseback stood at the edge of the property, speaking with Mr. Cress. Ruby couldn't imagine why they'd have anything to talk to him about. Grimm perhaps? Edging her horse forward she spotted a pair of cloaked figures behind the procession, garments white as snow. One of them turned to the other and Ruby noticed Vale's coat of arms on their backs.
One of the duo spotted them and they spoke again before directing their horses and the guards into the field, ignoring Mr. Cress' protests. Maple stomped beneath her and Yang grabbed her arm, tugging on it with a tight smile.
"Let me do the talking, alright? Probably nothing serious."
"Yang?" Ruby frowned and stole a glance at the approaching group. "Who are they?"
"I think they're royal guard? Dunno, don't recognize the cloaks," she admitted. "Probably just want to talk about our invites or something."
That didn't sound so bad.
Ruby managed a smile, one which wavered realizing every member of the procession was armed. Hiding her growing concern, she shifted in her saddle, raising a trembling hand in greeting. A few of the guards returned it which put her at ease, slightly. The two cloaked figures, faces hidden by strips of white cloth, stared at her and Yang silently.
"Ruby Rose? Yang Xiao Long?"
"That's us!" Yang smiled and leaned forward, tossing her hair. "What can we do for you? Need directions?"
The guard who'd spoken, a young woman, blinked owlishly before shaking her head. "Um… No? We're um… Here to talk to you."
"Oh? We must be pretty special then if you're all here to see us!"
"You are," one of the hidden figures said, voice muffled by the strip. Ruby cringed at the emphasis on 'you', staring at them and dropping her gaze the instant their eyes fell on her.
Undeterred Yang folded her arms and grinned. "'Kay, well we're right here. If this is about our invitations then we've got 'em, we're all set. Thanks for coming by to let us know though!"
"This isn't about that," the other figure said. She eased her cloak back and pointedly made her shortsword visible. "We'd like you to come talk to us for a bit."
Maple snorted beneath her again and took a step away from the procession. Ruby, keenly aware of the lack of a scythe on her back, couldn't keep her leg from bouncing nervously. It was probably nothing. Maybe just some questions about what they'd seen. Questions about what Yang had endured.
Why ask them like this though? Ruby's eyes drifted back to the sword and her blood chilled. Why come armed?
"How about later? I'm out here having fun with my sister right now. We'll be at the palace in the next few days," Yang said, waving a hand and shifting in her seat. "You guys can come back, yeah? Or tell the king that we'll see him soon enough anyways. I'm sure he'll understand! He seems like a pretty cool guy after all."
R-Right! They could come back! She and Yang were having fun!
"This can't wait, I'm afraid," the first figure spoke, flashing an axe strapped to his leg. "We've received some troubling reports about you. You're currently designated a threat to the people and need to be brought in. Please, we're asking politely."
"But we're prepared to bring you in if need be," the second finished.
"W-Wait! But this doesn't make any sense!" Ruby protested. "The king cleared Yang of any wrongdoings, right? She's been pardoned! Whatever you've been told doesn't matter anymore!"
"We've received reports of Miss Xiao long turning into a beast and attacking people. We've also had several witnesses report her exhibiting bloodlust during battle. One young lady in particular spoke of your behavior, likening you to the Grimm."
"Please dismount and allow us to lead you back into the city. There's no reason for anyone to be hurt today."
There was no reason for Yang to be arrested either! She hadn't done anything wrong! She'd been pardoned! Ruby looked back at her sister who continued to stare at the cloaked duo, jaw locked and lips pressed in a thin smile. She wasn't going to lose her again to something. She couldn't. Not when they'd just gotten back together after so long.
Her hands shook as she pulled on the reins, placing herself and Maple squarely between the group and Yang. She sat taller than anyone else thanks to her mount's size. Shame that height didn't translate to confidence.
"N-No…" Ruby stammered. "She hasn't done anything wrong. Please just leave us alone."
"We can't do that. We have explicit orders to bring her in."
"Whose orders?" Neither of the figures answered her. The guards shuffled awkwardly on their horses and deigned to look anywhere but at her, seemingly wanting no part in the conversation. "Whose orders?" she repeated, voice growing louder even as it wavered. "Who wants to talk to her?"
"That, is none of your business, I'm afraid."
"Well I'm afraid you can't take her!" Ruby felt her eyes welling as she shouted. "She doesn't owe you, or the king, or anyone anything! Yang helped protect everyone! She was pardoned!"
"Ruby…"
"And I won't let anyone hurt her! My sister deserves to be happy for once! So… So go back to whoever sent you and tell them… Tell them tough shit! They can't have Yang!"
No one was taking her. She didn't care if it was the king himself asking for Yang's time. They'd go and meet with him in due time, the period from now until that point was theirs. Their time. Together. Ruby's chest heaved as nerves, tension riddling her body, threatened to break in an instant. Through tears she glared at the two white-clad Magi - they had to be Magi, right? She didn't care what they were. Yang wasn't going with them!
Mr. Cress came marching over, face nearly as red as his beard as he stopped alongside the group.
"Oi, I told you not to trespass! I don't care who's authority you're on here, this is my home! Come back later!"
One of the Magi looked down at him before nodding to the guards. "Subdue that man."
"S-Sir?"
"He is causing a scene. Subdue that man at once."
"Y-Yes sir!"
Ruby's jaw dropped when the guards dismounted and put the farmer in chains, wrestling him to the ground when he fought back. They couldn't do this! That wasn't fair, they were on his property! This was… This was…
"Miss Xiao Long, please dismount. We won't ask you again."
"She isn't going with you!" Ruby screamed, pushing Maple forward towards the group. Her horse obliged, raising up before taking a lunging step towards the duo. Weapon or no she'd keep Yang safe.
Breath rushed from her lungs when she was pulled from her saddle, Maple whining as his rider was pulled free. The sky rushed up to meet her then the world flipped, sides aching as something wrapped around her ribs, trapping her arms at her sides. Held aloft and upside down she squirmed, gasping seeing tree roots jutting up from the ground and contorting themselves, binding her in place.
Vermillion cried out and from the corner of her vision Ruby watched the horse run away, braying in terror. The pair's own mounts reeled back but remained in place, soothed by their riders.
The moment heat began to lick at her back Ruby knew what was happening. Even without being able to turn she could picture Yang, flames running amok. Despite the warmth she shivered. "Yang…"
"Let. Her. Go."
"Stand down, Xiao Long. You're only making matters harder on yourself."
"I said let her go, dammit!" Yang's body crackled and the roots moved, dragging her out of Yang's path and to the side of the Magi. The rider drew their blade and Ruby blanched as it was held by her chest. "Don't you fucking dare hurt her!"
"Then come with us. All we're asking is you cooperate."
"Fuck off! Don't threaten my sister!"
"Let's be reasonable here, there's no need to fight. Stand down."
They wouldn't actually hurt her right? Ruby looked at her captor, the same one with the sword. Cold, lightless gray eyes stared back through a sliver in their mask, blade lifting to hover by her throat. Panic setting in she drew back, body beginning to prickle as magic built up in her muscles, sending a pleasant flood of energy through her limbs, swelling in her chest.
Time itself slowed, or it always seemed to when using her magic. The sword at her throat began to move back and she leaned away, kicking her legs and twisting her body. The roots creaked, snapping as she propelled herself, using her meager weight to try and break free.
Her magic ceased. Ruby's startled gasp as time returned to normal was cut short by a jarring blow to the side of her head. Her vision swam and she felt warmth trickle from her skull, groaning as her eyelids grew heavier in an instant.
Yang snarled, clutching her arm to her chest as flames danced along her body, hair beginning to float as if suspended in water. Through blurry vision she saw her sister fighting against herself, body twitching, flames crackling around her feet, steam rising from her form.
A sudden burst of flames made her scream in terror, the weightlessness that followed leaving her with a bout of nausea. Heat swallowed her and she cringed as wood burned away around her, scorching her clothing but extinguishing before it could burn through. Lifting her head she gasped seeing Yang carrying her, trying to stop her sister as she was set down. "Yang, don't!"
Both figures dismounted, drawing their weapons and fanning out. Yang, crouching down, grabbed at her arm again and grimaced, shuddering as the bandages began to leak out black smoke.
"Yang Xiao Long, you are to cease this at once and come with us! Further resistance shall be met with equal force!"
If Yang heard them, she ignored it. If she heard Ruby's desperate pleas for her to stop, they went unacknowledged. Dropping into a squat and slamming her hand against the ground, black, elongated fingers dragging through soft earth, Yang screamed.
"Leave! Us! Alone!"
Ruby cried out as Yang lunged forward, hitting a barrier and breaking through it. Flames erupted from her body and all three fighters vanished from Ruby's sight.
/+/+/+/+/+/
As far as being tortured went Weiss probably hadn't endured the worst of it, although she'd contend it was up there.
Not content to let her and Blake go without more than a simple chat, Tukson had invited them inside for tea and overly dry crackers. Much as Weiss would have liked to decline - and she really, really would have, she couldn't think of a way to do so without coming across as rude.
She didn't even like tea! It was bitter, bland at best, or was filled with so much lemon that her mouth might be caught in a permanent puckering state. Thankfully her host didn't drown their drink in lemon juice. Unfortunately, that meant it was bitter as Brussel sprouts. Nonetheless Weiss made certain to remain polite, thanking Tukson for his hospitality once they'd finished. The gods must have taken pity on her too because Velvet didn't bring up joining her again. With any good fortune that would be the end of that absurdity.
Stretching her arms over her back Weiss groaned, a knot in her back popping. Their impromptu tea time had left her hungrier than before, starved for some real food. Judging from the way Blake stared across the canal at stalls peddling food she suspected her companion felt the same way.
"Weiss…?"
"Hm?" She had just begun to turn when Blake put a hand to her back and forced her to about face. "H-Hey, what are you doing?"
"Shut up," Blake hissed. "Across the canal. Three buildings down to your right."
"What?" Nudged by a gentle shove she turned her head just enough to hopefully be inconspicuous.
It wasn't difficult to find what Blake was trying to point out. In a district where the wealthiest man wore hand-me-downs and the only carriages present passed through in a hurry a stationary one stood out. Red velvet inlay surrounded by a dark oaken frame, two posts rising along the front with a lion's head carved into wood, it was much too ornate to belong to any Faunus.
Much too familiar for Weiss' liking too.
"They were at the plaza." Weiss turned to face Blake and frowned as she was made to look at the lone scraggly tree along the canal instead. "They followed us?" she whispered, blinking once. "Wait, you saw them too?"
"Do you think I'm an idiot? I'm hardly new to this. If I didn't notice someone tailing us I'd have been killed ages ago."
Fair, but why keep quiet about it until now? Ultimately it didn't matter, Weiss supposed. The carriage following them hadn't done anything untoward and saw fit to keep its distance. There was nothing illegal about being in their proximity and so nothing they could do about it.
"We should go. Not the way we came back, through the canals here," Blake directed her forward with a gentle push before falling in line. "Don't look back. We need to figure out why they're following us."
"If this is another ridiculous surprise -"
"What noble would agree to help me with a prank?" muttered Blake. "Just walk. Force them to play their hand."
Yang must have been rubbing off on her as Weiss hated the idea of ignoring the issue. Why couldn't they just march over and demand an explanation. She had half a mind to do just that until a firm grip on her wrist and yank of her arm kept her apace with Blake. No one they passed seemed any the wiser, too engrossed in their muted conversations or business to pay them any mind. To the few who did look their way Blake offered a small smile and nod, excusing herself whenever someone tried to speak with her. Seeing Weiss alongside her, virtually hand in hand, a few of the cheekier sorts gave them knowing smiles and let them be.
We are not… This isn't like that! She protested, stewing in silence as a reluctant glow burned at her pale cheeks. The last thing she needed was half the city suspecting her of being friendly with Tukson's niece. Not that Blake isn't deserving of companionship but certainly not me! I hardly think nearly killing one another is a good basis for any kind of relationship!
Not that she was an expert, and as they trekked along the canals with no real destination in mind more and more people saw them together. Weiss' embarrassment grew to the point she deliberated hiding in her hood for what little good it might do; Ruby's affinity for wearing her cloak at all times was beginning to make sense.
Blake paid them no mind. While Weiss adhered to the rule of not looking back she did catch a glimpse of Blake's ears and used their movements as signs. The left one swiveled often, pivoting so it faced backwards. The right she kept steady save for the occasional twitch.
Compared to her own ears, superior to a regular ear as it might be, Weiss couldn't hope to do a fraction of what Blake was. Beyond hearing what was immediately before them any hopes of listening to the telltale squeak of carriage wheels was dashed.
Finally, after easily a mile of wandering along the canals, to the point where homes had begun to thin out and warehouses of the port cropped up, Blake took them across the waterway. Taking her chance to do so Weiss casually glanced down the canal. Above the heads of everyone on foot it was easy to pick out the carriage and the stark white stallion pulling it along. Far enough away to seem innocuous but blatantly following them from a distance.
"Come on…" Blake ushered her down a side road, one barely wide enough for the crowd inside of it. Weiss was dragged through throngs of people, instinctively gripping her bag at her hip as Blake led her. The carriage couldn't follow them along, surely, and chancing a look back she saw it stopped at the entrance, its driver staring after them before spurring their horse along.
"Are we okay now?"
"No." Weiss tensed, fingers itching at her sides. "We're still being tailed. We have to lose them in the crowd."
"Blake, we're in public, we're fine. We should just confront them." Weiss stumbled as she stepped into a rut, narrowing her eyes realizing Blake had stepped over it. "You're being paranoid! Who would be following us?"
The Meera remained silent save for a shake of her head. When Blake pulled her scarf up to mask her face Weiss followed suit and fixed her hood in place. Her rapier, still strapped to her waist, swung with each step, sharp edge concealed in a leather sleeve. Seeing someone armed in the city wasn't unusual and so no one paid them any mind.
That didn't keep Blake's paranoia from becoming infectious. Weiss found herself looking at the faces of everyone they passed for some indication something was amiss. Everyone was oblivious, going about their own day without so much as acknowledging them. As they rounded a corner and passed down an emptier, narrower road, Weiss glanced back to try and spot pursuers. Short as she was by comparison, she couldn't hope to spot anyone through the crowds, and as they thinned out she still failed to notice anyone out of place.
They had begun to circle back through the Faunus' district. Cobblestones became sparse in favor of simple dirt roads, ones filled with ruts aplenty. Lampposts were scarce, spread so far apart that in the evening people would brave a hundred feet of sightless pitch before finding comforting light again. Was that because many races could see in low lighting or because the city didn't care to provide them with proper illumination?
Where the crowds had thinned before Weiss had realized now there were virtually none. The occasional beggar sat outside a shuttered building, wearing naught but trousers and a tunic, if they were lucky, holding out cracked pewter mugs or rusted pans. The shops, what few there were, had more guards sat outside of them than customers. Although Weiss could hear people milling about they were all indoors, keeping to themselves and their families. With how tightly packed the buildings were and how pitiful they looked she couldn't imagine why.
"This isn't good…"
Blake pulled them aside, beneath the awning of a closed general store. The sign creaked above their heads and she released Weiss' hand, scouring up and down the road with narrowed eyes. Reaching into her black poncho the Meera retrieved a dagger and Weiss' breath caught, fingers fumbling with clasps to free her rapier.
"Where…?"
Her friend's ears swiveled before snapping to attention. "There, on the rooftops," she mumbled, inclining her head. "I'd hoped we'd lose them in the crowd. Tch… They must have been following from above."
"The carriage was a distraction then?"
"Most likely." Inching towards the edge of the awning Blake pressed against the building, leaning out and peering up. When no attack came, she waved Weiss forward, taking a glance down an adjacent alleyway. "We can cut through here. I'll use my magic and try to move us somewhere safer. Have your weapon ready, just in -"
Blake trailed off when a puddle nearby began to boil. The sun was out but nowhere near hot enough to cause the brown water to bubble and both girls froze before diving to either side. With a resounding crash a pillar of water jettisoned towards them, slamming into the shop's wall and punching a hole straight through it. Weiss covered her head with her arms as splintered wood fell onto her, brushing it aside as she heard Blake scrambling to her feet.
"Weiss, move!"
She didn't need to be told twice. Pushing herself up with the wall Weiss followed Blake not into the alley but down the middle of the road. Any questions as to why were quelled the instance a gust of wind erupted from inside, throwing a barrel well above the rooftops before it came crashing down behind them, exploding. Another gust of wind swelled overhead and hammered their backs nearly knocking Weiss off her feet. She caught herself and her legs churned, weaving a rune for self-defense.
The howling of a gale reached her ears and she turned, unleashing an Earth rune and raising a wall of stone. Solid rock crumbled on impact but held firm and the gust split, slamming into the buildings flanking them, smashing windows and kicking up clouds of dust.
Blake hissed behind her and Weiss whirled around, eyes wide as a white-cloaked figure landed between them. A half-sword scraped against the Meera's daggers, catching the grips and twisting Blake's arms. Her friend relinquished her hold on one and sidestepped another blade, catching the arm and sweeping her attackers feet out from under them, leaning away as a knife was thrown, missing her head by inches.
"Blake!" Weiss' rapier struck dirt and the figure darted away, waving a hand and sending the air abuzz with energy. Lightning cracked along their body, traveling inward from their limbs before focusing itself around their blade. Weiss wove another rune, breaths coming in staggered, panicked gasps.
Another wind buffeted her stone wall and she yelped as a chunk struck her shoulder, stumbling and lowering her head. Another figure jumped over the remaining wall, glaive raised overhead. Unleashing her rune Weiss watched them be swallowed up by a sheet of ice, paling when it shattered.
Behind her Blake winced, lightning striking her body and making her visibly seize up. Weiss couldn't help. The glaive twirled threateningly, blade missing her by virtue of striking her rapier instead.
The weapon held up. It was durable, thank Edos, although its short reach allowed for nothing but defense. Every blow she absorbed sent a numbing jolt down her arm and where she rock had struck her shoulder it already began to ache painfully.
No time for runes! She staggered back, scrambling away as the glaive cleaved through the tail end of her cloak. I need to get distance! I have to separate us!
Blake pulled herself away with the help of her shadows, blinking out of the Magi's attack and reappearing above them. Her daggers sliced through their body only to fail to draw blood. Baffled, Blake could only grit her teeth as lightning struck her again, crackling along her body and making her convulse. A boot drove into her gut and sent her flying into a stack of crates.
Weiss pirouetted and her rapier caught a magic-imbued blade. Electricity raced down her blade before stopping at the guard, dispersing abruptly. Using both hands to push the blade from her neck she caught motion in her peripherals and dropped, letting the sword glance past her as the glaive narrowly missed her hamstrings.
They had to run! As the sword struck her rapier again and again her eyes darted around the desolate space for a chance to escape. Alleys were far and few between. Anyone who had been present had long gone into hiding.
Remember the basics! The glaive buried itself in a wall beside her. Block! Redirect their momentum! Use their aggression against them! The sword caught her handguard and Weiss wrenched, stepping into the attack and driving her shoulder into her assailant's chest.
A fist slammed into her stomach and spittle flew from her mouth. Breathless, she staggered and cried out, wind slamming into her and throwing her down the street. Desperation drove her and she clutched onto her rapier, skidding along the hard dirt and rebounding off a raised pile of packed earth. Trembling fingers wove a rune and she released a flame that, while paltry compared to Yang's, was more than hot enough to do damage.
The sword user dove away from the spell only to collide with Blake. The Meera pushed them into the dirt, flipping her dagger and burying it in their shoulder. A man's voice cried out in pain and she readied another only to be driven off by the glaive, nimbly dodging between jabs as the second thrust, driving her back.
Why was no one coming? Why were these people attacking them?! Weiss conjured another pair of runes, planting them at her feet. "Blake!" She released her spells and a sheet of ice exploded at her feet. The second melted it instantly, filling the air with a heavy misty. Seeing little more than silhouettes Weiss waited until Blake's form moved towards her, turning about face and making a mad dash down the road.
One burst of wind was enough to blow away their cover. Weiss' jaw dropped seeing lightning spreading across the ground, coalescing into the form of serpents, crackling and hissing as they twisted and bounded after them. Wind began to rattle nearby shutters, picking up small debris and sending them hurtling through the air.
A wall! We need a wall! Lightning would just circle around it. The winds had proven themselves strong enough to break her defenses. Weiss began to weave a rune only to wince when it shattered. Focus! We need earth! She tried again. She formed the rune. Wide enough to seal the road off, she hoped. Thick enough to withstand the barrage.
A blood curdling howl broke her concentration and her spell vanished.
Further down the road, lumbering out of seemingly nowhere, a massive Beowolf dragged itself into their path. With spikes dragging against buildings it stood before them, dark purple tongue lolling out of its mouth, green, rotting breath clouding before its red gaze.
"Grimm?!" Blake gave voice to Weiss' wordless panic.
How? How was a Grimm in the city? That shouldn't be possible!
The Beowolf lifted onto its haunches and roared, tossing its bony-plated head side to side before charging. Weiss again struggled to form a rune before Blake grabbed her arm, trying to pull them aside and out of its path. Shadows stretched out from a nearby building, racing to take them to safety. Weiss' body tensed as she braced for impact.
The beast charged right past them, leaping over their heads and lashing out at the two white-cloaked figures instead. Wind buffeted the beast from above, but it held firm. Lightning struck its body and black smoke began to pour from wounds. Undeterred it attacked, swinging claws easily as wide as her torso with reckless abandon, driving the pair back.
"Wh-what… How…"
Blake spun and pushed Weiss behind her, dagger raised. Hearing the approaching footsteps and not content to be a damsel Weiss lifted her rapier as well, eyebrows shooting up.
"Lord Bisset?!"
"Yes, hello, hi, howdy! All that aside I really do think we should run!" The man was jogging in place, face sheen with sweat.
"What are you doing here?! What's going on?!"
"Questions, yes! Later, I do believe now isn't the time!"
The air itself heated as a bolt of lightning struck the Beowolf, eradicating it in an instant. No sooner had the beast fallen, no cloud of smoke following its demise, did a pair of oversized Creeps come charging down the other end of the road. Weiss could only balk at the sight watching as the two fell creatures harassed the pair of Magi on their behalf.
"Ladies, I do hate to be rude!" Lord Bisset shouted, already starting to jog away. "But we really must go!"
Weiss took one last glance back at their unlikely saviors before taking after the nobleman. Blake wasn't far behind, keeping pace with Weiss where she could have easily overtaken her. The Meera's befuddled expression matched her own and Lord Bisset, too busy running for his life and trying to keep his hat on, motioned for them to follow before cutting down a side road.
Willing to take any alternative at this point Weiss followed suit, pausing briefly as another Beowolf materialized out of nowhere, screamed furiously, and charged down the way they had just come.
Sure, Grimm as allies. Why not.
Nothing else was making sense right now.
Well, things took a turn there, didn't they? I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding!
We'll be getting some answers this next chapter, some lore stuff that admittedly I ought to have given y'all a loooong time ago.
Better late than never, eh?
Also, going to get on my soapbox for a moment here, but if you're aware of what's going on in Australia and have any money you can spare then be a good noodle and donate, please :) Every little bit helps; what they're experiencing down there is going to have lasting effects for decades, not to mention what the fallout might be even once the fires are dealt with.
We might not be able to be heroes by slaying evil wolves and stuff but we can be heroes by helping with this!
Preaching over, Gambol out!
Next chapter... In January!